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Lewa Safari Camp
Lewa Safari Camp
Lewa Safari Camp
Lewa Safari Camp
Lewa Safari Camp
Lewa Safari Camp
Lewa Safari Camp
Lewa Safari Camp
Lewa Safari Camp
Lewa Safari Camp
Lewa Safari Camp

About Lewa Safari Camp

Lewa Safari Camp is one of five permanent places to stay on the 250km² Lewa Conservancy, and though it is ...

... run by a well-known safari outfit, it is the only one that is owned by the conservancy itself. Profits are all ploughed back into conservation and the surrounding communities. Comfortable tented rooms add to the overall feel-good factor.

Lewa Safari Camp is a well-run property, and is comfortable and well kept. Dining at separate tables rather than guests all eating together creates a slightly more formal atmosphere than at the other properties on the Lewa Conservancy, but the activities are great and service very friendly. We think this is a good place from which to base yourself to explore Lewa.

Our view

Lewa Safari Camp is a well-run property, and is comfortable and well kept. Dining at separate tables rather than guests all eating together creates a slightly more formal atmosphere than at the other properties on the Lewa Conservancy, but the activities are great and service very friendly. We think this is a good place from which to base yourself to explore Lewa.

Parita Masani

Parita Masani

Country manager: Kenya

Accommodation

13 Tents

Children

Best for 8+

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Horse-riding

Horse-riding

Night drive

Night drive

Private activities

Private activities

Traveller reviews of Lewa Safari Camp

23 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


97%
23 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
21
Good
1
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Ms L.fromUSA

Arrived 11 Nov 2024, 4 nights

"Best Glamping!"

"The service and food were top notch. …" Read Ms L.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ryan & CarlyfromEdmonton

Arrived 15 Mar 2024, 3 nights

"Lewa Safari Camp review"

"Lewa Safari Camp was an incredible experience. …" Read Ryan & Carly’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr&Mrs L fromCanada

Arrived 27 Feb 2024, 3 nights

"Lewa Safari Camp review"

"Welcoming manager, Keith and staff. Really like their attention to details …" Read Mr&Mrs L ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Linda MfromNewcastle

Arrived 13 Feb 2024, 3 nights

"Lewa Safari Camp review"

"Met by Abdul, our guide for the entire visit, at the local airstrip. He had …" Read Linda M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs RfromGlos

Arrived 10 Feb 2024, 4 nights

"Lewa Safari Camp review"

"Tent was clean, spacious and comfortable …" Read Mr & Mrs R’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Mrs R. fromChicago

Arrived 24 Oct 2023, 3 nights

"Lewa Safari Camp review"

"Lewa Safari Camp was a delight …" Read Mr & Mrs R. ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Liz CfromSussex

Arrived 20 Oct 2023, 3 nights

"Lewa Safari Camp review"

"Our guide was a special man - loved learning about the Maasai culture. …" Read Liz C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Ms BfromFlorida, US

Arrived 28 Sep 2023, 3 nights

"Lewa Safari Camp review"

"we got to see all of the Big Five within 24 hours …" Read Mr & Ms B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs TfromSevenoaks

Arrived 12 Sep 2023, 4 nights

"Lewa Safari Camp "

"The camp itself was lovely and the staff were very friendly and helpful …" Read Mr & Mrs T’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms K.fromUSA

Arrived 20 May 2023, 3 nights

"Lewa Safari Camp review"

"We loved Lewa. …" Read Ms K.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Lewa Safari Camp reviews

Safaris visiting Lewa Safari Camp

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Map

Big Cat Fly-in Safari

8 days • 2 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Combining two of Kenya’s best wildlife-viewing areas, this slow-paced safari to the Lewa Conservancy and Maasai Mara guarantees iconic wildlife. The long-established, well-rated camps are great value, too.

Visiting Maasai Mara, Laikipia

US$5,690 - US$8,850 per person

Read more about the Big Cat Fly-in Safari

Lewa Safari Camp: Our full report

Lewa Safari Camp is one of five permanent places to stay on the 250km² Lewa Conservancy, and though it is ...

... run by a well-known safari outfit, it is the only one that is owned by the conservancy itself. Profits are all ploughed back into conservation and the surrounding communities. Comfortable tented rooms add to the overall feel-good factor.

