In the center of the 65,000-acre privately owned Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a refuge situated within Kenya’s Lewa Downs, stands Lewa House Laikipia, perched atop a hill.
Accommodation and facilities
The lodge offers luxurious cottages with expansive windows, private verandas, and spacious rooms that provide visitors with sweeping views of the savannah and its diverse fauna. Every cottage has been thoughtfully planned to complement the surrounding environment. The lodge also features private villas that accommodate families or groups. Each room features an en-suite bathroom with both cold and hot showers, a king-size bed, a balcony, and a minibar.
Dining and cuisine
Lewa House provides a fine full-board dining experience, with expert chefs preparing dishes with care. Offering a variety of international and regional cuisines, the lodge takes excellent satisfaction in using foods that are in season, fresh, and locally sourced. There is also a variety of continental options, including fresh salads, grilled fish, and roasted meats, catering to every palate.
The bar is situated in a location that offers expansive views, either of the plains or a vantage point ideal for wildlife and sunset viewing. They serve a variety of drinks, including cocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic options.
Wildlife and safari experience
The Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), as well as uncommon species such as the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and black rhino, can be found in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. The best times to visit the reserve are during early morning and evening game drives, which provide the opportunity to see animals at their most active during the most incredible hours.
The Lewa Conservancy is famous for its black rhinos and Grevy’s zebras, which are endangered. Nature walks are led by professional guides who teach guests about the flora and fauna. The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is renowned as one of the premier locations for birdwatching, boasting over 350 bird species. Guests can spot eagles, vultures, hornbills, storks, and many others.
Cultural and recreational
At Lewa House, tourists can interact with the Maasai and Samburu communities, learning more about their traditional crafts, customs, and way of life while relaxing by the swimming pool and unwinding after a full-day game drive. Guests can enjoy a private sundowner in the bush or have a bush dinner while stargazing. The lodge is perfect for individuals seeking a combination of adventure and culture.
Sustainability and conservation
Lewa House minimizes its environmental impact and significantly reduces its reliance on non-renewable energy sources by harnessing solar energy to power its operations. The lodge reduces its water usage by employing water-saving techniques, including rainwater collection and low-flow fixtures.
Lewa House was built by using natural, locally sourced materials such as wood, stone, and thatch, to reduce its reliance on imported resources while still blending in with its natural surroundings.
How to get there
By road, Lewa House is approximately 250–300 kilometers away from Nairobi and takes 5–6 hours to reach by car. With views of the Mount Kenya region and the Central Highlands, the drive is picturesque.
By Air: The most straightforward and most practical method to reach Lewa House is to take a scheduled or private flight to Lewa Downs Airstrip, located ten to fifteen minutes from the lodge.
Conclusion
Due to its elegant, environmentally friendly accommodations and outstanding wildlife experiences, Lewa House is a popular destination for tourists. It is situated within the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and offers access to endangered species, including the Grevy’s zebra and the black rhino. While participating in walking tours, cultural exchanges, and customized safaris, visitors also contribute to conservation and sustainability initiatives. Lewa House offers a distinctive and remarkable safari experience by fusing adventure, leisure, and conservation.
Faq’s Lewa House
Where is Lewa House located and how do I get there?
Lewa House is nestled on a hill at the heart of the UNESCO-listed Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, with sweeping views of Mt Kenya and the Mathews Range. The drive from Nairobi takes about 4 hours via Thika, Nanyuki, and Isiolo. Daily scheduled flights from Wilson Airport to Lewa Downs airstrip, followed by a short lodge transfer, are also available
Who runs Lewa House and how many guests does it host?
This owner-managed lodge was founded by Sophie and Calum Macfarlane. It accommodates a maximum of 18 guests, spread across three family cottages and four standalone “Earthpods”
What are the accommodation types and facilities?
Family cottages include a double and twin room with en‑suite bathrooms and private verandas. Earthpods are open-plan suites (convertible between twin/double), with en‑suite bathrooms and three pods featuring open-air bathtubs. The lodge features a communal thatched sitting and dining room, a veranda, landscaped gardens, a heated swimming pool by a waterhole, solar-powered lighting, full 220 V power, CPAP support, yoga mats, intermittent Safaricom mobile reception, and Wi‑Fi in common areas
Are children allowed?
Absolutely—children of all ages are welcome at Lewa House
What meals are served and dining style?
Meals are shared in a communal dining room or private setting, hosted by the owners and staff. Local produce from the lodge’s garden is often included in the menu
What conservation or behind-the-scenes experiences are offered?
Guests have access to game drives and guided walks, with opportunities to learn about conservancy operations, including rhino sanctuary visits, bush talks, camel and horse safaris, and biplane flights (availability depends on personnel)
