Lewa Downs

The Facts

Details

The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is an award-winning catalyst and model for community conservation, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's Green List of successful protected areas.

Lewa is the heart of wildlife conservation, sustainable development and responsible tourism in northern Kenya and our successful working model has provided the framework on which many conservation organisations in the region are based.

The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is situated within Lewa Downs, Kenya, a 62,000 acre ranch and wildlife sanctuary. It is has been home to the Craig family since 1924 who by setting aside 5000 acres of their ranch in 1983, were instrumental in setting up a sanctuary to protect black rhinos. Fortunately this was so successful that in 1995 they dedicated their entire ranch to conservation and it now homes over 10% of Kenya’s entire black rhino population and 14% of their white rhino population, making it the perfect choice for your next safari if you want to catch the big 5, namely rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo all of which make their home at Lewa Downs.

Lewa Downs is located south of Isiolo town and North of Mount Kenya. The snow-capped peaks dominate the views to the south, where the southern boundary rises to an altitude of some 6500ft above sea level and to the north, the terrain drops away with breathtaking views of Samburu, Ololokwe and the Mathews’ range beyond.