Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Envisioning a Future Where all Kenyans Value, Protect, and Benefit from Wildlife

About the Organization

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (LWC) is a wildlife sanctuary sprawling from the slopes of Mount Kenya towards the northern rangelands of Kenya, in East Africa. The conservancy is part of the UNESCO Mt. Kenya World Heritage Site, a Man & Biosphere Reserve, that has been green listed by the IUCN, and recognized as a Key Biodiversity Area, for excellence in protected area management. Ker & Downey World Travel is proud to partner with LWC’s conservation efforts towards protecting two of Kenya’s endangered species, the black rhino and the Grevy’s zebra. However, all animals within the conservancy, including predators and elephants, are closely monitored to ensure the ecosystem’s success.

For every trip booked to East Africa with Ker & Downey, a portion of the proceeds will go directly to Lewa to support their conservation programs.

History of the Conservancy

In response to the devastating rhino poaching crisis of the 1970s and 80s, renowned conservationist Anna Merz established the Ngare Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary in 1984. What began as a bold effort to protect a species on the brink would, by 1995, evolve into the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a 62,000-acre haven for wildlife. Lewa is now home to 14% of Kenya’s black rhino population and hosts the world’s largest wild population of the endangered Grevy’s zebra. Additionally, Lewa is home to herds of elephants and buffalo, giraffes, lions, cheetahs and over 502 species of birds.

Today, guests can go ‘behind the scenes’ and take part in Lewa's conservation efforts through activities including school visits, meeting the tracking dogs, seeing the elephant underpass, visiting the Conservation Education Center, participating in health outreach events, or meeting the rangers to learn about their sophisticated security systems.

Beyond Conservation

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy views local communities as the primary defense against poaching and ecological threats, extending its efforts beyond wildlife to support these communities. The Conservancy ensures that surrounding communities benefit from conservation efforts through education, sustainable agriculture, water access, healthcare, and women's micro-credit, reflecting Lewa's vision of a future where all Kenyans value, protect, and benefit from wildlife.

To learn more about Lewa Wildlife Conservancy's work in Kenya, please visit their website.