Lewa House

A Gaudi-esque boutique lodge in the wilderness of Kenya's Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

The lodge may be postcard-worthy, but the wildlife is the true focus at Lewa. Stay in an Earth Pod, with astonishing views from its low-browed thatched roof.

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Jonty

Eve

Kristin

4.9 out of 5 stars Average guest rating

About Lewa House

Tucked among thorn trees, Lewa rises from its hillside setting with a distinctly organic style. Thatched and intriguing, the main area is outdone in the quaintness stakes by its cocoon-like cottages—aptly called Earth Pods. The lodge lies at the very heart of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. The main building, once a private home, is set on a hill, so the views across the landscape are uninterrupted – southwards to Mt Kenya and, to the north, the rugged Mathews Range and the sacred mountain of Ol Olokwe. Lewa has some of the best game viewing in East Africa.

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From $1,190 person/night

Lodge

10 Rooms

Lewa Downs, Kenya

What you'll love

Sipping wild mint margaritas on the veranda before dinner under the stars, with the night sounds of the Kenyan bush to accompany you.

Insiders tip

One of the rooms is particularly close to the waterhole with its troops of baboons and processions of wildlife ambling down for a drink. Book it now.

Something to think about

While there's a lot of privacy for guests throughout the camp, Lewa House also has a family-friendly approach so it may not suit everyone, especially if you're looking for some peace and quiet.

The property

The thatched main house has a comfortable lounge, warmed at night by a roaring fire. The dining area, with its large table, is considered the heart of the house, where guests share their sightings and a friendly genet occasionally visits for a treat. The menu combines European dishes with Kenyan, Indian and Asian cuisine – and very successfully too. Have breakfast or lunch in the garden, relax on the veranda or in the pool overlooking a waterhole. Wi-fi is available.

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The rooms

There are three cottage-style rooms, part of the original house, spread out on the hillside. Each has two en-suite rooms, a veranda and beautiful hardwood furniture, and is perfect for families. There are also four recently added single-room earth pods that were designed by Sophie's father in a distinctly organic, Gaudi-esque style. Ecologically sound, they're also exceptionally comfortable and spacious, with wonderful views. The pods are en suite, with an indoor shower and, in three pods, a sheltered outdoor bath.

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Activities

Cultural

Game Drives

Walking safari

Bush Walks

Show all activities

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has some of the best game viewing in East Africa, with 350 bird species and 70 mammal species, including the Big Five (you'll find 12 per cent of Kenya’s black rhino and 20 per cent of the world's Grevy's zebra here). Look out for specialised northern species: reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk and Beisa oryx. Take a guided drive or hike to a waterfall, explore on horseback, interact with the poacher-detecting bloodhounds or visit the local communities.

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Reviews

Guest

a year ago

A stunning location in Northern Kenya with stunning views of Mt Kenya and awesome game drives. Much quieter than the Mara and the hosts certainly made you feel at home.

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5 out of 5 stars

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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