Lewa Wilderness
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Lewa Downs, 60300 Kenya
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About
#2 of 11 Specialty lodging in Isiolo District
Location
4.9
Cleanliness
4.9
Service
5.0
Value
4.7
Travelers' Choice
Situated near the base of Mt Kenya, Lewa Wilderness is one of Kenya's oldest and most private safari ventures. The Craig family has passed down from one generation to the next a distinct passion for wildlife, conservation and tourism. The lodge is just nine exclusive rooms: six cottages tucked into the hillside overlooking Lewa' s Eastern Marania Valley, plus three garden cottages set amidst the beautiful green lawns. Activities on offer include game drives, guided walks, scenic flights, horseback riding, camel riding and much more.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Pool
Free breakfast
Tennis court
Babysitting
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Airport transportation
Internet
Infinity pool
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Breakfast available
Special diet menus
Concierge
Non-smoking hotel
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
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Room features
Fireplace
Room service
Sofa
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Smoking rooms available
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Location
Full view
Contact
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Lewa Downs, 60300 Kenya
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+1
This place is magical - from the setting to the staff to the accommodations to the food to the every little detail. Everyday we have talked about how words simply cannot do this place justice. Everything they do is about creating the best experience for their guests. Put the Lewa Wilderness on your bucket list now!
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
This was our first time in East Africa and our first Safari. Staying at the Lewa Wilderness and having Mumgai as our guide really set the bar. The hotel and the way everything was organized was quite lovely and special. We are appreciative of everyone’s wonderful hospitality. Thank you all. We also absolutely loved the communal dinner table. It was such a wonderful way to meet people, both locals and guests. I was fortunate to sit next to Johnson one night and then Mush the next. Thank you Mush for going above and beyond to ensure we were always as comfortable as possible. Hard not to be comfortable in such beautiful surroundings with such wonderful people such as yourself. Thank you also for teaching us about the beautiful Maasi tribe. I’m still going to pass on the cow blood juice for now. :) As for our guide, what can I say…. We had the best. I don’t know how we got so lucky. Mumgai is such a class act. We enjoyed every single minute we spent with him. He truly made our experience so memorable. He has magical spotting eyes and magical stories behind the animal behaviors that we were seeing. It was all so fascinating to learn about. For example: - Mumgai showed us some spectacular animals and we got to learn about their characteristics and behaviors that we wouldn’t have anywhere else…. The black rhinos, white rhinos, grevys zebras, common zebras, cheetahs, lions, elephants, reticulated giraffes, grants (which we joked has white pants), Thompsons, Elans, hyenas, baboons, monkeys…. - One of our most memorable sightings is a Buffalo being hunted and attacked by a pride of eight lions for mere fun. We will never forget this experience and we will always be grateful to Mumgai for making sure we were always safe as a priority and never blocking the animals, and for taking us through and explaining what we were seeing. - Our last day was so much fun. Mumgai brought us to place where all of the animals came to say goodbye and drink some water. We hope to come back next year and have Mumgai as our guide. He is quite special to us. Please extend our forever gratitude to him. He was our first safari guide and has opened our eyes to a beautiful wilderness that we want to forever continue to see. I should also mention that through the lodge we did a day trip to the reteti elephant sanctuary. It was wonderful to learn about and witness the great work they are doing. They currently have 42 rescued baby elephants, including Lunguro who melted our hearts, and who’s story was told by natgeo on Instagram a day or two after our visit. Such a fun little coincidence that we were there at the same time as someone from natgeo (I daydream of being a natgeo contributor). Ha!…
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