Lewa was once a private family ranch owned by the Craigs, who – in response to the ever-reducing numbers of rhino in Kenya, which had become perilously low by the 1970s – had set aside a small area for breeding rhino. Success in this venture led them to dedicate the entire ranch to conservation, and in 1995 the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy was designated.

Lewa Safari Camp itself is located in the far west of the conservancy and is a great base from which to explore. Originally built in the 1980s as a home for the rhino manager, it is now still owned by the conservancy but managed by Elewana, an established safari company in East Africa.

The entire property is fenced and its main areas have the appearance of a simple but comfortable (although rather dark) colonial farmhouse, with earthy red walls on the outside, and cool cream walls and exposed wooden beams on the inside. Open fireplaces, wooden floors and comfortable sofas make for a cosy, homely atmosphere which is enhanced by relaxed and friendly staff. Guests tend to gather for drinks at the bar here, before settling at their individual tables for dinner.

In front of Lewa Safari Camp, a veranda looks out across lush green lawns to a birdbath and waterhole in the distance. Breakfast and lunch are usually set up here, to be enjoyed before or after your morning activity, depending on what you choose to do that day. A sparkling pool, surrounded by a lush lawn, is set with sun loungers and parasols and is the focus of an outdoor lounge area. On our most recent visit, we found these main areas to be frequented by an abundance of varied birdlife, easily enjoyed from the veranda.

The 15 tented rooms at Lewa Safari Camp are widely spread through the bush, and very private. Four of them form two family units, each sleeping four. Relatively simple in style, with white, beige and natural colours in the design, the rooms are unfussy but also quite stylish. Each is raised on a concrete platform with canvas walls that can open right out, and a thatched roof that offers additional shade and helps to keep the room cool. Huge beds and rugs on the floor create a homely feel, and 24-hour lighting and a writing desk are useful practicalities. Three rooms are slightly bigger than the others: one with three single beds and a second with a double and a single.

In each tent, the bathroom is located to one side, through a curtain, and has white-washed stone rather than canvas walls. Rough wood makes up the sink area and there is a flush toilet and good shower with toiletries provided.

A short walk downhill from the rooms is a hide overlooking a waterhole, where guests can visit and sit quietly and see game coming to drink. On a previous visit we saw six rhino relaxing in the shade and a large herd of buffalo in the distance.

Activities at Lewa Safari Camp include game drives in comfortable 4WD Toyota Land Cruisers – each with three rows so that all guests have an unobstructed view to one side. The game viewing is good here, with rhino being the real highlight, though, on as clear day, the views of Mount Kenya are pretty impressive too. Guests who wish to head out on longer drives to explore further afield in the conservancy can opt to take a packed breakfast or lunch. Walks are also offered here, led by a guide and an armed ranger who take you out across the plains. These are best done in the cool mornings, when the light and views are stunning.

A further range of activities at Lewa Safari Camp can be arranged at extra cost. The camp introduced new E-bikes in 2023 which can be hired for game rides with a guide and an armed ranger. With advance notice, horse and camel safaris, run by the neighbouring Lewa Wilderness, can be organized at US $85 per person for horse riding and US$65 per person for the camels. Visits to Il Ngwesi village, which can give real insight into the local Maasai culture, cost US$45 per person. Finally, there is the option of a day trip, at US$50 per person, into the Ngare Ndare Forest. These walks, accompanied by a guide and an armed ranger, offer a real contrast to the plains of rest of the conservancy. Though we didn't get a chance to go here when we last visited Lewa we were told that the canopy walkway, and swimming in the waterfall and pools, is great fun.

Geographics

Location
Laikipia, Kenya
Ideal length of stay
3 nights
Directions
There are daily flights from Nairobi to Lewa Downs airstrip, which take about 60-90 minutes, depending on the route taken. It is then a further 45-minute direct drive to Lewa Safari Camp, or longer if you stop to look at wildlife.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
On our most recent visit we did not have the chance to eat at Lewa Safari Camp, however when we stayed here previously we thought the food was good, although not particularly standout, with fresh ingredients most of which we were told are sourced locally.

Breakfast is usually served on the veranda between 7.00 and 9.30am. A buffet of fresh fruits and cereals is laid out, whilst a waiter will bring fresh tea and coffee, and take your order for a cooked breakfast. Those making an early start may prefer to take a cooked breakfast out on safari with them, which will include fruit and cooked items such as hard boiled eggs and cold sausages. Tea or coffee kept hot in a flask will help take the chill off the morning.

