Lewa and Lamu

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is in Laikipia, which is a wonderful region slightly north and west of Mount Kenya. This is a 60,000 acre conservancy which began as a cattle ranch but was turned into a wildlife conservancy in 1993.

It is a 'Big 5' reserve, and has a healthy population of black and white rhinos (about 10% of Kenya's rhino population). It is also home to about 20% of the world's endangered Grevy Zebras, and an important refuge for elephants.
Lewa is run as a non profit-making organisation, so as well as you having a first rate safari experience your stay will also benefit the conservancy.

Your camp, Lewa Safari Camp, is a permanent tented camp with only 12 tents. The list of activities you can enjoy here is extensive. There are day and night game drives, nature walks, and horse rides. However it is the choice of conservation/community-orientated activities which makes Lewa Safari Camp unique. These include visits to orphaned animals, days out with Grevy zebra researchers, accompanying tracker dogs on their training, assisting fencers on patrol, visiting Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve to find Colobus monkeys and learn about flora and fauna, visit water schemes and other community development projects, and guided tours of ancient hand axe sites and prehistoric rock-hewn game boards.

After your time here, you will fly over to the coast to Lamu Island for your stay in a rustic retreat called Kizingo. There are only 6 palm-thatched bandas (cottages) here so this is for those who like a quiet relaxed time. Having said that, you can enjoy a good range of activities including swimming, cycling on the mainland, bird and bush walks, visits to Lamu Town and also to the local community. From May to October, deep sea fishing is possible, subject to local conditions. From November to April swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, scuba diving and course fishing can be arranged.

Gallery

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Information

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Included

Accommodation and meals as per itinerary; Game viewing activities - drives and walks; Park and concession feesPre-historic site visits; One horse or camel ride per booking; Laundry; Soft drinks, beers, house wines and local spirits on safari; Internal flights (Wilson - Nanyuki - Wilson - Lamu - Wilson); Transfers.

Not included

International flights, visa, Departure taxes (on some flights - please check), Premium drinks on safari and all drinks on the coast, Gratuities, Personal Travel InsuranceOptional extra excursions or activities on Lamu; Extra horse and camel rides at Lewa.

Is it for you?

This is a gorgeous trip with excellent wildlife viewing and a lovely time for relaxation at the end. The Lamu lodge is perhaps geared more towards couples than families though, and people wanting to chill out in quiet surroundings. We would suggest a different lodge if you have children or want more activities and facilites.

Best time

You could take this holiday at any time of year. However if you want to see the migration it is best from about July to October. As regards the beach, you might want to avoid the rainy times, ie April (mid-March to mid-May, but April tends to be the wettest time) and November.

Getting there

You need a flight in and out of Nairobi. We can arrange this for you as we're ATOL-bonded. there are daily flights with a variety of airlines. Please ask us for help.

Weather and highlights

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- Jan
- Sunny with Cloud
- 12
- 26
- Feb
- Sunny
- 13
- 26
- Mar
- Rain
- 14
- 26
- Apr
- Heavy rain
- 14
- 25
- May
- Rain
- 13
- 24
- Jun
- Sunny with Cloud
- 12
- 21
- Jul
- Sunny
- 11
- 21
- Aug
- Sunny
- 11
- 23
- Sep
- Sunny
- 11
- 26
- Oct
- Sunny
- 13
- 26
- Nov
- Rain
- 13
- 26
- Dec
- Sunny with Cloud
- 13
- 28

Rhino viewing in Lewa.
Chance to see Grevy's zebras.
Unusual wildlife activities such as doing rounds with researchers or accompanying trackers on patrol.
See prehistoric site.
Escape to Lamu island for total relaxation.
Swimming, snorkelling, fishing, and more ...

Itinerary

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Duration: 11 days

DAY 1: Arrive Nairobi. You will be met and transferred to the domestic airport for a flight to Nanyuki, just north of Mount Kenya. You will have 4 nights in the Laikipia region. You will be transferred to your classic safari camp in time for lunch then afternoon game viewing.
DAYS 2-4: You have three days for excellent game viewing and other activities based at Lewa Safari camp. Included here are shared day and night drives, most drinks, bush walks and pre-historic site visits and one horse ride or camel ride per booking. You can add extra activities as you wish (pay locally).
DAY 5: After breakfast you will fly back to Wilson Nairobi and connect to Lamu on the far north of Kenya’s coast for 6 nights. This group of Indian Ocean islands is a step back in time with no noise or vehicle pollution –transport is by boat or donkey! Accommodation in romantic rustic chalets on the beach on the end of Lamu island.
DAYS 6-10: Five days on Lamu island to explore or just relax on the beach. You can book excursions and activities direct with the lodge. There is a huge long beach the length of the sea side of the island from Kizingo all the way to Shela town.
DAY 11: Transfer back after lunch by boat to the airport on Manda island and a flight back to Wilson Nairobi. You will be met on arrival and taken to the international airport for overnight flight home

Pricing guidelines for Kenya

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £400 to £800 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). Kenya combines well with Tanzania or Uganda.

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Example tripPrice per person
1 week safari using small good quality lodges or tented campsBetween £2000 and £3000
2 week safari using small good quality lodges or tented campsBetween £4000 and £5000
2 week safari and beach holidayBetween £3000 and £4000
1 week on Lamu IslandFrom about £1500+

Kenya