Destination Kenya

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LEWA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY

Situated in northern Kenya, Lewa started as a cattle ranch for the Craig/Douglas family in 1924. In 1983 David and Delia Craig gave 5,000 acres of their ranch over to become the Ngare Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary in a partnership with Anna Merz. The programme was so successful that in 1995 the Craig family gave their entire ranch over to conservation and formed the non-profit Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Situated in the foothills of Mount Kenya, Lewa is today a 62,000 acre private reserve with terrain consisting of forest, savannah grasslands, swamps and semi-desert. The perimeter is almost entirely fenced, for security, but gaps are left in the fences to allow for the movement of the animals. Thanks to the conservation efforts, Lewa is home to the highest concentration of rhino in East Africa. Lewa also protects the endangered Grey’s zebra and the rare Sitatunga (swamp dwelling antelope). Other wildlife include lion, leopard, elephant, cheetahs and over 440 species of birds. The range of activities on Lewa is vast with everything from game walks, day and night drives, bush picnics, horseback riding, camel treks and flights in a biplane on offer. 

OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY

From a working cattle ranch in colonial Kenya, to a trailblazer of conservation innovation - the story of Ol Pejeta is as enchanting as it is inspirational. Ol Pejeta is the largest black rhino sanctuary in east Africa, and home to two of the world’s last remaining northern white rhino. It is the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees, in a Sanctuary established to rehabilitate animals rescued from the black market. It has some of the highest predator densities in Kenya, and still manages a very successful livestock programme. Ol Pejeta also seeks to support the people living around its borders, to ensure wildlife conservation translates to better education, healthcare and infrastructure for the next generation of wildlife guardians.

LOISABA CONSRVANCY

On the threshold of Kenya’s beautiful northern rangelands, Laikipia covers 9,500km2, north of the Aberdares Mountain Range on a wide plateau stretching from the slopes of Mt Kenya in the south east to the edge of the Great Rift Valley in the west. The striking escarpments descend into the surrounding arid land with tributaries of the Ewaso Nyiro River cutting across the vast open plains. The habitats range from dry savannah and open woodland to spectacular canyons and low forested valleys. Made up of vast community-owned ranches, private farms and wildlife conservancies, Laikipia supports the second highest density of wildlife in Kenya and is one of only few places in Africa where wildlife numbers are on the increase. It is one of Kenya’s most exciting wilderness areas with spectacular scenery and an abundance of wildlife, including the Big 5 as well as many endangered species, such as Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Lelwel’s hartebeest and the patas monkey. Laikipia is also one of the best places to see wild dog. 

Loisaba Conservancy lies on the edge of a sheer escarpment with views out over the Laikipia plateau. This thriving 219 Km2 conservancy boasts rivers, forests, springs, valleys and open plains. Recently purchased by the Loisaba Community Trust, with the assistance of The Nature Conservancy, and partnered with the Space For Giants elephant foundation, Loisaba is becoming a hub for cutting-edge conservation efforts throughout Laikipia and Kenya. Loisaba is fascinating on many levels - not just for its abundant game.  

AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK

Amboseli is a place of stark contrast. Meaning a "place of water" in Maasai, Amboseli despite its sometimes dry and dusty appearance, has an endless water supply filtered through thousands of feet of volcanic rock from Kilimanjaro's snow melt. These underground streams converge into two clear water springs in the heart of the park. The endemic dust is volcanic ash which spewed from Kilimanjaro millennia ago. During the dry seasons, a curious feature is the shimmering dry lake bed where false mirages of populated horizons, punctuated by real herds of zebras and wildebeests hover in front of visitors. The principal attraction in Amboseli is its vast herds of elephants within the park. The bull elephants here have some of the largest tusks in Kenya. Plentiful game includes: zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, impala and leopard. Caracal and serval cat can be seen. Birdwatchers can see pelicans, bee-eaters, kingfishers, African fish eagles, martial eagles and pygmy falcons. Amboseli is an important rangeland in Maasai culture. The ranch areas outside the park offer a wealth of game viewing and walking safaris. The Kenya Wildlife Community Service works closely with the local elders to develop eco-tourism attractions which benefit the endogenous communities and protect this fragile eco-system. 

One of the most popular parks in Kenya, Amboseli offers a wide range of accommodation within and just outside the park. 

CHYULU HILLS NATIONAL PARKS

Verdant rolling hills of endless green, great blue skies and spectacular landscape views are what the Chyulu Hills provide to nature lovers. Large mammals include buffalo, bushbucks, elands, elephants, leopards, giant forest hogs, bush pigs, reedbucks and giraffes along with various reptiles and insects. Horse riding, camping, mountain climbing and bird watching can be enjoyed in this hidden part of paradise.

TSAVO EAST & WEST NATIONAL PARKS

Occupying 30 percent of Kenya’s total park area, Tsavo West is one of the largest parks in Kenya. It is easily accessible from the Mombasa-Nairobi highway and borders Tanzania to the south. Tsavo West offers tremendous views of a landscape packed with diverse wildlife habitats; rocky ridges, acacia woodlands, isolated hills, semi- desert scrubs and mountain forest. 

Now separated from the original Tsavo, Tsavo East is popular with tourists from Kenya’s coast. Less than 100 miles from Mombasa, it is served by several airstrips and guests can see the infamous “Man- Eaters of Tsavo” lions, as well as elephant, rhino and a variety of other bird and wildlife.