Safari Guru

Lewa Wilderness

The well-known Craig family has passed down from generation to generation a distinct passion for the conservation of wildlife, and tourism, and they proudly continue to run Lewa Wilderness Lodge. Today, one of Kenya's oldest and most private safari ventures; which has since become one of the countries prized family safari destinations. Lewa Wilderness is as much a home for its visitors as it is a truly unique and personal safari experience.

Situated near the base of Mt. Kenya – Africa's second tallest mountain, Lewa Wilderness is in a prime location. It boasts just nine exclusive rooms: six cottages tucked into the hillside overlooking Lewa's Eastern Marania Valley, plus three garden cottages set amidst their beautiful green lawns. All tastefully decorated with some of the Craig's own antique and handmade furniture, giving rustic charm and the character of a ranch homestead. The garden rooms are perfect for families and also those who do not wish to be too far from the main areas.

Lewa Wilderness lodge and Walking Wild camel safaris offer rich game viewing opportunities without the crowds in the 62,000 acre Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Visitors have an exceptionally high chance of seeing all of the "Big Five" and Lewa is one of few game parks where visitors are almost guaranteed to see the endangered black and white rhinos while on safari. Lewa has over 70 different animal species and 350 bird species.

With the backdrop of snow-capped Mount Kenya and the diversity of scenery from open plains, rolling hills, valleys, escarpments and rivers, Lewa is a magical place to game drive for the ultimate Kenyan safari experience. Lewa Wilderness offers traditional 4x4 safaris, guided walks, camel and horseback safaris in this wildlife-rich and famous conservancy.

Will Craig, a former crop-dusting pilot, was renowned for taking guests above the treetops and weaving through gorges to show off the beauty of his homeland in the camps open cockpit biplane, but sadly this activity is no longer available.

“Always leave room for wildlife” – Alec Douglas (Will Craig’s grandfather)

Lewa Wilderness Lodge was started in 1972 and is an integral part of the history of Lewa Downs. Radically transformed from a farm into a non-profit wildlife conservancy; it gained an international reputation for extending the benefits of conservation far beyond its borders.

By staying at Lewa Wilderness, guests automatically support the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and all of the additional conservation and community development efforts.

Lewa Wilderness