Walking Safaris in Lewa Conservancy
The allure of Lewa Conservancy, nestled in the heart of Kenya, offers an unparalleled experience for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Its sprawling savannahs, rich biodiversity, and commitment to conservation make it a premier destination for walking safaris. Unlike vehicle tours, walking safaris in Lewa provide an intimate, ground-level encounter with Africa's unspoiled wilderness.
Quick Facts About Lewa Conservancy and Walking Safaris
Size and Location: Lewa Wildlife Conservancy covers 65,000 acres and is located in northern Kenya. It offers stunning views of Mount Kenya to the south and the arid regions of Tassia and Il Ngwesi to the north.
Biodiversity: The conservancy is a biodiversity hotspot, home to over 70 mammal species and more than 440 bird species. It features a variety of habitats, including highland forests, grasslands, mountain springs, and acacia woodlands.
Endangered Species Protection: Lewa is renowned for its successful conservation programs, particularly for the endangered rhino and Grevy's zebra. It hosts 10% of Kenya's rhino population and 20% of the world's Grevy's zebra population.
Walking Safaris: Walking Wild Lewa offers unique walking safaris, ranging from two to five nights, where guests explore the conservancy on foot, guided by experienced Maasai guides.
Community Involvement: Lewa works closely with local communities through its Community Development Program, focusing on healthcare, education, micro-finance, and water projects.
Unique Accommodations: The walking safari experience includes fly camping, with tents set up each night in different locations. Camels are used to transport luggage, enhancing the authentic safari experience.
Safety Measures: For safety, the conservancy is fully fenced, and over 150 rangers are employed. Walking safari groups are always accompanied by an armed guide or ranger.
Ideal for Adventure Tourism: The walking safaris are considered adventure tourism, suitable for those who are physically fit and prepared for the hot, dry conditions of the Kenyan wilderness.
Safari Experience: The walking safaris offer intimate wildlife encounters, with opportunities to observe animals like elephants, buffalo, and big cats in their natural habitat.
Eco-Friendly Practices: The conservancy emphasizes sustainable and eco-friendly practices, ensuring minimal environmental impact while providing a unique and immersive wildlife experience.
Lewa Conservancy is home to 10% of Kenya’s Rhino Population
Exploring the Majestic Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy covers 65,000 acres and is an important area of natural beauty in Africa. It provides stunning views, especially of Mount Kenya to the south. The Conservancy has a range of different environments, such as dense forests, wide grasslands, clear springs, and quiet acacia woodlands. These varied habitats are home to more than 440 species of birds.
At the base of Mount Kenya, the sprawling grasslands of Lewa are a haven for wildlife. More than 70 different species of mammals make this area their home, making it a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts. The conservancy's landscapes are as varied as they are vast, comprising pristine forests, fertile grasslands, abundant springs, and acacia woodlands.
Since its establishment as a rhino conservancy in 1983, Lewa has gained international acclaim for its successful breeding programs for the endangered rhino and Grevy's zebra. Remarkably, the conservancy shelters 10% of Kenya's rhino population and 20% of the world's Grevy's zebra population. The entire area is securely fenced, and Lewa employs over 150 dedicated rangers for conservation efforts.
Lewa's commitment to wildlife conservation extends beyond its borders through its Community Development Program. This program actively engages in healthcare, education, micro-finance, and water projects, ensuring that the surrounding communities benefit from and participate in wildlife conservation.
For visitors, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy offers an unrivalled wildlife experience. With its rich array of mammal species and stunning natural beauty, a visit to Lewa is not just a journey through a wildlife sanctuary but an immersion into the heart of Kenya's natural heritage.
The Unique Experience of Walking Safaris
Walking safaris are a remarkable way to experience the Africa bush. As you tread lightly across the savannah, every sense is heightened. The sounds of the wild, from the distance roar of a lion to the rustle of leaves as a dik-dik darts away, become vividly clear. The scent of the earth, the feel of the breeze and the sight of majestic landscapes unfold, heightening your senses.
Walking Wild Lewa: A Unique Walking Experience in Kenya
Walking Wild Lewa offers an extraordinary safari experience deeply rooted in the community and the stunning landscapes of Lewa Wilderness. This walking safari, operated by the community, invites adventurers to explore the famed Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and the neighbouring Il’Ngwesi Community Ranch on foot. Embrace the spirit of adventure with camels bearing your luggage and tents set up each evening for a restful night under the stars. This mobile safari is designed to provide an up-close and authentic encounter with Kenya’s wildlife and natural beauty.
The staff at Walking Wild Lewa, who have grown up and lived alongside the region's wildlife, bring invaluable expertise and understanding of the area. Their deep-rooted knowledge of the local environment, strategic walk locations, and animal behaviour is the cornerstone of your safety and an enriching safari experience. The team, led by Kitonga, ensures that every aspect of the safari is safe and memorable.
