
Kifaru House is located in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, can you tell us about this area
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is a celebrated wildlife reserve located in northern Kenya, at the base of Mount Kenya on the Laikipia Plateau. Covering over 62,000 acres, it is about 140 miles north of Nairobi, making it an easily accessible destination for unforgettable safari adventures.
What are the main advantages to the conservancy model
The model implemented by the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is effective because it takes a holistic approach, addressing all key areas essential for a conservancy's success. This model includes Conservation, Education, and Community Development. By connecting these three components, Lewa establishes a self-reinforcing system. Communities benefit directly from wildlife protection, which, in turn, ensures the long-term success of the conservancy.
What activities can guests get involved with to learn about the conservancy
Guests can visit the Radio Room at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Headquarters to learn about the advanced systems rangers use to monitor wildlife across the conservancy. They can also meet Lewa’s highly trained tracking dogs and their handlers, gaining insight into their vital role in conservation efforts. For a cultural experience, visitors can explore a nearby village and enjoy an authentic Maasai encounter, plus school and clinic visits provide valuable opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of various community projects.
The Ngare Ndare Forest, located on the foothills of Mount Kenya, is a stunning sanctuary that is home to the Big Five. The forest offers a rich natural experience, with unique bird species, scenic waterfalls, clear mountain pools perfect for swimming, and an exciting canopy walk. As a community-run initiative, Ngare Ndare provides a meaningful and immersive experience, working in close partnership with Lewa.
What are guests able to do in conservancies that they would not be able to do in a National Park
Lewa follows a strict three-vehicle sighting policy, ensuring guests enjoy high-quality wildlife viewing without overcrowding or disturbing the animals and in designated areas, off-road driving is permitted in sustainable areas, allowing for closer and more intimate encounters with wildlife.
Guests can also explore the conservancy on foot with a trained walking ranger based at Kifaru House. These guided bush walks offer a unique opportunity to connect with nature, making them a memorable highlight of any visit.
What are your favourite things about living in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
There are countless things to love at Lewa. At Kifaru Lodge specifically, you can see giraffes wandering through the rolling lawns. Enjoy fresh vegetables and fruits picked straight from the organic garden. Mornings here are magical; with a cup of coffee in hand by the pool, you can watch the light gradually stretch across the landscape, with Mount Kenya rising majestically in the distance. It's a moment that feels almost unreal yet deeply grounding at the same time.
Across Lewa Conservancy the fresh early mornings are magical, with the sunrise casting a golden glow behind the hills and creating a scene straight out of a movie. I also love going on game drives, which offer unforgettable encounters with an array of endangered and rare wildlife. Lewa is home to the endangered black and white rhinos, along with a remarkable variety of other rare species. Among these are the iconic “Northern Five”: the reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, Grevy’s zebra, and the gerenuk.