Lewa Wilderness
Location
Venturing out from the camp on daily safari activities, by foot, vehicle, horse or even camel, you’ll have Mount Kenya on the horizon to the south to add drama to your photos. Whatever direction you look, though, there will be plentiful wildlife encounters, because more than 70 mammal species have been spotted in this area. Even more rare than the rhino on an international scale, the population of Grevy’s zebra are thriving here, and that’s just one of several endangered species found within Lewa.
Accommodation
Built and developed organically over the years, the cottages in this paradise are all individually different. There are three exceptionally spacious garden cottages and six hillside cottages with spectacular views over the valley. Lounges with fires and ensuites larger than seems decent are some of the things these cottages collectively offer. Pick of the bunch, perhaps, is the two-bedroom hillside cottage with its own private plunge pool.
For meals, you can opt for privacy or eat at the large communal table in the open-sided dining area that comes complete with those views over the steep-sided valley. The atmosphere will be cheerful and convivial because everyone here, including the staff, can’t help it. If you’ve just had your lunch, you may find yourself flopping into the saltwater infinity pool, but perhaps you should hit the gym or have a game of tennis.
Experiences
- Lewa Wilderness was one of the first lodges in Africa to introduce electric vehicles. Not only are they more sustainable, but they’re also quiet and therefore ideal for getting close to wildlife.
- The lodge has 40 horses, good-tempered and suitable for all abilities. On the back of a horse, you’re just another animal and are no threat, so expect some close-up encounters. You can also opt for a camel.
- In your downtime at the lodge, not only can you soak in the pool, but there’s also table tennis, a tennis court, and a shady gym with a superb outlook into the bush.
- Walking safaris are a great way to see close-up details and to learn from a local expert versed in the wisdom of the land. Perhaps pair this with a night of fly-camping.
- Spend time with the Masai community in Il Ngwesi, learning about their nomadic pastoral lifestyle and their traditions.
- Head south to the shady cool of the Ngare Ndare Forest. You can picnic in the treetops and have a dip in a waterfall plunge pool.
- Visit Lewa Conservancy HQ to meet some of the rangers and perhaps the dog tracker team. There are 150 rangers employed within the reserve.
- Enjoy a scenic flight in a bright yellow biplane. The views of Mount Kenya are spectacular.
We prioritise working with properties that collaborate with local communities and address location-specific needs from education to anti-poaching. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to.We prioritise working with properties that collaborate with local communities and address location-specific needs from education to anti-poaching. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to.
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