LEWA WILDERNESS

From 3 Nights | From US$3,300 per person | Laikipia, Kenya

A stunning fourth generation family run lodge

OVERVIEW

Lewa offers one of Kenya’s most authentic horseback safari experiences, set within 65,000 acres of private conservancy land at the foot of Mount Kenya. Riding here is immersive and quietly exhilarating, with big five encounters and renowned for having one of the strongest populations of white and black rhinoceros in Kenya. The Craig family have welcomed guests since 1972, combining generations of horsemanship with pioneering conservation leadership and a deeply personal style of hosting.

Guests stay in spacious, characterful cottages and private bandas overlooking the river or open plains, designed for comfort rather than excess and perfectly suited to life on safari. Days are shaped by adventurous riding across varied terrain, complemented by game drives and walking safaris, while evenings centre around generous, exceptionally crafted meals prepared with fresh local ingredients. With low guest numbers, intuitive service and access to vast private land, Lewa delivers a safari that feels purposeful, private and quietly exceptional.

Let’s ride!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Riding within 65,000 acres of private conservancy land
Exceptional riding safaris amongst plains game, rhino, and giraffe
Home to one of Kenya’s strongest black and white rhino populations
The option to fly camp under the stars and then return to a hot bath!
Exceptional food and service
Numerous off-horse activities including camel riding, cultural visits, game drives, bush walks, farmhouse garden lunch.
Fourth generation family home
Sweeping views towards Mount Kenya from camp and on rides

OVERVIEW

RIDE GUIDE

Stay: 3 night minimum

Cost: Lewa Wilderness from $1,100pp

Operator: Lewa Wilderness and Private Wilderness

Where: Laikipia, Kenya

Elevation: 5300ft above sea level (low risk area for Malaria)

When: Open - January to 16 April and 15 May to 1 November and 30 November to January.

Riding level: Beginner to advanced.

Non-riders: Welcome

Weight limit: Maximum of 90kg/198lbs

Time in the saddle: 2 to 6 hours a day

HORSES

ACCOMMODATION

Lewa Wilderness has nine individual accommodation options for guests to call home during their stay. There are six thatched cottages, built into the hillside with stunning views overlooking Lewa’s Eastern Marania Valley. A further three garden cottages are set amongst the brilliant green lawns, each boasting a sizable open plan living area complete with fireplace, flanked by a large room and bathroom on each side.

Rich with rustic charm, Lewa Wilderness invites all its guests to join them in the communal dining room, where stories are swapped over hosted meals and connections are made. The cottages provide individual privacy for the rest of their stay, and an array of facilities make this property a home to remember.

Private Wilderness the newest property within the conservancy, and a place that you can call your own. With the spacious main house and endless views from the infinity pool, it is the perfect destination for larger groups or families who wish to have total independence. The five cottages sit back from the edge of the valley, providing great game viewing opportunities and comfortable lodgings to relax after a busy day on safari.

We’ve taken the traditional charm from our heritages and created a luxury home for one group at a time. Hide away in this cosy valley and experience all that it has to offer.

Fly Camping - Cosy tents and hot bucket showers await you, with the option to pull your bed out and sleep under the stars if you wish, safely enclosed in a mosquito net dome. Available at both Lewa Wilderness and Private Wilderness.

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WHAT'S INCLUDED

These rates are inclusive of full board accommodation, conservancy fees, soft drinks, beer, non-premium wine, spirits.
Local airstrip transfers (ex Lewa Airstrip)
Shared game drives, day & night.
Guided walks.
Horse riding.
Camel walks.
Pre-historic site visits.
Community crafts & visits to selected villages and schools.
Visit to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy HQ (educational talks, school or project visits and much more).
Laundry.
All local taxes.

WHAT’S EXCLUDED

Fly camping (drive, walk or horse ride, if experienced)- $190 per person: in addition to accommodation fees. *Minimum 2 pax | Subject to weather.
Wilderness Farmhouse Lunch - $70 per person. *Minimum 2 pax.
Flying packages with Air Wilderness - cost available on request.
Champagne, premium spirits, cellar wines.
Visits to Il'Ngwesi cultural boma - entrance fees $40 and payable direct.
Visit to Ngare Ndare Forest with the aerial walkway and waterfalls - entrance fees $75 for adults, $55 for kids and payable direct.
Exclusive use of vehicle, subject to availability US$ 360 per day. A single booking of 5 guests will be guaranteed exclusive use at no surcharge.
Late departures subject to availability: Guests departing in the afternoon are required to vacate their room by 10:00 a.m and will be charged $25 per person for lunch.
Day rooms are also subject to availability, 25% of the pppn accommodation cost is applicable for this.

TRANSFERS

Lewa Wilderness is accessed via scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Lewa Downs Airstrip, with daily services operated by safari airlines such as Safarilink and AirKenya. Flight time is approximately one hour.

On arrival, guests are transferred by road through the conservancy to camp, taking around 45 minutes.

Private charter flights can also be arranged.

MEALS

Lewa Wilderness has its own small farm, originally started by Will Craig’s mother, Delia. Every meal at the lodge includes fresh organic produce from the large vegetable garden. We also get our eggs, milk and goats cheese from the farm which guests are welcome to visit. Watch the cows and goats being milked, then take a walk around the gardens, perhaps tasting a ripe strawberry or two along the way! Lewa Wilderness can cater for an array of dietary needs and requests, from freshly baked gluten free bread to homemade almond milk.

Both breakfast and lunch are served casually, where guests can pick what they’re craving from a full spread of fresh and delicious options. Dinner is presented more formally, serving guests three set courses amongst a roaring fire and star-filled sky, for a meal that will delight all the senses.

