A visit to Elewana Kifaru House is to plunge into the timeless tranquility of Africa. Located within the world-famous Lewa Conservancy, home to East Africa’s healthiest black and white rhino populations, this bijou property, appropriately takes its name from the Swahili word for rhino.
A haven of luxury in the bush, guests will immediately feel at home on arrival, warmly welcomed by the friendly and attentive staff. The comfortable sitting room with well-stocked bar and elegant dining area extend out to a large, comfortably furnished terrace. Here, guests can enjoy a sunny breakfast al fresco and watch the busy goings-on at the waterhole below, or they can choose to relax by the picturesque infinity pool and enjoy the magnificent views over the distant plains.
The property luxuriates in total exclusivity with five charming thatched cottages tucked away in an oasis of vibrant lawns, filled with birdsong. All have well-appointed bedrooms, with sumptuous four-poster beds and generous en-suite bathrooms.
With an excellent library and log fires in the lounge and dining rooms, guests can truly sink into delicious, cosy comfort during the cool evenings, and luxuriate in the peace and serenity of the African night.
The Conservancy
The conservancy covers 65,000 acres, a vast wilderness. Lewa has dramatic views to the south of snow capped Mt. Kenya, and to the north down to the arid lands of Tassia and Il Ngwesi. It has many diverse habitats from pristine forest, fertile grasslands, extensive springs and acacia woodland.
Registered as a rhino conservancy in 1983, the conservancy is famous for its successful rhino and Grevy zebra breeding, two endangered species; Lewa is home to 10% of Kenya’s rhino, and 20% of the worlds population of Grevy zebra. The whole conservancy is fenced, and the conservancy employs over 150 rangers. The conservancy does extensive outreach work into the surrounding communities with its Community Development Program, including healthcare, education, micro-finance, and water projects – in order to share with the community the benefits of wildlife.
With over 70 recorded mammal species within the conservancy, for guests, the wildlife experience is unrivalled.
CONSERVATION
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy was previously a cattle ranch owned by David and Delia Craig, who together with Ana Mertz and Peter Jenkins, initially set aside 5,000 acres to protect and breed rhinos, whose population had dropped precipitously from 20,000 to less than 300 in the 1970′s.
AFRICA’S ENDANGERED BLACK RHINOS
One of the most intriguing animals on the planet is the black rhinoceros. This distinctive mammal can reach weights of 1400 kg and prefers a solitary existence. The black rhinoceros is in jeopardy of extinction and would certainly have fared much better had hunters and poachers not pursued them for many years.
Elewana Kifaru House Guides
Most of the Elewana Kifaru House guides are from neighbouring communities and all have an intimate understanding and exhaustive knowledge of their own ‘backyard’, which they delight in sharing with their guests.
All Kifaru House guides have been certified Bronze or Silver level by the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association, and they are all passionate about their land and the wildlife that they share it with. As well as the botany, palaeontology and history of Lewa, they also have an intimate knowledge of the individual rhino, cheetah and lion families that have made the Conservancy their home range.
The walking guides are trained armed rangers from the Conservancy.
Activities
GAME DRIVES
The current fleet of game drive vehicles at Elewana Kifaru House are 4×4 open-sided Land Rovers. They are custom-designed for comfort, optimum game viewing and photography. With open sides the three rows of seats are equipped with camera stands and charging sockets.
Game drives are shared by guests, but exclusive use of a game drive vehicle can be arranged at an extra charge.
There are strict limits on the number of tourists allowed in the Conservancy at one time, which allows guests to enjoy an almost private game viewing experience. Within the protected area the wildlife is abundant and game viewing is outstanding. With one of the biggest rhino populations in Kenya, the Big 5, the rare Grevy’s zebra and plentiful sightings of lion, cheetah and all the plains game set against the magnificent backdrop of snow-capped Mt. Kenya, a game drive from Kifaru House is one of the most spectacular in Kenya.
GUIDED WALKS
For the more adventurous, exploring the Conservancy’s diversity on foot is also an option. Accompanied by trained Samburu rangers with a sweeping knowledge of the local flora and fauna, tracks, micro-ecosystems, history and culture of the area, as well as a hands-on knowledge of rhino conservation, a bush walk from Kifaro House is an informative as well as exhilarating experience.
NGARE NDARE FOREST
Another chance to leave the car behind is to visit Ngare Ndare Forest Conservancy for the day. Located south of Lewa guests can experience the rich diversity of this beautiful montane forest at eye-level with the monkeys and dozens of bird species high up on the Canopy Walk. Guests will have a sumptuous picnic by the river where they can relax and play. There are usually elephants in the forest, so guests will be escorted by a Lewa Guide.
There is an extra cost to visit Ngare Ndare Forest only to cover the separate Conservation Fee.