I stayed in three camps on this trip, and Lewa Wilderness was the most luxurious. Huge cottages, far bigger than I needed! The guides were excellent, and the vehicles have padded camera rests, which is a big plus. The vehicle was mine to command, not shared with other guests, another plus. Masses of elephant, rhino (both black and white) and lion, Grevy's Zebra, and good birds. As well as game drives, I did a couple of walks, and I also went on a short ride, which is not offered at most camps, and was lovely. There is a small pool, welcome in the middle of the day, The food was delicious. It didn't feel as wild as some of the tented camps I've stayed in elsewhere, but they do an excellent job, nonetheless. The destruction wrought by the large elephant population is rather shocking,…
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Date of stay: April 2022
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Manager Lewa Wilderness, General Manager at Lewa Wilderness
Responded Jun 23, 2022
Hi Moira , it sounds like you had a fantastic stay with us! Thank you for taking the time to write about your time and experience. With the elephant populations increasing and the land that is safe for them to roam shrinking, they love to spend time on conservancies such as Lewa where they feel safe. With our exclusion zone project we are maintaining some areas where they can not get to in order to prevent their destruction. We hope that you come back and see us again soon, all the best Miranda and the Wilderness Team.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
We spent the most pleasant 3-nights stay at Lewa Wilderness lodge. This lodge is located, with a few others, in the magnificent Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (lewa.org). We stayed in the very ample room #8, which is in fact more like a private house, composed by two separate large beds, a lounge area with private fireplace that was lit every evening while we were away for dinner, a spacious bathroom with a large indoor shower and a private terrace. There are also 2 other beds on the mezzanine. From our comfortable beds we had a fantastic view over the terrace and down to a green valley with a little river where we enjoyed seeing elephants drinking. Each single member from Lewa Wilderness' staff is remarkable for professionalism, politeness and genuine caring and attention to their guests. Our guide Supukia was outstanding in terms of driving and wilderness knowledge. His great professionalism and extreme kindness, showing a sensitive and caring attitude towards us, made us feel as we had been close friends for a longtime. We encountered a big number of different species of animals, including lions, a cheetah, big herds of elephants and most of the traditional game. We particularly enjoyed watching and learning about endangered species such as the Grevy's zebras and the black and white rhinos. Indeed, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is home of 14% of Kenya's total rhino population. One afternoon we went to visit the Lewa observation center located within the Lewa Conservancy's Headquarter. We have been impressed by the human effort and the technical equipment that they have set up to permanently track and protect both elephants and rhinos endangered species and by their strategy aiming to successfully integrate the local communities in their conservancy's activity. We highly recommend a visit to their office, in order to understand the importance and their huge every-day commitment to preserve wildlife. Thank you so much to Isaac for his very comprehensive presentation and to Abraham for further information about this highly valued programme! Another highlight has been our visit to The Farm, the lodge's own farm. Daniel guided us through the vegetable garden, where all type of fresh organic produce are being cultivated, and he answered all our questions, showing his knowledge and passion. They also do their own organic fish farming and produce fresh eggs, milk and goat cheese, then served for our meals at the lodge. We have also seen Lewa Crafts, where they repair and produce all kind of the lodge's furniture. We were so much delighted by that visit! The food at the lodge was perfectly well prepared and delicious, with most of the ingredients delivered freshly by The Farm. All the above visits, as well as the surprise of a memorable bush breakfast, were included in our booked package with the daily drives. We also made ourselves a dream come true by booking a sundowner private flight to Samburu with the very charming pilot Kim : this "Out-Of-Africa" experience is simply unforgettable and is absolutely worth the price. What else to mention apart from being extremely grateful to Kyla, Mush and the entire wonderful Lewa Wilderness team for having made our stay so perfect! We felt part of the Lewa family and will keep all the team as well as the beauty of Lewa in our hearts and minds forever.…