Most people head back to Lewa Safari Camp for a buffet lunch, also served on the veranda whenever possible. We had chilled pea soup, aubergine parmigiana, sliced beef and a selection of salads served with freshly baked focaccia. Desert was a mango fool. Bush meals and packed, picnic lunches can also be provided if you're going for an all-day game drive.

Afternoon tea is served before your afternoon activity, with a selection of teas or coffee along with homemade cakes and biscuits.

Dinner starts with canapés and drinks at Lewa Safari Camp's bar, or by the fire pit in the garden, before guests move off to their own tables. A three-set course meal is then served to the table. On our previous visit the starter was a choice of bean soup or a sage and ricotta ravioli. Main course was beef fillet served with mange tout, carrots and roast potatoes. This was finished off with a large chocolate profiterole and tea or coffee.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
On request.
Drinks included
Beer, soft drinks, house wines and local spirits are included. Champagne, premium wines and spirits are at additional cost.

Special interests

Birdwatching
With its lush lawns and verandas overlooking a busy birdbath, Lewa Safari Camp offers great birdwatching from the camp itself. The hide overlooks a waterhole, where mammals and birds regularly drink, and bush walks give birding a new perspective.
See ideas for Birdwatching in Kenya
Riding holidays
Horseback and camel safaris are arranged with nearby Lewa Wilderness Camp, whose 40 horses are available to experience riders as well as beginners. The plain grazers are relaxed around horses, making it a great way to get up close.
See ideas for Riding holidays in Kenya
Wildlife safaris
Lewa Conservancy stands out for having 10% of Kenya’s black rhino population, plus a healthy number of white rhinos, and a very high population of the finely marked Grevy’s zebra – and a scattering of other big game.
See ideas for Wildlife safaris in Kenya

Children

Attitude towards children
Lewa Safari Camp doesn't particularly recommend the camp to anyone younger than seven years old, but it is really quite child-friendly. Meeting the tracker dogs that are used to protect the rhinos is a popular experience. Note that the minimum walking age is 16 years.
Property’s age restrictions
There is no specific minimum age.
Special activities & services
Lewa Safari Camp can arrange early meals and child-friendly walks around the camp and within the fence. For added entertainment, there are a swimming pool and board games.
Equipment
Highchairs and cots are available. Lewa Safari Camp can offer child care, this can either be by a member of the housekeeping staff or possibly one of the security team standing guard outside the tent.
Generally recommended for children
Lewa Safari Camp is fenced and so comparatively good for children, though parents must supervise them at all times. That said, the evening atmosphere is quite adult and so might not suit younger or more boisterous children.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Lewa Safari Camp

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Lewa Safari Camp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

Black Rhino

100% success

Elephant

100% success

Giraffe

100% success

White Rhino

100% success

Zebra

100% success

Lion

93% success

Buffalo

92% success

Eland

92% success

Spotted Hyena

67% success

Hippo

38% success

Cheetah

31% success

Leopard

15% success

Wild dog

8% success

Aardvark

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Striped Hyena

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes
There is 24 hour power throughout the lodge and guests can charge devices in their rooms.
Communications
There is WiFi in Lewa Safari Camp's central areas and in each room. There is also intermittent cellphone reception around the lodge, mostly near the central, reception area.
TV & radio
There is no TV for guests' use, but for big sporting occasions a plan can be made using the staff TV.
Water supply
Borehole
Water supply notes
The borehole water supply is double-filtered. Drinking water is provided in flasks and all guests are given a branded metal drinking bottle.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
There is a first-aid kit in the lodge and one in each vehicle; guides are first-aid trained. Lewa clinic is close by for emergencies, and the camp has links to the flying doctor service. Nanyuki is a 90-minute drive away and has a good hospital.
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Security measures
There are guards on site and guests are escorted to their tents after dinner. The camp also has an electric fence which reduces, but doesn't eliminate, the chance of big game passing through camp.
Fire safety
Lewa Safari Camp has designated fire assembly points, and a fire plan in each of the rooms. Extinguishers are also by every room and central areas, and the staff are trained to use them.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Horse-riding

    Horse-riding

  • Night drive

    Night drive

  • Private activities

    Private activities

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
A full laundry service is included and takes 24 hours. Items are hand washed, and for cultural reasons ladies’ underwear cannot be included.
Money
There is a safe in reception for valuables.
Accepted payment on location
You can settle any extras at Lewa Safari Camp in cash using US dollars, British pounds or euros. They also accept Visa, Amex and MasterCard.

