Destinations Near Fortunas Resort

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most successful private conservancies in Africa.

approximately 70 km from Fortunas1.5 to 2 hourBest: June to October & January to March

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Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Overview

About Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is a 62,000-acre private sanctuary on the foothills of Mount Kenya that pioneered the modern community-conservancy model in East Africa. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (as part of the Mount Kenya World Heritage extension) in 2013, Lewa shelters 13% of Kenya’s eastern black rhino and the world’s largest single population of the endangered Grevy’s zebra.

For guests at Fortunas Resort, Lewa offers an exclusive alternative to a national-park safari: low vehicle density, off-road game viewing, guided walking safaris, horse and camel rides, and the option of a helicopter scenic flight over Mount Kenya. It is one of the most rewarding day trips you can take from our Meru base.

History & Heritage

The Story of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Lewa began in 1983 as the Ngare Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary, a 5,000-acre fenced area on the Craig family’s cattle ranch created to protect black rhinos from poaching. As the rhino population grew, the entire ranch was converted into a wildlife conservancy in 1995.

Today Lewa runs schools, clinics, water projects and bursary programmes for surrounding communities, funded by tourism and the annual Lewa Safari Marathon — one of the world’s only marathons run through a live wildlife conservancy.

Experiences

Things To Do

Rhino Tracking on Foot

Guided walks with armed conservancy rangers track black and white rhino at close quarters — a rare experience available only on private conservancies.

Game Drives

Open 4x4 game drives with off-road permission allow exceptional photography. Sightings include rhino, lion, elephant, Grevy's zebra and reticulated giraffe.

Horseback & Camel Safaris

Approach wildlife silently across the plains — an unforgettable way to experience the conservancy.

Visit the Anti-Poaching Headquarters

Tour the Lewa Joint Operations Centre to see how technology, K9 units and community partnerships keep rhinos safe.

Mount Kenya Views & Scenic Flights

Helicopter and light-aircraft scenic flights from Lewa's airstrip offer dramatic views of Mount Kenya's peaks.

Wildlife & Attractions

What You'll See

Black & White Rhino

Around 200 rhinos live on Lewa, one of the densest populations in Africa.

Grevy's Zebra

Lewa hosts roughly 14% of the world's remaining Grevy's zebra — the largest, rarest zebra species.

Big Cats & Wild Dog

Lion, leopard, cheetah and reintroduced African wild dog all roam the conservancy.

When To Go

Best Time to Visit

June to October & January to March offers the most rewarding conditions at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Plan around Kenya’s two dry seasons — late June through October and January through February — when wildlife congregates around water sources and trails stay accessible.

Getting There

Distance & Travel from Fortunas Resort

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy lies just approximately 70 km from Fortunas Resort — a 1.5 to 2 hour drive through Meru’s scenic countryside. Our concierge team arranges private transfers, guided day trips and multi-day safari itineraries that start and end at the lodge.

Gallery

Scenes from Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Location

Find Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Your Base Camp

Why Stay at Fortunas Resort

Many premium Lewa lodges sit inside the conservancy at premium prices. Fortunas Resort offers an equally elegant alternative just outside the conservancy with day-access packages — luxury accommodation without the conservancy lodge price tag.

Our concierge arranges Lewa day permits, guide bookings, picnic lunches and horse-safari reservations before you arrive.

Browse rooms and suites — alpine views and premium comfort.

Explore our dining — farm-fresh menus drawn from Meru’s highlands.

Conference & events — purpose-built halls for groups visiting the region.

Talk to our concierge — custom safari and day-trip planning.

Stay With Us

Make Fortunas Resort your base

Reserve a suite at our Meru retreat and explore Kenya’s most diverse travel corridor — wildlife, mountain, waterfalls and farm country, all within reach.

Official Website

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Verified source for permits, fees and conservation updates.

Visit official site

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