Two adjoining conservancies at the foot of Mount Kenya — Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Borana Conservancy — that dropped the fence between them in 2013 to create the largest contiguous rhino sanctuary in Kenya. Together they hold one of the country’s most important black rhino populations and the world’s largest single population of Grevy’s zebra, alongside horseback and walking safaris across open, rolling plains.
Ratings
Wildlife Density: ★★★★★ Infrastructure: ★★★★☆ Photography: ★★★★★
Adventure: ★★★★★ Exclusivity: ★★★★★ Price: $$$$$ Scenery: ★★★★☆
Key wildlife: Black rhino (over 12% of Kenya’s eastern black rhino population), Grevy’s zebra (world’s largest single population, ~350 individuals), lion, elephant, wild dog, reticulated giraffe, leopard
Best for: Rhino tracking, Grevy’s zebra, horseback and walking safaris, community conservation stories
Best time: June–October; January–February (dry seasons, best sightings)
Guides & articles
Wildlife & Ecology
The two adjoining conservancies protect high-altitude grassland, acacia woodland and Ngare Ndare forest-edge habitat below Mount Kenya. Black and white rhino, Grevy’s zebra, elephant, lion and wild dog are key species, with an open corridor allowing elephant movement northward.
Best Time to Visit
January to March and June to October are the drier periods. The long rains produce green scenery and lower visitor numbers but can make tracks muddy; cool nights are normal because of elevation.
Conservation & Community
Removing the internal fence in 2013 created a contiguous rhino landscape between the two conservancies. Long-term rhino protection, Grevy’s zebra monitoring, and community healthcare and education programmes form the core ongoing work here.
Activities
Walking, horseback riding, mountain biking, behind-the-scenes conservation visits and, at some properties, rhino tracking supplement the standard game drives.
How to Get There
Lewa Downs and Borana have airstrips served by light aircraft from Wilson Airport. Driving from Nairobi takes about four to five hours via Nanyuki, with gravel on the final approach.