Our take
Lewa Safari Camp offers thatched safari tents within Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, where rhino conservation and varied wildlife are central to the stay. Eleven standard tents and two family suites provide a comfortable base for guided drives, walks and time beside the pool.
The camp sits within Lewa’s protected landscape north of Mount Kenya, with tented bedrooms, verandas and a lounge warmed by a fireplace on cooler evenings. Its appeal is the combination of a traditional camp and access to a working conservancy known for black and white rhinos and Grévy’s zebra. Lewa owns the camp, with its proceeds contributing to conservation and community projects. A swimming pool provides a change of pace between guided excursions.
Gallery
A closer look at the accommodation, atmosphere and setting.
Swipe or use the arrows to explore. Select a photo to enlarge.
01
Accommodation
There are eleven standard en-suite safari tents and two family suites. Each standard tent sits beneath a thatched roof, with a bedroom, bathroom and spacious veranda; double or twin beds can be requested. Three standard tents accept a third bed for a child under 16. Each family suite combines a double and twin en-suite tent beneath one roof, linked by a private veranda and sitting area. One can accommodate an additional child to sleep five.
02
Food & drink
Meals form part of the camp’s full-board safari routine, with the main dining space providing the centre of the day when guests are not out exploring. A picnic lunch can accompany a longer excursion, such as a visit to Ngare Ndare Forest. Share dietary requirements ahead of arrival so the kitchen can prepare appropriately.
03
What to do
Game drives use open-sided vehicles with camera supports and charging sockets, exploring Lewa’s varied habitat and resident wildlife. Guided walks are led by trained conservancy rangers and focus on tracks, plants and the smaller details of the landscape. Ngare Ndare Forest offers an additional outing with a canopy walkway and picnic. The swimming pool and massage provide downtime; riding, camel outings and conservation visits should be discussed as separate itinerary choices.
Planning your stay
Two family suites give parents and children separate en-suite bedrooms joined by a private veranda. One accepts an extra bed for a third child under 16. Selected standard tents also take an extra child’s bed, making the family suites a choice of separation and space.
Lewa’s rhino and Grévy’s zebra conservation gives the safari a different focus from the Mara. The camp’s conservancy ownership also creates a direct connection between staying here and the wider protection of wildlife and support for neighbouring communities.
Drives are normally shared unless a private vehicle is booked at an extra cost. Ranger-led walks and excursions follow local rules and age requirements. Ngare Ndare has its own conservation fee, so it should be included deliberately in the plan.
Compare the alternatives
Explore the accommodation and setting of each property before choosing your combination.
Laikipia
Lewa Wilderness is a family-run lodge with nine cottages in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Garden and hillside accommodation, varied guided activities and produce from its own farm create a relaxed base for exploring one of Kenya’s important rhino conservation landscapes.
Explore the property
Laikipia
Private Wilderness is an exclusive-use retreat in Lewa, with five thatched cottages overlooking the Eastern Marania River valley. Independent shared spaces and a pool create a private-home setting for up to ten guests, with the wider conservancy providing the safari backdrop.
Explore the property
Laikipia
Sirikoi House is a three-bedroom exclusive-use home within Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. A private guide, vehicle, chef and heated pool give a small family or group its own safari rhythm, with the option to join Sirikoi’s main dining deck.
Explore the propertyMake it part of a journey
Lewa combines well with a Mara safari because the landscapes, wildlife emphasis and activities differ. We would usually give it several nights rather than treat it as a brief transit stop. For families, the two-bedroom suites can make the stay considerably more comfortable than extra beds in separate standard tents.
These journeys are starting points. We adapt the route, accommodation and length of stay around your plans.
Explore Laikipia or read our Kenya seasonal guide.
Your questions
There are eleven standard en-suite safari tents and two family suites. Each standard tent sits beneath a thatched roof, with a bedroom, bathroom and spacious veranda; double or twin beds can be requested. Three standard tents accept a third bed for a child under 16. Each family suite combines a double and twin en-suite tent beneath one roof, linked by a private veranda and sitting area. One can accommodate an additional child to sleep five.
Game drives use open-sided vehicles with camera supports and charging sockets, exploring Lewa’s varied habitat and resident wildlife. Guided walks are led by trained conservancy rangers and focus on tracks, plants and the smaller details of the landscape. Ngare Ndare Forest offers an additional outing with a canopy walkway and picnic. The swimming pool and massage provide downtime; riding, camel outings and conservation visits should be discussed as separate itinerary choices.
Two family suites give parents and children separate en-suite bedrooms joined by a private veranda. One accepts an extra bed for a third child under 16. Selected standard tents also take an extra child’s bed, making the family suites a choice of separation and space.
Lewa combines well with a Mara safari because the landscapes, wildlife emphasis and activities differ. We would usually give it several nights rather than treat it as a brief transit stop. For families, the two-bedroom suites can make the stay considerably more comfortable than extra beds in separate standard tents.
Tailor-made Kenya
We will help you compare the alternatives and plan the right combination.
Start planning