by: Peter R Stewart
The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is part of the Laikipia Plateau in Kenya, and it is privately owned, and run by a non profit conservation group whose only aim is to protect regional wildlife. It is the most famous region of Laikipia Plateau which stretches north from the Aberdare mountain Range to the start of the Samburu tribal lands in the shadows of the Matthews Range.
Lewa is part of what was mainly cattle ranches, many of which are now Safari Lodges, from Borana in the south to Loisaba, Sabuk, and Ol-Malo in the north, and is just north of Mt. Kenya.
The Lewa Conservancy was established over 25 years ago by the Craig/Douglas family as a black rhino sanctuary, but the sanctuary is now home to a variety of rare species from Grevy’s Zebra to Sitatunga, an aquatic Antelope, and Oryx. Lewa Conservation Park has 17% of the world’s population of Grevy’s.
In fact you will have a great opportunity here to see the big five. [Buffalo, Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Rhino]. There is also good ornithology[bird spotting].
One of the features of a safari to Lewa is the great variety experiences on offer, from camels, horse riding, helicopters, mountain bikes as well as the normal game drives in four wheel drives.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy also includes the guardianship of the adjoining Ngare Forest reserve.
It also has within its boundaries, important archaelogical sites including a one million year old hand axe site, and pastoral cave.
One thing that shouldn’t be forgotten is the local people. It’s not just the preservation of the animals and the conservation of the environment that matters here, but also to develop and ensure economic growth in the area.. So what you will see and perhaps be able to contribute to are water schemes, medical clinics and schools.
Lewa continues to be closely involved in the Namunyak Wildlife Conservation Trust.
To access Lewa Wildlife Conservancy you can drive from Nairobi, and it will take you around four hours or fly into Lewa Downs airstrip in a light aircraft which will take about 45 minutes.
Either way malaria protection is essential.
Lewa is generally closed for rainy seasons (April 1 to May 15 and November 1 to December 15), and in any case visiting in the dry season, especially close to the end is more rewarding
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is an amazing place to visit on your in Kenya Safari, and it offers a lot more that is different from other places, not least the the projects involving the local people.
Relatively undiscovered visit Lewa now if you can.
About The Author
Peter Stewart writes exclusively for http://www.in-kenyasafari.com as well as http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com and he has in depth knowledge of the places he writes about
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