Elewana Kifaru House: A Premier Choice
In a world of mass tourism, Elewana Kifaru House remains a bastion of “slow travel.” It rewards the guest who wants to sit by the heated infinity pool and watch an elephant herd congregate at the waterhole below. It caters to the traveler who values the quiet rustle of the wind through the fynbos over the noise of a crowded resort. By blending high-end hospitality with rigorous conservation ethics, Elewana Kifaru House provides a meaningful safari that stays with you long after you have left the African plains.
Whether you are a seasoned safari enthusiast or a first-time visitor to Kenya, the combination of luxury, privacy, and purposeful travel makes this property a standout destination in the Laikipia region. It is, quite simply, a place where you can witness the successful rebirth of a wild ecosystem while enjoying the very best of Kenyan hospitality.
Quick Facts: Elewana Kifaru House at a Glance
Category | Details |
Location | Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Laikipia Plateau, Kenya |
Accommodation | 5 luxurious thatched cottages (Sleeps up to 12 guests) |
Sustainability | Gold Eco-rated; solar power, plastic-free, and community-centric |
Primary Wildlife | Black and White Rhino, Grevy’s Zebra, the Big Five |
Unique Feature | Exclusive heated infinity pool with Mount Kenya views |
Activities | Game drives (day/night), camel trekking, and Ngare Ndare Forest visits |
Bespoke Accommodation and Intimate Luxury
Exclusivity is the hallmark of the guest experience here. The property consists of just five charming thatched cottages, constructed from local stone and timber to blend seamlessly into the environment. Each cottage is a sanctuary of comfort, featuring:
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Four-Poster Beds: Draped in mosquito netting for a classic safari aesthetic.
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En-suite Bathrooms: Spacious layouts with twin washbasins and hot showers.
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Private Verandas: Perfect for early morning coffee while watching the mist rise off the plains.
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Family-Friendly Layout: One cottage is specifically designed for families, offering two separate bedrooms to ensure privacy for both parents and children.
The main house acts as the social hub, with a cozy library, a well-stocked bar, and log fires that crackle during the cool Laikipia evenings. Whether you are dining al fresco on the terrace or sharing stories around the dinner table, the atmosphere is that of an elegant home rather than a commercial hotel.
Commitment to Sustainability and Conservation
One of the most compelling facts about Elewana Kifaru House is its deep-rooted commitment to the land. As a Gold Eco-rated lodge, the property operates with a “leave no trace” philosophy.
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Renewable Energy: The lodge utilizes state-of-the-art solar power systems.
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Zero-Plastic Initiative: Guests are provided with reusable aluminum bottles, and plastic straws have been entirely eliminated.
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Community Impact: Over 50% of the staff are recruited from the neighboring Samburu and Maasai communities. By staying here, guests directly contribute to Lewa’s community programs, which fund local schools, healthcare clinics, and water projects.
Unrivaled Wildlife Encounters
The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is legendary for being a safe haven for endangered species. It currently hosts approximately 10% of Kenya’s black rhino population and a significant portion of the world’s remaining Grevy’s zebras. While staying at Elewana Kifaru House, sightings of the “Big Five”—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—are remarkably frequent. The conservancy is also home to “Northern Specialists” like the reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, and the long-necked gerenuk. Because the guides are often from the local area, they possess an intimate knowledge of the individual animal families, often identifying lions and rhinos by name.
Unique Features and Adventure Activities
The experience at Elewana Kifaru House extends far beyond traditional game drives. Guests can immerse themselves in the landscape through a variety of unique activities:
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Guided Bush Walks: Step out of the vehicle and explore the finer details of the bush with armed Samburu rangers. Learn about tracking, medicinal plants, and the intricate micro-ecosystems of the savannah.
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Camel and Horse Riding: For a loftier and quieter view of the plains, guests can embark on evening rides. This allows you to get incredibly close to plains game like zebras and impalas, who view the horses as fellow herbivores rather than threats.
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Ngare Ndare Forest Day Trips: A short drive away lies the Ngare Ndare Forest, where guests can walk across a 200-meter canopy bridge suspended 10 meters above the ground and swim in the crystal-clear azure pools of the forest waterfalls.
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Conservation HQ Visits: Guests have the rare opportunity to visit the Lewa headquarters to see the anti-poaching tracker dogs in action and learn about the high-tech operations required to protect Kenya’s rhinos.