HORSE OR CAMEL RIDING
And for those who like to expend less energy and enjoy a loftier view getting closer to the game, horseback or camel walks are also available.
Elewana Kifaru House offers evening horse rides where guests can get up close to the plains game as they graze, indifferent and untroubled by the presence of other four-legged creatures. Although Kifaru horses are well-schooled and completely at home in the bush, riding is for experienced riders only and subject to availability. There is an additional charge and riders will be requested to fill out a questionnaire to ascertain their competency.
Elewana Kifaru House also offers evening camel rides for those without riding skills. Led by experienced Samburu handlers, camel riders can enjoy a scenic walk through the wilderness and experience the gentle, rolling pace of the traditional Samburu transport.
Camel riding is subject to availability and there is an additional charge.
SWIMMING POOL
Elewana Kifaru House guests can relax by the picturesque, infinity swimming pool that looks out over the vast grasslands below teeming with wildlife and the spectacular snow-capped Mount Kenya. Sunbeds and a shaded lounge area make it a perfect place to read and relax during the day.
BUSH BREAKFAST AND SUNDOWNERS
Few places have such dramatic sunrises as Africa. From Kifaru House guests can watch the splendid dawn break and enjoy a hearty breakfast al fresco, in the middle of the plains, surrounded by wildlife. Feel part of the wilderness with the spectacular views, the scents, the colours and the pageant of wildlife all around.
“Sundowners” are a safari tradition – after a day in the wilderness stop and watch the huge red equatorial sun sink below the horizon and savour the moments with a gin and tonic or glass of champagne.
CULTURAL VILLAGE VISITS
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy borders the Samburu communities of Tassia and Il Ngwesi in the arid lowlands of the north, and many of the Conservancy and Lodge staff are recruited from this area. Elewana Kifaru House offers visits to neighbouring local Samburu homesteads (manyattas). For an additional fee the Samburu families will be delighted to show you round their traditional homes, built by the women from cattle dung and grass, and share their way of life with you and sell their traditional handicrafts.
CONSERVANCY VISITS
For a small donation to the Lewa Education Programme guests can visit the local schools during term time. They can also have a tour of
the Conservancy offices and participate in Conservation work such as the training of the anti-poaching tracker dogs.
HONEYMOONS
The wilderness, the luxury and the closeness with nature make a safari with Elewana the most romantic of holidays. Watching the crimson sun rise over a landscape unchanged since the beginning of time, driving amongst wild game, watching the sun sink on the equator at sundown, indulging in romantic al fresco dining under the immense African skies drowning in stars. It has to be shared. And who better to share it with than the love of your life?
The beautiful setting at Elewana Kifaru House is ideal for that very special romantic holiday and we often have special offers and upgrades for honeymooners.
WEDDINGS
In the magical, private grounds of Elewana Kifaru House we have hosted many beautiful weddings, blessings and renewals of vows for our guests. From small simple ceremonies involving merely a glass of Champagne at the end of a game drive, to elaborate three-day events. Options include legal marriages conducted by the local commissioner or religious minister, or a Blessing by the chief of the local tribal community.
Whatever your preference, Kifaru House will create an unforgettable occasion and memories that you can cherish forever.
Discuss your ideas with your travel agent, or contact us for more information.
Accommodation
Five charming thatched cottages, all with well-appointed bedrooms, sumptuous four-poster beds and generous en-suite bathrooms, the property luxuriates in total exclusivity. The cottages are surrounded by an oasis of vibrant lawns filled with birdsong and spectacular views of the plains below.
The first cottage has two bedrooms – one double and one twin – both en suite, making it ideal for a family booking. The rooms have their own entrance and are not interconnecting.
The remaining four cottages all have individual bedrooms with a king bed and en suite bathroom with shower, toilet and twin wash basins. One cottage has a beautiful Victorian-style bath and outside shower, which is enclosed by natural reed thatching for privacy, but open to the spectacular African skies.
Rates & Seasons 2023
| ALL RATES ARE PER ROOM IN U.S. DOLLARS AND INCLUDE SERVICE CHARGE AND VAT. | 1ST JUL – 31ST OCT 20TH DEC – 3RD JAN 2023 | 4TH JAN – 31ST MAR 1ST JUN – 30TH JUN 1ST NOV – 19TH DEC | 1ST APRIL – 31ST MAY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROOM | HIGH SEASON | MID SEASON | GREEN SEASON | |
| Cottage Game Package | Double / Twin | 2,016 | 1,664 | 1,266 |
| Single | 1,513 | 1,248 | 950 | |
| Triple | 2,269 | 1,873 | 1,425 | |
| Family Cottage | 2,775 | 2,288 | 1,743 | |
Game Package (GP) Includes:
- Accommodation, all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), soft drinks, beer, house wines and selected spirits, teas, coffees and refreshments (on the property), and laundry services. Scheduled and shared game drives, activities including guided walking safari,Ngara Ndare forest visit, sundowners, bush breakfast, transfers to and from our designated airstrips.The game package excludes champagne, private cellar wines and premium spirits.