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Lewa Safari Camp's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Lewa Safari Camp.


Excursions from Lewa Safari Camp

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Lewa Safari Camp. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.


Anti-poaching Dogs Display

Anti-poaching Dogs Display

Approx. one hour

Interact with the dog keepers and learn about what it takes to look after the specially trained canine team. Guests are encouraged to try and evade the sniffer dogs, not only is this great fun, but it helps to offer genuine training for the dogs.

More about Anti-poaching Dogs Display
100% (1 reviews)
Scenic Biplane Flight on Lewa Conservancy

Scenic Biplane Flight on Lewa Conservancy

30 or 60 minute flights

Soar high and fly low over the rolling hills and plains of Laikipia’s famed Lewa Conservancy, on a scenic biplane flight. Offering you the chance to spot wildlife from the air, this flight takes place in an open-cockpit WACO biplane – a truly unique excursion in Kenya.

More about Scenic Bi-plane Flight

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When to go to Laikipia

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Lewa Safari Camp in Laikipia


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Laikipia in January

Clear, warm days and mild nights make this a popular time for safaris in Laikipia. It's excellent for game viewing in all the conservancies, where water sources attract diverse wildlife. The dry conditions make it easier to spot black rhinos, lions and leopards. Star bed sleep-out options at a number of lodges are particularly magical under the clear night skies.

After the New Year period, many camps and lodges treat January as mid-season, offering good value. The landscape retains some greenery, enhancing photography.

  • Clear days ideal for safaris
  • Excellent visibility for wildlife viewing
  • Dry riverbeds attract wildlife to water sources
  • Calving season for wildebeest and antelopes
  • Palearctic migrant birds abundant

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in January

Laikipia in February

With the short dry season well established in Laikipia, wildlife gathers close to water points, making it an excellent time for safaris. Ol Pejeta and Lewa Wildlife Conservancies offer prime viewing opportunities for endangered species like black rhinos and Grevy's zebras. Solio Rhino Conservancy provides exceptional black rhino sightings during this period. The grass is grazed down, improving visibility across the region.

February is ideal for walking safaris, where you can appreciate the smaller details of the ecosystem. The clear skies make stargazing from star beds an unforgettable experience. Cultural visits to local communities are particularly rewarding, as the pleasant weather encourages outdoor activities and interactions.

  • Prime time for wildlife gathering near water
  • Ideal conditions for walking safaris
  • Palearctic migrant birds still present
  • Low rainfall makes game drives rewarding

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in February

Laikipia in March

As March progresses in Laikipia, the weather becomes increasingly hot and humid with more rain likely later in the month. Through most of the month, conditions are still good for game drives in most districts. As the month advances, the buildup to the rainy season becomes apparent.

This period can offer unique photographic opportunities as animals congregate around diminishing water sources. Accommodation costs decrease as the low season approaches.

  • Early month offers great wildlife viewing
  • Hot weather transitions to occasional rains
  • Lower visitor numbers
  • Lush vegetation begins to appear

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Laikipia in April

April usually sees established, serious rainfall in much of Laikipia, transforming the landscape. The southeast monsoon wind brings cooler temperatures and frequent downpours. While game viewing can be challenging due to lush vegetation, the green season offers unique experiences, with new-born animals visible among the verdant scenery.

The landscape bursts into life with vibrant colours, ideal for photography. Birdwatching is excellent with many species breeding. This is a quieter time for tourism, with lower accommodation rates at many places allowing for a more exclusive safari experience for great levels of service.

  • Long rains begin, transforming landscapes
  • Green season offers unique photo opportunities
  • Lower rates at Laikipia's luxury lodges
  • Buffalo and zebra calving season commences
  • Birdwatching excellent

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in April

Laikipia in May

May in Laikipia is characterised by ongoing rains and lush vegetation. While game viewing can be trickier, the vibrant landscapes offer spectacular photographic opportunities with very little dust. The landscapes are a sea of green, with diverse and thriving flora.

This is an excellent time for birdwatching across the region as breeding season continues. The Ewaso Nyiro river swells impressively. Despite potential challenges, patient visitors may witness dramatic scenes of predators hunting in the thick vegetation.

