Kifaru House Lewa

Perched on the edge of a grassy hill within the world-renowned Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kifaru House offers an intimate and exclusive retreat overlooking the vast plains of Northern Kenya.

The Lodge

An Oasis of Conservation and Calm

Set within lush, manicured gardens that contrast beautifully with the rugged African bush, Kifaru House is designed to evoke the warmth of a private home. The main lodge features cozy log fires and expansive verandas, providing a magnificent perspective of the conservancy and the distant peaks of Mount Kenya, blending quiet sophistication with a deep commitment to one of Africa’s greatest conservation success stories.

Cottages

Luxurious & Serene

The cottages at Kifaru House are a masterful blend of traditional stone architecture and high-end luxury, tucked away in an oasis of vibrant lawns filled with birdsong. Designed to offer a peaceful vantage point over the Lewa plains, each exclusive cottage features well-appointed bedrooms with elegant four-poster beds and generous en-suite bathrooms. It is an intimate sanctuary where the quiet grace of the highlands meets the refined comfort of a private estate.

  • 5 x Exclusive En-suite Cottages (Individually tucked away for maximum privacy)

The cottages are strategically positioned to capture the cooling breezes of the hill, allowing the rustle of the gardens and the distant calls of the wild to create a serene backdrop to your Lewa experience.

Kifaru House is an intimate sanctuary of refined elegance, nestled like a verdant oasis within the pioneering heart of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. It is a place where the silent majesty of the rhinoceros meets the warmth of a private estate, offering a peaceful vantage point over a landscape defined by hope and transformation.

What to Do

Watch rhinos congregate at the nearby waterhole from the infinity pool, track the rare Grevy’s zebra across the rolling plains, or enjoy a starlit dinner on the veranda as the shadows of Mount Kenya fall across the horizon.

There's plenty to do...

A Sanctuary of Hope: The Wonders of Lewa Conservancy

The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is a landscape of pioneering spirit and breathtaking diversity, serving as a global model for community-based conservation. It is here that some of the world’s most endangered species find a safe haven, creating a theater of recovery and natural wonder. From the elevated vantage point of Kifaru House, guests overlook a sprawling ecosystem that is home to a significant percentage of the world’s remaining Grevy’s zebra and a thriving population of both black and white rhinos.

This vibrant landscape transitions from open golden grasslands to dense acacia woodlands and hidden springs, providing a sanctuary for the "Big Five" and the "Northern Special Five." The area is a stronghold for migratory elephant herds and prides of lions that roam the diverse terrain. For bird enthusiasts, the conservancy is a treasure trove, hosting over 400 species, including the spectacular Secretary Bird and the Kori Bustard. Whether witnessing the quiet strength of a rhino mother and calf or marvelling at the vastness of the northern frontier, Lewa offers an intimate encounter with the heart of African conservation.

Activities

  • Game Drives

    Set out on morning or evening drives with an expert guide to explore the rolling plains and dense woodlands of Lewa. Witness world-class conservation in action as you track the "Big Five" and the rare "Northern Special Five" across this pristine landscape. Every drive is a masterclass in biodiversity, offering a front-row seat to one of Africa’s most successful and vibrant wildlife sanctuaries.

  • Walking Safaris

    There is no better way to connect with the heart of the wilderness than on a guided walking safari. In the company of experienced armed guides, you will learn to read the subtle language of the bush, from tracking wildlife to identifying indigenous flora. It is a peaceful and immersive encounter that reveals the intricate details of the land and the heritage of the people who call it home.

  • Meet the Tracker Dogs

    Go behind the scenes of Lewa’s renowned anti-poaching unit to meet the remarkable tracker dogs. These highly trained canine heroes play a vital role in protecting the conservancy's wildlife, using their incredible sense of smell to assist security teams in the field. It is a fascinating insight into the modern technology and dedication required to ensure that Lewa’s animal numbers continue to thrive.

  • Ngare Ndare Forest Walk

    Explore one of Kenya’s few remaining indigenous forests on a guided excursion to Ngare Ndare. Follow ancient elephant paths through the lush canopy, walk across the elevated suspension bridges, and marvel at the hidden waterfalls. Whether you choose to swim in the crystal-blue glacial pools or enjoy a picnic on the forest floor, this vibrant ecosystem offers a cool and magical escape.

  • Sundowners

    Celebrate the end of a perfect day as the shadows of Mount Kenya stretch across the horizon. With chilled cocktails and gourmet snacks set up at a scenic vantage point, this timeless tradition allows you to toast to the beauty of the Northern Frontier. As the sky turns to shades of violet and amber, reflect on the day’s sightings in the quiet, golden light of the Lewa evening.

  • Night Game Drives

    As the sun sets, the conservancy transforms into a mysterious world of nocturnal activity. Led by a qualified guide, this 1.5-hour journey offers a rare opportunity to spot elusive species that remain hidden by day. With a keen eye and steady concentration, you will witness the wilderness come alive under a canopy of brilliant stars, providing a thrilling new perspective on the African bush.

  • Horse & Camel Riding

    Experience the plains from a unique vantage point with our equestrian excursions. Horseback rides allow experienced riders to move silently among the herds, as wildlife perceives you as part of the natural landscape. For those seeking a more relaxed pace, camel rides offer a charming and traditional way to traverse the golden grasslands, providing an unforgettable connection to the terrain.

