This is a 60,000 acre conservancy which began as a cattle ranch owned by the Craig family early from in the century. In about 1983 about 10,000 acres were turned into a rhino sanctuary, and then in 1993 the whole ranch became a wildlife conservancy.
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. Sitatunga, an aquatic antelope, is the other quite unusual species to be found here, and they are very rare in Kenya. In all, there are about 70 mammal species and 350 bird species, making it a very rich wildlife area.
The conservancy also includes the guardianship of the adjoining Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve.
Lewa also has important archaeological sites, including a 1 million year old hand axe site and pastoral cave.
The other very important aspect to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is the local people. Lewa's amibition is not only to conserve the environment but also to act as a stimulus to development and economic growth in the local area. Part of this includes an active social development programme which backs water schemes, clinics and schools. Lewa helped set up and still backs Il Ngwesi Lodge, and was also instrumental in setting up the Namunyak Wildlife Conservation Trust (which includes Sarara Camp).
Lewa is run as a non profit-making organisation with a board of directors.