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Date of stay: February 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Manager Lewa Wilderness, General Manager at Lewa Wilderness
Responded Mar 4, 2022
Hi Lucia, it sounds like you had a lovely stay and thank you for taking the time to write about us! Supukia is really lovely, and a fantastic guide - we are so lucky to have him as part of our team! Visiting Lewa HQ really is an important activity, as it helps to understand a little bit of what goes on ' behind the scenes ' to look after all of this wonderful wildlife. We are glad that you loved you sundowner flight with Kim, it is such a magical experience! Thank you again, all the best, Miranda and the Wilderness team.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our fifth and final stay in our two week Safari trip in Tanzania and Kenya was the most rewarding. Cottage 7 had a comfy Kingsize bed, a beautiful location overlooking a valley a nice fireplace and all the Peace, quiet and isolation you could want. Staff was always available to guide us to the main lodge or where we were going. The Craig family does a masterful job, the vegetable and fruit garden were awesome, the vehicle and roads were as good as it gets and our guide Johnson was exceptional. We only road 2 of the 43 horses and none of the 3 Camels (did that in Morocco). Food was the best we had and thankfully a little less Western and more authentic than the rest. Morning, late afternoon and night safaris in beautiful country; nothing better. White Rhinos, Elephants crossing to a stream at night and a Lion in a Tree we’re highlights.…
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip: The 10 Cottages are very spread out and all are nice. 7 and 8 are a good way from the main lodge...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Manager Lewa Wilderness, General Manager at Lewa Wilderness
Responded Mar 4, 2022
Hello ! Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review and it is always great to hear that we were a highlight! The Craig family strive to make this 'home from home' , and Johnson is a wonderful guide. All the best, Miranda and the Wilderness team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Our second time to this incredible property, this time with our two children. With an entire globe to explore deciding to return to Lewa Wilderness speaks volumes to their excellence. Staff treats you like family. Absolutely beautiful grounds. Our room was clean and cozy and we enjoyed playing checkers by the fire that was lit each night after coming back from a delicious dinner. Able to watch plenty from the hillside room - elephants, giraffe, buffalo, baboons, countless birds, hyrax and on and on and on - just while relaxing on the deck! Mush and our guide Johnson and each staff member that cared for us so warmly are really the highlight of this lodge and the reason to return. From our thrilling flight with Kim (MUST DO) to our peaceful horse ride to breakfast and camel ride back we were delighted at every turn. Be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to learn about the important work the Conservancy does - we visited the operations room and met the ranger and dog tracking team. The Conservancy has jaw dropping landscape and game viewing galore. Plenty of activities to keep entertained. Thoughtful touches abound. We grieved to say goodbye. Don’t miss this gem!!…
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Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip: Don’t miss the extra activities! Camels, horses, flights, walks, visit the farm. So much to do...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Manager Lewa Wilderness, General Manager at Lewa Wilderness
Responded Mar 4, 2022
Hi there, It sounds like you had a lovely trip with lots of things packed in! We are so pleased to hear that you and your family had a great time, and took advantage of all the different activities that we have to offer. Thank you for taking the time to write about it, and come back soon! All the best, Miranda and the Wilderness team.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The lodge was wonderful - the staff, the wildlife & the food! I wanted to specifically mention a few people that made our time there so great! Our hosts Kylah & Mushu were very welcoming as well as our server Esther. Our guide Mungai was fantastic! He took us on some great game drives & we had a fantastic time! We also loved going to see Lewa HQ and meeting the anti-poaching team. The room was also AMAZING!!! We can’t wait to return!