Vehicle Code of Conduct:
- Only 4×4 vehicles with shades of green or brown in colour are permitted in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Saloon vehicles and mini-buses are prohibited, and drivers will be required to sign the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Code of Conduct.
| APPLICABLE FEES, LEVIES AND/OR TAXES TO BE ADDED | ADULT RATE | CHILD RATE |
|---|---|---|
| (Mandatory and Non-Commissionable, Per Person, Per Night) | ||
| Conservancy Fee | 134 | 67 |
| MAXIMUM ROOM OCCUPANCY | NUMBER OF GUESTS |
|---|---|
| Cottage | 3 Guests |
| Family Tent | 5 Guests (3 Adults + 2 Children) |
| ACTIVITIES, EXCURSIONS AND EXTRAS (PER PERSON, NET RATES) | ADULT RATE | CHILD RATE (<18) |
|---|---|---|
| Shared, Scheduled Game Drives (Included in Game Package Rates) | 105 | 105 |
| Guided Walking Safari, 2 hrs (Included in Game Package, Min 2 Guests) | 84 | 84 |
| Ngare Ndare Forest (When min 4 Guests Included in Game Package) | 70 | 70 |
| Sundowners (Included in Game Package, Min 2 Guests) | 68 | 42 |
| Bush Breakfast (Included in Game Package, Min 2 Guests) | 68 | 42 |
| Exclusive use of a Safari Vehicle with Driver Guide | 440 | |
| Guided Walking Safaris, 4 hrs (Min. 2 Guests) | 105 | 105 |
| Horse Riding within the Conservancy | 100 | 100 |
| Night Game Drive, 2 hrs (Min. 2 guests) | 95 | 95 |
| Camel Riding within the Conservancy | 80 | 80 |
| Visit to Il Ngwesi cultural boma min – 2 pax (children under 10) | 53 | 37 |
| Extra Lunch at Property | 47 | 42 |
| Picnic Lunch Box | 32 | 32 |
| Minimum age for guided walking safari is 16 years | ||
Getting there
Lewa Main Airstrip is a 45 Minute flight from Wilson Airport, and a 15 minute drive from camp
- Once daily scheduled Air Kenya flight departing Nairobi Wilson
- Once daily scheduled Safarilink flight departing Nairobi Wilson
- Private Charters from anywhere
- Note – Lewa Conservancy has very strict vehicle rules and only authorized 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)
LODGE & AIRSTRIP COORDINATES
- Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Airstrip coordinates: N0° 11’ 51” E37° 27’ 51”
- Lodge coordinates: 0°13’21.9”N 37°27’53.4”E
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy covers 65,000 acres of pristine African wilderness. With dramatic views of snow-capped Mt Kenya to the south, and the arid lands of Tassia and Il Ngwesi to the north, Lewa showcases a range of wild habitats from highland forests, wide open grasslands, melt-water mountain springs and acacia woodland and supports over 440 bird species. More than 70 different animal species roam the vast grasslands at the foot of Mt Kenya.
The Conservancy
The conservancy covers 65,000 acres, a vast wilderness. Lewa has dramatic views to the south of snow capped Mt. Kenya, and to the north down to the arid lands of Tassia and Il Ngwesi. It has many diverse habitats from pristine forest, fertile grasslands, extensive springs and acacia woodland.
Registered as a rhino conservancy in 1983, the conservancy is famous for its successful rhino and Grevy zebra breeding, two endangered species; Lewa is home to 10% of Kenya’s rhino, and 20% of the worlds population of Grevy zebra. The whole conservancy is fenced, and the conservancy employs over 150 rangers. The conservancy does extensive outreach work into the surrounding communities with its Community Development Program, including healthcare, education, micro-finance, and water projects – in order to share with the community the benefits of wildlife.
With over 70 recorded mammal species within the conservancy, for guests, the wildlife experience is unrivalled.
CONSERVATION
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy was previously a cattle ranch owned by David and Delia Craig, who together with Ana Mertz and Peter Jenkins, initially set aside 5,000 acres to protect and breed rhinos, whose population had dropped precipitously from 20,000 to less than 300 in the 1970′s.
AFRICA’S ENDANGERED BLACK RHINOS
One of the most intriguing animals on the planet is the black rhinoceros. This distinctive mammal can reach weights of 1400 kg and prefers a solitary existence. The black rhinoceros is in jeopardy of extinction and would certainly have fared much better had hunters and poachers not pursued them for many years.
