One of the most active centers or wildlife sanctuaries founded to save the northern species threatened by human development is the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, sometimes known as Lewa Downs. Situated in Meru County, south of Isiolo town but north of Mount Kenya, Laikipia in North Eastern Kenya’s Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Comprising the Ngare Ndare Forest to cover an area of 62,000 acres (250 square kilometers) of pure African wilderness, the Lewa conservancy boasts spectacular views of snowcapped Mount Kenya to the south and the arid lands of Tassia and Il Ngwesi to the North.
With its amazing landscapes and abundance of species, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy trails over the plains of Laikipia exude great beauty.
It is admirable that the Park has wired off its borders to help to reduce the human-wildlife conflict resulting from the proximity of the species to human habitation.
Trailing over the plains of Laikipia, Lewa wildlife conservancy is abundant with species and its breathtaking landforms will leave you amazed with their beauty; the conservancy is well-known for holding the biggest population of Grevy’s Zebra globally with about 350 individuals.
The uncommon and endangered black rhinos, sitatunga, the big five (lions, leopards, rhinos, cape buffaloes and elephants), also call the Lewa Conservancy home. Lewa Conservancy exhibits a variety of wild ecosystems from highland forests, vast open grasslands, melt-water mountain springs and acacia woodland; about 12% of Kenyan’s eastern black population calls this area home.
The Lewa Conservancy also hosts the Northern Rangelands Trust, a creative alliance of several northern towns offering their property for the protection of wildlife; the conservancy has its own educational initiative to support the development of schools and students.
Originally owned by David and Delia Craig, Lewa Conservancy was a cattle ranch where Ana Mertz and Peter Jenkins first set aside 5,000 acres to preserve and produce rhinos; the number of rhinos had declined rapidly from 20,000 to less than 300 in the 1970s.
Having run successfully for ten years, the initiative increased demand for additional space. In 1995 the Craigs made the decision to commit their entire ranch to wildlife preservation. Lewa Conservancy has acted as a catalyst for conservation throughout the region; this has led to the establishment of many private and community-owned conservancies, so augmenting the area under conservation management in northern Kenya to cover approximately 2 million acres since the mid-1990s.
Originally registered as a rhino reserve in 1983, the conservancy has grown well-known for its effective breeding of two threatened species, rhinos and Grevy’s zebra. Ten percent of Kenya’s rhinos and twenty percent of the global Grevy Zebras live in the conservancy.
Lewa Conservancy presents a variety of amazing sites ranging from the breathtaking scenery to strikingly beautiful habitats including fauna and mammals. Over 440 bird species and more than 70 known mammal species abound in Lewa on the great grasslands near Mount Kenya.
Famously holding the world’s largest population of Grevy’s zebras—about 300 individuals—10% of Kenya’s rhino population—all the members of the Big Five family—Lewa Conservancy is well-known. Among the animals in the Lewa Conservancy are lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, giraffe, wild dog, Grey’s zebra and cheetah.
Among the “Northern Specialty Species” Lewa also boasts Somali ostrich, gerenuk, Beisa Oryx, Grevy’s zebra, and reticulated giraffe.
Watching a game
Game viewing at Lewa Conservancy, a fantastic Kenya wildlife safari, is done in a 4X4 wheel vehicle with open windows and pop-up roof. You will be able to see several species of animals like lions, gazelles, giraffes, rhinos, elephants, antelopes among others during the game drives you drive on routes flowing across the savanna grasslands of the conservancy.
The thrilling evening horse riding available at Lewa Conservancy is another great pastime for game viewing.
Birding:
Although the Lewa Conservancy is not just a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also among the top places for bird viewing in East Africa; its grassy and woodland sanctuary hosts about 400 bird species.
For passionate birders, Lewa Conservancy is a paradise; during birding experience you will be able to see bird species including Amethyst sunbird, Blue-cheeked bee-eater, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Golden-breasted starling, Golden-breasted bunting, Golden-winged sunbird, Harlequin quail, Hartlaub’s turaco, Hartlaub’s bustard, Hildebrandt’s francolin, Hildebrandt’s starling among others.
You should have binoculars with you.
Photojournalism
From the open sided truck you may capture amazing images of the environment and wildlife activities of Lewa Conservancy, a beautiful region and nirvana of photographers.
Other Kenya safari activities at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy include camel and horse riding, fishing expeditions to Lake Rutundu on Mount Kenya and nature safari walks; visiting the indigenous Samburu and Maasai people where you will learn about their culture and traditions.
During their Kenya safari in the park, guests of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy can stay in a variety of lodging ( safari lodges, hotels and camping sites). These include
Lewa Conservancy has both dry and rainy seasons; wet season in the conservancy is felt from October to May with downpours. Lewa temporarily shuts its gate in November and April because of inaccessible roads during the wet season.
In Lewa Conservancy, the dry season runs from June to September. During this time the sunny sky are out and animals are simple to find because of less vegetation.
Lewa Conservancy is situated in North Eastern Kenya and may be reached by car or air; vehicle travel takes roughly five hours from Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. The easiest approach to reach Lewa wildlife Conservancy is by air; daily scheduled flights from Wilson Airport reach Lewa Airport.
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