Safari Reports
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya
June, 2009
By Carol Oken
I arrived at the Lewa Downs Airstrip on June 27, the day of the 10th annual Lewa Marathon. There are close to one thousand participants from around the world who come to run on dirt roads through this wildlife conservancy. Standing with the cheering crowds at the finish line I actually met some Americans who had come to run this grueling course and support the community conservation projects in this area.
This 62,000 acres of rolling hills in the Rift Valley has become the model for successful wildlife conservation in Kenya. And the key is community involvement. Lewa Downs operated as a cattle ranch by the Craig family since the 1920s. They always encouraged resident wildlife to co-exist on the ranch, and began to host visitors in the early 1970s. The family turned their entire ranch into a wildlife conservancy in 1995. 
Today the Lewa Conservancy has 50 indigenous black rhino, 38 white rhino, almost 25 percent of the world’s threatened Grevy’s zebra, as well as elephant, lion, leopard and 60 other mammal species native to East Africa. Community-based initiatives are improving the livelihoods of the local people and protecting wildlife. Tourism is bringing in more revenue because the game viewing is outstanding. And with a limited number of camps and lodges, it feels like you’re in on a secret.
The accommodations at Lewa Wilderness were heavenly. Spacious cottages with incredible views and all the comforts you could ask for. Hosts, William and Emma Craig welcome you to their home and share meals with their guests. There are a variety of activities offered here including horseback, camel and guided walking safaris. I loved how close you can get to zebras and giraffes when you’re on horseback!
For those who want to travel back in time and relive the 
romance of early African aviation -- Denys Finch-Hatton and Karen Blixen style -- Will Craig will take you for a scenic flight in his 1930’s model open cockpit biplane! And visiting the community projects like the rug weavers, furniture artisans, organic farm and local schools gives guests a first-hand look at the innovative partnerships between Lewa Conservancy and the local people.
-Carol Oken