  • Wellness & Relaxation

    Balance your safari adventures with a moment of quiet restoration in our heated infinity pool or wellness treatment rooms. Retreat for a professional massage designed to soothe the senses, or enjoy a refreshing swim while overlooking the conservancy’s private watering hole. It is a refined sanctuary where the tranquil sounds of the garden provide the ultimate backdrop for relaxation and reflection.

  • Organic Garden Tours

    Wander through our vibrant vegetable garden, the heart of our farm-to-table culinary philosophy. Discover the variety of fresh, organic ingredients—from crisp greens to aromatic herbs—that our chefs harvest daily for your meals. It is a sensory journey that highlights our commitment to sustainability and showcases the rich bounty that thrives within the protected oasis of Kifaru House.

  • School & Community Visits

    Discover how conservation serves as a powerful catalyst for development in the communities surrounding Lewa. Visit a local school supported by the Land & Life Foundation to see firsthand how education is transforming the lives of future generations. This immersive experience offers a deeper understanding of the vital link between high-end tourism and the prosperity of the local people.
Dining

The Culinary Experience

Dining at Kifaru House is an intimate celebration of the land, where verdant gardens and the silhouette of Mount Kenya provide a serene backdrop to every meal. With an emphasis on farm-to-table freshness and the refined comforts of a private estate, each experience is an invitation to savor the quiet grace of the Lewa plains.

Kifaru House stands as one of the most exclusive retreats in Northern Kenya, and its culinary concept is equally personal. From garden-fresh lunches served on the sun-dappled veranda to elegant three-course dinners by the glow of a roaring log fire, every aspect of the dining experience is tailored to provide a sense of timeless, homestead luxury.

Indulge in our signature sunrise bush breakfast set against the vast horizon of the conservancy. Savor freshly baked pastries and gourmet delights prepared to your taste, all while the morning light breaks over the golden grasslands. Enjoy this tranquil start to your day under the shade of an acacia tree, surrounded by the sights and sounds of a thriving wilderness. For a classic safari tradition, our sunset "skottle" experience brings the kitchen into the heart of the bush. Watch as our chefs grill traditional delicacies to perfection on a hot plate as the day fades into twilight. Imagine savoring a piping hot snack while watching a rhinoceros or a herd of elephants gather at a nearby waterhole for their evening drink—a moment of pure, uninterrupted harmony with nature.

Sustainability & Conservation

Our sustainability at Kifaru House is anchored by solar energy and a zero-tolerance policy on single-use plastics. We manage a circular waste ecosystem, recycling all solid materials via TakaTaka Solutions and transforming food waste into organic fertiliser for our culinary gardens. As signatories of the Glasgow Declaration and certified by Ecotourism Kenya, we meticulously monitor our carbon footprint. Supported by regular audits through the Land & Life Foundation, we ensure our operations remain at the forefront of sustainable and responsible hospitality within the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

Deeply integrated into the social fabric of the region, we collaborate with the Conservancy to drive initiatives in healthcare, clean water, and women’s micro-enterprise. Our community commitment is highlighted by our sponsorship of the Lewa Safari Marathon and the donation of indigenous seedlings and supplies to local schools and clinics. By providing career mentorship and conservation talks to local students, we actively inspire the next generation of leaders, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared across the entire community.

Any Questions

+254 730 127 000 reservations@elewana.com

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Kifaru House Lewa Conservancy, Kenya

Fast Facts

Accommodation

  • 4 Cottages
  • 1 Family Suite

Activities

  • Shared game drives in custom 4x4 vehicles
  • Evening game drives (pre-dinner)
  • Guided bush walks (age restrictions apply to children under 16yrs)
  • Bush meals and sundowners
  • Horse and Camel rides (extra charge)
  • Visit to Ngare Ndare forest and blue pools (extra charge)
  • Visit to Il Ngwesi cultural village (extra charge)
  • Massages available with portable massage bed
  • Child-friendly activities

Global Coordinates

  • 0.22303258328451386, 37.46485774539419

Honeymoon Experiences

  • Bottle of sparkling wine on arrival in the cottage
  • Romantic private candle-lit dinner
  • Complimentary 30-minute massage for the couple

Kids

  • Guided camp bush walk
  • Conservation talk at Lewa HQ
  • Visit to the Conservation Museum
  • School visit - during term times and extra cost
  • Horse riding for older experienced riders
  • Camel riding for older children
  • Children’s menu

Getting There

  • Lewa Airstrip is a 1hr flight from Wilson Airport (Scheduled flights daily)
  • 40 min transfer from the airstrip to the Camp
  • Note – Only authorised vehicles are allowed within the conservancy. Visitors arriving by road have to be collected from the conservancy headquarters
  • Road transfer in Elewana vehicle to/from any of Elewana’s other Northern properties or Nanyuki (travel times between 2 and 5 hours)

Wow Factor

  • Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is a world renowned wildlife conservancy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a cutting-edge rhino and community-based conservancy.
  • There is an archaeological site on Lewa, which is rich in tools used by prehistoric man. It is thought the site was an “artisan’s shop”, where the tools were made.
  • Strict policy for vehicle access to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy that allows only a limited number of vehicles.

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