For added security, the team carries short-wave radios for any emergency communications. Additionally, every group is accompanied by either an armed guide or an armed ranger, ensuring utmost safety during your explorations. The commitment of Kitonga and his team to providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience is evident in every detail of the safari.
Walking Wild presents a captivating adventure of two to five nights of fly camping in the pristine wilderness. Guided by the expertise of Maasai guides, guests traverse the bush on foot, moving from one campsite to the next. The unique experience of having camels carry your luggage and camp essentials adds an authentic touch to this journey. Dining al fresco and sleeping in netted tents under the vast African sky is nothing short of magical.
This safari offers a rare chance to walk through the habitats of some of Africa's most iconic wildlife. The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos, along with elephants, buffalo, big cats, and other plains game, provides an extraordinary setting. The opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures on foot is a key reason many choose to explore these conservancies.
The paths taken during these safaris often traverse remote areas only accessible on foot, shared with large, potentially dangerous wildlife. Guests must have a good awareness of their own fitness and whether they’ll be ok with the physical demands, the unique style and remote location of the camps, and the environment where the walks occur.
Each evening, a new Walking Wild fly camp is set up in a different scenic location. Guests sleep in dome-shaped, netted tents equipped with rain fly sheets. Inside, comfortable bedrolls, feather pillows, sheets, and blankets ensure a cozy night's sleep. Each tent has its own bucket shower, with 'long drop' toilets housed in separate tents nearby. Arriving at camp for sundowners each evening allows guests to relax, soak in the breathtaking views, and witness stunning sunsets. Dining under the stars and gathering around the campfire with Maasai hosts is an unparalleled experience, encapsulating the spirit of true African adventure.
Walking through Lewa with Walking Wild Lewa
What to Expect on Your Walk
Guided by experienced rangers and trackers, each walking safari is educational and exciting. With their deep knowledge of the local flora and fauna, the guides offer insights into the lives of the animals and the ecosystem. You might track the footprints of elephants, learn about medicinal plants, or quietly observe a herd of zebras.
Wildlife Encounters
Lewa is home to a diverse range of wildlife. It's famous for its rhinos and is one of the few places where you can see both black and white rhinos. Besides these gentle giants, you might spot lions, giraffes, elephants, and various antelopes and birds. The Conservancy's commitment to conservation ensures that these animals thrive in a protected environment.
Safety and Etiquette
Safety is paramount on walking safaris. Guides are trained to ensure the safety of both the guests and the wildlife. It's important to follow their instructions at all times, such as maintaining a safe distance from animals and keeping noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing them.
Best Time to Go
The best time for walking safaris in Lewa is during the dry season, from June to October. This period offers favourable weather and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities as animals congregate around water sources.
Camps and Lodges in Lewa Conservancy
Lewa offers a range of accommodations, from luxury lodges to eco-friendly camps. These provide comfortable stays without compromising the natural experience. Many lodges also engage in conservation and community projects, allowing guests to contribute to the region's sustainability.
Borana Lodge
Borana Lodge, situated in the center of Borana Conservancy, is built on a hillside with a natural design and offers sweeping views. All profits from the lodge are reinvested into different conservation projects within Borana Conservancy.
Elewana Kifaru House
This elegant retreat, nestled in Kenya's most successful wildlife conservancy, features only 5 delightful thatched cottages. Elewana Kirafu House provides a luxurious experience in the wilderness, accompanied by unmatched opportunities for wildlife observation.
Lewa Wilderness
Explore one of Kenya's pioneering safari experiences at Lewa Wilderness, the Craig family's home. It offers a variety of safari adventures with a blend of style and comfort.
Lewa House
Lewa House is a striking thatched main house that serves as the central gathering area, while the accommodations are individual cottages spread across the grounds, each offering distinct views of Kenya's Northern Frontier.
Sirikoi Lodge
Sirikoi, a cozy and family-operated safari lodge, provides unmatched privacy and allure. Its accommodations, including four luxury tents, the Sirikoi Cottage, and the private Sirikoi House, are ideally situated along the spring-fed Sirikoi stream, surrounded by nature and abundant wildlife.
Sirai House
Sirai House, reserved solely for exclusive use, offers all the amenities of a top-tier resort combined with the privacy and comfort of a secluded private residence, all set within a thriving wildlife conservancy.
Arijuju
Arijiju, hailed by Conde Nast as Africa's most stunning house, provides an extraordinarily lavish private safari experience, complete with unparalleled fitness, spa, and wellness amenities. This exquisite residence features five bedroom suites.
A walking safari in Lewa Conservancy is more than just a wildlife excursion; it's a journey into the heart of nature. It's an opportunity to connect with the earth, witness the majesty of wildlife, and understand the importance of conservation. It's an adventure that leaves lasting impressions and a deeper appreciation of our natural world.