Kifaru derives its name from the Kiswahili word for rhinoceros. Since its establishment in 1983, Lewa Conservancy and its team of 150 well-equipped rangers have diligently safeguarded Lewa’s thriving rhino population, now numbering 169—about 10% of Kenya’s total. The conservancy is also home to 69 other mammal species, including around 20% of the world’s Grevy’s zebras, the largest and most striking members of the equid family, making Lewa a true sanctuary for wildlife lovers. Enriching the experience further is the Craig family, whose generations of dedication founded the conservancy and shaped the warm, intimate, and authentic African character of Kifaru House.
Laikipia Plateau
10
5
En-suite bathrooms
Not allowed
Non-Smocking Rooms
Kifaru features five charming thatched cottages designed in a style of simple, comfortable luxury. One cottage offers two bedrooms and is well suited for families, while all cottages include modern amenities, king-sized four-poster beds, en-suite bathrooms with double basins, a cozy sitting area, and a private veranda with beautiful views of Mount Kenya.
The main house provides shared dining and lounge areas, a fully stocked bar, fireplaces, and quiet spaces for relaxation. Guests may also enjoy access to the library, heated infinity pool with seating and dining areas, and a massage room with shower facilities.
Guests visit Kifaru primarily for its exceptional wildlife viewing. Guided game drives with a Safari Director descend from the lodge’s hilltop into a rich variety of landscapes, including highland forests, freshwater groves, and open acacia-dotted plains. The conservancy is home to the Big Five, over 440 bird species, graceful Grevy’s zebras, and its renowned rhino population—offering rare opportunities to observe these remarkable animals up close in their natural environment.
Lewa Conservancy and Kifaru also work closely with the local community through development programs that support healthcare, education, water access, and small businesses. Guests may have the opportunity to visit local schools or community projects, adding a meaningful cultural dimension to their safari experience.
The allure of Lewa Wilderness lies in its curated tapestry of experiences. Situated on the vanguard of one of Kenya’s most prestigious private conservancies, this storied estate offers a soulful, “home-away-from-home” intimacy that is increasingly elusive in the modern world.
Upon arrival, the atmosphere shifts to the warmth of a private manor. With only nine exclusive sanctuaries, privacy is paramount. Six thatched cottages are artfully tucked into the hillside overlooking the Eastern Marania Valley, while three expansive garden suites sit nestled within emerald lawns—each a masterclass in understated opulence.
We invite you to explore the wild through a sophisticated lens. Journey via silent electric safari vehicles, take to the skies in our iconic vintage bi-plane, or enjoy the raw romance of horseback safaris and fly-camping. Every moment is an invitation to connect with the earth in its most pristine state.
A stay here is as purposeful as it is luxurious, directly sustaining the pioneering conservation and community programs of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. This is a sanctuary with a profound heart—where guests arrive as travelers and depart as part of an enduring legacy.
The main house at Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy, once the private residence of the renowned Wildenstein family, along with its charming cottages, sits on a rocky hill overlooking the expansive Laikipia Plateau in central Kenya. The conservancy offers a rare combination of refined comfort and exceptional privacy, set within a vast wildlife-rich environment with very few visitors, allowing for an exclusive safari experience.
Once the private home of Italian nobleman Count Ancilotto, Loisaba blends historic charm with refined rustic luxury. The tented camp offers twelve spacious tents featuring floor-to-ceiling doors and windows, polished wooden floors, and elegant Africana décor with subtle European influences.
Among its most unique experiences are the famous star beds—beautiful four-poster beds set on raised wooden platforms beneath thatched roofs. These can be rolled onto private decks, allowing guests to sleep under Kenya’s vast, star-filled skies. Each retreat is privately positioned in the wilderness and includes dedicated staff, open-air dining, a full bathroom, and sweeping views across 60,000 acres of wildlife-rich landscape.
Through its partnerships with The Nature Conservancy and Space for Giants, Loisaba also plays an important role in protecting elephants, lions, wild dogs, and many other iconic species.