Special meals can easily be arranged. Bush breakfasts set remotely amidst the plains are reached after a morning horseback ride or game drive. Lunches at Lewa Wilderness’ own organic farm under the shade of trees after a tour of the impressive vegetable and fruit gardens. Guests can also request private dinners at their cottage, allowing couples a romantic candlelit meal and families with younger children an earlier bedtime.

WHAT TO PACK

Refer to our FA Q for what to pack on a horse riding holiday. Once your booking is confirmed we will share a detailed packing list.

Domestic flights have a weight allowance of maximum 15 kilos including hand luggage. A soft bag is preferable to a hard case on safari.

Laundry is provided.

Hard helmets can be provided on request but guests are asked to bring their own riding boots and chaps

INTERNET

Reliable Wi-Fi is available in the main area.

There are UK 3 point plug charging point in Kenya.

VISAS & VACCINES

Every visitor to Kenya needs a tourist visa. These cost around $51 and take from 24 hours to two weeks to process.

We will share comprehensive guidance on how to apply for you visa and collate your border entry documentation once your booking is confirmed.

PRICE & AVAILABILITY

Lewa operates two seasons. The property is closed from 16 April - 15 May and 01 - 30 November during the rains.

Peak season:

01 July - 15 September
20 December - 10 January

Lewa Wilderness: $1,300 - $1,800 per person per night sharing.

Private Wilderness: $11,600 per night for up to six guests per night. $1,933 per person per night or $5,800 for three nights. Extra adult: $1,590 (up to ten guests).

Regular season:

11 January - 15 April
16 May - 30 June
16 September - 31 October
01 December - 19 December

Lewa Wilderness: $1,100pp - $1,350pp sharing per night or $3,330 - $4,050 for a three night stay.

Private Wilderness: $8,930 for up to six guests

Extra adult: $1,268 (up to ten guests)

Lewa is closed: 16 April - 15 May & 1 November - 30 November

Complete an obligation free Rider Form and we will be in touch with availability.

Fly camping

Drive, walk or horse ride to your exclusive campsite for the night, and spend the evening enjoying the African night skies around the campfire.

Depart Leave the lodge after tea and head off into the wilderness in search of your camp, arriving in time for sundowners.

Cosy tents and hot bucket showers await you, with the option to pull your bed out and sleep under the stars if you wish, safely enclosed in a mosquito net dome. You will be hosted by our excellent team who will cook for you on an open fire.

Wake up with the birdcalls the following morning and head back to the lodge by foot, car or on horseback, arriving back in time for a delicious breakfast and refreshing swim in the pool.

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ACCOMMODATION

Individual thatched family cottages built into the hillside

The Hillside

These individual hillside cottages, each with a unique layout, were built to capture the stunning views out over the valley and the sound of the river below where elephant, giraffe, rhino, zebra and more all come to drink. Each cottage has en-suite facilities, a cosy sitting area and fireplace, and a private outdoor verandah where one can enjoy a morning coffee whilst watching the sunrise – as well as a private dinner.

The Garden

These are the original rooms built by David and Delia Craig when they started the lodge. They are the cottages closest to the main house and living areas, and each consists of two en-suite bedrooms joined by a comfortable sitting area with a bar and cosy fireplace. The three garden rooms are exceptionally spacious and with recent renovations, bright and sunny, perfect for families and also those who do not wish to be too far from the main areas.

The Hillside suite

This one of a kind two bedroom hillside cottage is the furthest from the main areas, with endless views from the outdoor verandah and its own private plunge pool. It has a spacious king room and a twin room, both of which are ensuite and accessible from the connecting sitting room.

Private Wilderness - Exclusive use

The newest property within the conservancy, and a place that you can call your own. With the spacious main house and endless views from the infinity pool, it is the perfect destination for larger groups or families who wish to have total independence. The five cottages sit back from the edge of the valley, providing great game viewing opportunities and comfortable lodgings to relax after a busy day on safari.

We’ve taken the traditional charm from our heritages and created a luxury home for one group at a time. Hide away in this cosy valley and experience all that it has to offer.

Shared spaces

From the gardens we come upon the heart of Lewa Wilderenss. The sitting room is filled with an extensive library of books for all readers and is where afternoon tea & coffee are served. Walking out onto the verandah, an open air room for guests to enjoy throughout the day, where you’ll find wifi should you wish to stay connected with the outside world during your stay.

Leave the verandah and descend down the stairs, turning right to find the deck and sitting room, enjoyed by guests first thing in the morning and for both pre- and post-dinner gatherings. Get some sun (or stargaze!) and take in the surrounding views from our expansive deck. After a long day, retire to the cozy sitting room with a cool drink in front of the log fire, reminiscing with other guests about the day’s sights.

Opposite from the deck is the open air dining room, which enjoys fabulous views of the hillside, providing game viewing opportunities whilst tucking into a delicious breakfast and lunch. At night, guests usually gather around the long dining table to have a seated and served dinner listening to the sounds of the African night. In response to COVID-19, we have set up individual tables throughout the dining room and expansive sitting room deck, to ensure proper distancing measures. We are happy to set private dinners either in your cottage, on the pool deck, or out in the bush on request as well. There is no shortage of breathtaking places to enjoy the fresh and delicious food served here at Lewa Wilderness!

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES

Shared game drives, day & night.
Guided walks.
Horse riding.
Camel walks.
Pre-historic site visits.
Community crafts & visits to selected villages and schools.
Visit to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy HQ (educational talks, school or project visits and much more).