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Date of stay: October 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Manager Lewa Wilderness, General Manager at Lewa Wilderness
Responded Mar 4, 2022
Hello, such a lovely review, thank you! Kyla and Mush certainly are a dream team, and Mungai is great too! We hope you come back soon! All the best, Miranda and the Wilderness team.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I stayed here in September 2021 as part of a three camp safari arranged by my safari outfitters in the US. I had not been to Kenya since 1970 and was eager to revisit my first African country! The property is old fashioned and homey. The staff was kind and hospitable. I had two amazing guides, Amos and Emanuel, who took me all over and showed me fabulous landscapes and all sorts of animals to photograph. I was traveling alone and loved the peace and quiet. The farm and garden where much of the food is grown was great to visit with Sammy the manager. The chef prepared tase farm to table meals and baked goodies every day. One HUGE drawback to this lodge was the poor housekeeping and infestation of stinging insects in the cottages. My mosquito net needed replacing and I got 2 bad spider bites that left scars on my arm and face and needed medical attention. When I had to get up in the night I saw all sorts of bugs racing around on the floor! One lady was bitten by a scorpion!! hiding in the basket of firewood in her cottage. She has a terrible reaction and also had to seek medical attention. I travel frequently to Africa and have never experienced such a number of bugs in my room. I am dubious of all the 5 star reviews here....…
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Date of stay: September 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Make sure your room is fumigated before arrival and stay up near the pool and main lodge.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Manager Lewa Wilderness, General Manager at Lewa Wilderness
Responded Mar 4, 2022
Hello, we are so sorry to hear about all of the bugs! We certainly do our best to keep everyone who is not welcome out of the cottages, but unfortunately with the thatched roofs it is not always easy. Our room stewards should thoroughly check the rooms and beds in the evening and this is something that we will follow up. Scorpion stings are very rare, but they are about, and we have a homemade 'potion' that we find is the best cure. Sometimes if we have had a little bit of rain the bugs can also be more present, but we are still very sorry that this put a dampener on your stay and we will do our best to improve this in the future. Thank you again, we always appreciate feedback. All the best, Miranda and the Wilderness team.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is a truly stunning place. From the impeccable design, the bountiful and delicious food, and the amazing hospitality, it really is one-of-a-kind. We spent 4 nights with them, and an additional two nights walking through the bush with the always-entertaining Kitonga. Our room was enormous and beautifully appointed, Mush and Kyla were wonderful hosts, and everyone from the guides to the staff were brilliant and passionate at their jobs. The wildlife is of course omnipresent, and it's an especially good place for seeing both black and white rhinos up close. The highlight though was the three days / two nights we spent walking through and camping in the bush. Truly exhilarating tracking and then seeing the animals up so close on foot, with no jeep to protect you and nowhere to run! Kitonga and his crew were incredible - this is something I couldn't recommend more highly to Lewa's more adventurous visitors.…
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Date of stay: October 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Manager Lewa Wilderness, General Manager at Lewa Wilderness
Responded Mar 4, 2022
Thank you thank you! It is always so wonderful to us to hear lovely feedback from our guests. Kitonga is such a character and walking with him certainly brings a whole new perspective of safari and the wildlife! We are very lucky with our team. I will certainly pass on this glowing report to our Walking Wild crew. All the best, Miranda and the Wilderness team.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This one-of-a-kind lodge is breathtakingly beautiful. We stayed 3 nights and it would be easy to stay a week. There's a pool, tennis court, and exquisite accommodations. The main attraction is the wildlife and the fact that Lewa Conservancy is one of the most successful organizations to save wildlife by involving and supporting the local community. We really enjoyed listening to a presentation about the Conservancy operations. The black rhino is the star attraction given its endangered status but we also loved seeing all the other wildlife including Grevy's zebras, lions, elephants, buffalo, and birds galore. Fabulous staff and chef! Luxury in the middle of Kenya can't be beat.
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Date of stay: September 2021
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Manager Lewa Wilderness, General Manager at Lewa Wilderness
Responded Mar 4, 2022
Hello! There certainly is lots to keep you busy with here, and we hope that you enjoyed all that we have to offer! Black rhinos are real characters, and it is always exciting to find them. Thank you for writing such a lovely review, all the best Miranda and the Wilderness team.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LOCATION
KenyaEastern ProvinceIsiolo District
NUMBER OF ROOMS
9
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Lewa Wilderness
What are some of the property amenities at Lewa Wilderness?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at Lewa Wilderness?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and a lounge during their stay.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Lewa Wilderness?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Lewa Wilderness have airport transportation?
Yes, Lewa Wilderness offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is Lewa Wilderness accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.