While the massive 222-sq-km conservancy, just south of Isiolo, could boast about their luxury lodges, stunning scenery, astounding wildlife activities and having hosted Prince William, they’d rather talk about their community and conservation projects. Founded in 1995, LWC is a nonprofit organisation that invests around 70% of its annual US$2.5 million-plus budget into health care, education and various community projects for surrounding villages, while the rest of the funds further conservation and security projects. To help raise awareness and funds they host one of the world’s most rewarding and exhausting marathons.
The conservation effort has been astounding and 20% of the world’s Grevy’s zebras, 12% of Kenya’s black rhinos, a rare population of aquatic sitatunga antelope (though many of these have recently been eaten by lions!) and sizeable populations of white rhinos, elephants and buffaloes call the reserve home. Of the predators there are small, but growing, populations of leopards, lions and cheetahs. All of this makes Lewa not just a flagship model for private conservation but one of the finest wildlife viewing areas in all of Kenya – and there’s no minibus circus to contend with. A plethora of activities, ranging from drives (day and night) and walks to horse riding and camel rides, are available at most lodges.
However, visiting this Kenyan Garden of Eden doesn’t come easily – nor cheaply. Wildlife drives in private vehicles aren’t permitted, only guests of the LWC’s lodges are allowed into the conservancy and the accommodation here is for the very well-heeled only.