  • Lush vegetation makes wildlife spotting trickier
  • Great for landscape and nature photography
  • Rutting season for wildebeest and impalas
  • Frog breeding season in Laikipia's wetlands
  • Mount Kenya views improve with clearer air

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in May

Laikipia in June

As June progresses in Laikipia, the rains give way to slightly cooler, cloudy weather. This transition marks the beginning of a long, generally dry, high season for visitors. Game viewing improves as vegetation starts to thin, and conditions are comfortable.

The Ewaso Nyiro river, still full from the rains, attracts diverse wildlife. Accommodation rates begin to rise, reflecting the start of peak season.

  • Rains subside, ushering in cooler weather
  • High season begins with increased visitors
  • Comfortable conditions game viewing

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in June

Laikipia in July

July in Laikipia brings cooler temperatures and ideal conditions for safaris. Animals concentrate around water sources on the conservancies, providing excellent game viewing opportunities.

July marks the peak of the high season, with higher accommodation rates and visitor numbers. The dry conditions make it easier to spot elusive species like leopards and black rhinos.

  • Cool weather perfect for walking and riding
  • Wildlife concentrates around water sources
  • Excellent conditions for photography tours

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in July

Laikipia in August

August in Laikipia offers mild, dry weather, perfect for safaris. The conservancies teem with wildlife, including endangered species like black rhinos and Grevy's zebras. The landscapes offer stunning vistas and excellent conditions for game drives and walking safaris. The dry conditions make it easier to spot big cats across the region. This is peak season, so expect higher visitor numbers and accommodation rates.

You might consider combining your Laikipia safari with a stay at the nearby Samburu National Reserve, known for its “northern five” species – Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich.

  • Peak season for wildlife viewing in Laikipia
  • Mild weather ideal for outdoor activities
  • Busy period requires advance bookings

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in August

Laikipia in September

As September progresses in Laikipia, the weather typically remains dry with clearing skies, signalling excellent safari conditions. Early September can be busy, but visitor numbers decrease later in the month. In the conservancies, game viewing is exceptional as animals congregate around limited water sources.

September generally offers excellent conditions for photography.

  • Hot, dry weather with good visibility
  • Quieter period for more exclusive safaris
  • Natural bush fires flush out insects and small animals for predators

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Laikipia in October

October in Laikipia brings generally hot and mostly dry conditions, ideal for safaris. It's a favourite month for many visitors due to the good weather and fewer visitors. The conservancies offer excellent game viewing, with animals concentrated around water sources. The Solio Rhino Conservancy provides exceptional rhino sightings in the dry conditions.

Birdwatching is rewarding as Palearctic migrants begin to arrive. Cultural visits to Maasai communities remain a highlight. Consider combining your Laikipia safari with a trip to the nearby Samburu National Reserve for a diverse wildlife experience.

  • Warm or hot and mostly dry conditions for safaris
  • Migratory birds start arriving
  • Perfect for photography

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Laikipia in November

November in Laikipia marks the beginning of the short rains, usually in the latter half of the month. This transition brings about dramatic changes in the landscape. Early November can still offer good game viewing before the rains intensify. Then the bush begins to green, creating beautiful scenery.

As the low season begins, accommodation rates decrease, and visitor numbers drop too, allowing for a more exclusive safari experience. Birdwatching becomes excellent with the arrival of many migratory species. November is ideal for photographers capturing the changing landscapes and dramatic skies, with low dust and clear air. Cultural visits to Maasai communities offer insights into how local life adapts to the changing seasons.

  • Short rains begin, transforming landscapes
  • Low season offers better rates and privacy
  • Excellent time for birdwatching in Laikipia
  • Lush scenery provides stunning backdrops

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Laikipia in December

In a typical December, Laikipia sees the short rains finish by mid-month, leaving the landscape at its most beautiful. Clear blue skies return, heralding the start of the second peak visitor season from around 20 December onwards. The conservancies offer excellent game viewing with lush backdrops.

Christmas can occasionally be wet, but most years see perfect safari conditions by the festive season. This is an ideal time to combine wildlife viewing with cultural experiences, such as visiting Maasai communities.

  • Rains typically end, leaving landscapes lush
  • Peak tourist season begins mid-month
  • Christmas safaris popular in conservancies
  • Night sky clarity ideal for stargazing

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

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