Kifaru House

An exclusive-use lodge in a private reserve in Kenya's heartland

This no-expenses-spared hilltop lodge is ideal for large families or small groups looking for top-tier comfort and a well-rounded safari. Bewitching scenery, good game viewing and great service.

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Jonty

Eve

Kristin

4.9 out of 5 stars Average guest rating

About Kifaru House

Kifaru House, a gorgeous sprawl of thatch, windows and light, is an exclusive-use lodge in the heart of the privately owned Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, itself in Kenya's geographical centre. The house takes its name from the Swahili word for rhino, and indeed the reserve is home to both black and white species. All the Big Five are present, along with plentiful other game and some awe-inspiring landscapes and vistas. The house, which combines colonial style with modern comforts, is perched on a hill with 360-degree views. It's the perfect spot for a private safari group of up to 12 guests.

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From $640 person/night

Lodge

6 Rooms

Lewa Downs, Kenya

Elewana Kifaru House Lewa accommodation double cottage 1

Elewana Kifaru House Lewa accommodation swimming pool 3

Elewana Kifaru House Lewa wildlife activities game drive white rhino 1

Elewana Kifaru House Lewa accommodation dining area

Highlights

Mealtimes are special occasions, enhanced by the locations in which they're served – the grand dining room, a pool-side or bush setting, or in the shade of a huge tree in the garden.

The sense of being master of all you survey. Not only do you have the lodge to yourselves, it's likely you'll have every game sighting to yourselves too, making for unhurried, and uninterrupted, wildlife encounters.

Kifaru House lies the northern foothills of Mount Kenya, the second-largest mountain in Africa. So the views are indescribably spectacular. (Note that the house is closed in April and November.)

The property

The circular communal area has a thatched roof, gleaming floor, huge glass windows all around and handsome stone fireplaces at each end. In it is the open-plan lounge/dining room. Comfy sofas hug the edges of the lounge, which opens to a shaded terrace. The dining area's large wooden table (made from an old sailboat) glows with candlelight at night. A heated pool overlooks the plains and mountains, the shaded lapa has daybeds, and the excellent library has internet access.

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The rooms

Lining the ridge of the hill are six super-spacious stone-and-thatch cottages, each designed to feel like a retreat, with its own spectacular view. A net-draped king-sized bed stands at the room's centre, with a day bed in front and handy armchairs to the side. There's a desk to record your memories and a private veranda to take in the views. The en-suite bathroom has all the amenities you'd expect, to the highest standard.

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One more thing...

Kifaru House is like a small luxurious village with the friendliest staff, faultless accommodation, and excellent guides. Lunching with a bull elephant was a treat.

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Activities

Cultural

Night Drives

Horseback riding

Game Drives

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The 30,000-hectare Lewa Conservancy is a shining example of what can be done to reverse the decline in wildlife populations. It's now home to a burgeoning diversity of game (including rhino and a 300-strong population of threatened Grevy's zebra). So whether you're heading out on a drive (day or night), a walk, or a horseback or camel safari, you're bound to see plenty of creatures. Learn about the community development programmes and conservation. Or book a fishing trip, by helicopter!

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Positive impact

Kifaru House is owned by Elewana collection which are rooted in the concept of harmony, as reflected in their Kiswahili-inspired name. Through the Land & Life Foundation, Elewana is dedicated to fostering the sustainable coexistence between communities and wildlife across East Africa. Shanga, an initiative under the foundation, empowers individuals with disabilities through artistic expression and economic opportunities, epitomising Elewana's commitment to authentic experiences and positive impact.

About Lewa Downs

Lewa Downs

The original wildlife sanctuary home to pioneering conservation projects and top-notch game viewing.

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Wildlife in Lewa Downs

Elephant

Occasional

Giraffe

Occasional

Hippo

Occasional

Black Rhino

Occasional

White Rhino

Occasional

Lion

Occasional

Cheetah

Rare

Leopard

Occasional

Hyena

Occasional

Wildebeest

None

Buffalo

Occasional

Zebra

Occasional

Warthog

Occasional

Wild Dog

Rare

Meerkat

None

Show all wildlife

Lewa Downs is a small but diverse region with high densities of wildlife spread across a selection of habitats including grassland savannah, wetland and forest. Encounter impressive numbers of both black and white rhino, lions, leopard and cheetah as well as elephants, buffalo and if you are lucky, a pack of wild dogs that frequents the area. Birding is a welcomed colourful bonus with over 400 different species to keep you entertained between sightings.

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