Guest reviews Lewa Safari Camp

by fernwehmilten

Great camp, gorgeous park, awesome staff

Lovely responsive staff to us (couple with toddler) super meals even on our restricted diets, gorgeous park, great tents. Easy to access the wildlife all around and very few cars there. Patrick, Charles and Wilson did an amazing job hosting our foreign family members with some big demands, without batting an eye. The only point i would make on the negative is that it is a 15 tent camp so also for bigger groups and potentially as a result the common areas are a little unimaginative compared to smaller or more luxury camps but the beautiful grounds, swimming pool and price quality balance easily makes up for it.

by MaxBeckett London, United Kingdom

Faultless

I don’t recall when I last thought a trip was faultless, this one has really been as close as one can get and Moses and his team deserve great praise for that. From the moment we arrived at the airstrip at Lewa Downs to leaving 3 nights later every moment was well prepared and filled with a new welcome surprise. It has been an experience I shall always remember. The guide who picked us up was waiting as the plane landed with a big smile. He was called George, and he stayed with us for the whole trip. His knowledge and experience and ability to spot what was going to happen 30mins before it actually happened was nearly as mind blowing as his eyesight. The drive to the lodge is a game drive in reality. In 3 nights we saw all the big 5, some with babies in what was a wonderfully beautiful setting. We arrived to the manager and his team welcoming us, and we’re taken for a cold home made ginger beer in the reception and a small guide of the facilities and met Royford who would take care of us during our stay. He learned how I liked my coffee, and admitted he couldn’t make a good mojoto which is ok as Boone can do everything! 3 nights isn’t enough if you want to relax and read between doing things, but it’s ok if you just want to get out and do things. In retrospect I could have spent a week. We learned about The Black Rhino and the Grevy Zebra - not aware that certain zebra are endangered. We rode horses on the plains alongside the endangered zebra as well as giraffe and antelope. We swam in the glacial waters of Mount Kenya that ran underground into Ngare Ndare Forest - a beautiful forest of some 52kms with olives, fig, cedar and wild honey (as well as the big 5) and a complete contrast to the downs but yet so close.....we had to clear some paths of felled trees for the landcruiser to pass that added to the adventure - although the ranger was capable to do himself.....we took a picnic in the forest and saw a large bull elephant pass close by, the ranger with us carefully watching his movements. Back at the lodge the tent was always immaculate and always prepared for our comings and going’s and my laundry usage. The food was excellent and the chef went out of his way to manage the dietary requirements - we are now sharing recipes! Each night we returned from dinner to find a little fact card / quote - one of which will always ring true to anyone that has spent time in Africa, from R Mullin : The only man I envy is the man that has not been to Africa yet, as he has so much to look forward to...

by 5shitalc Nairobi, Kenya

Terrible food and beverage service

Very disappointed with the service in food and beverage area. It took too long for the food to arrive and when we asked for something extra it never arrived. The last morning we were delayed as they couldn’t finish our order and we never got our tea that morning! The staff seemed racist towards us as we’re brown skinned and other guests would get the food or drinks we had asked for, especially when they’ve arrived for their meals after us! The manager was informed about how we hadn’t gotten our morning tea but he didn’t have the courtesy to come there and ask the staff to give us tea! Would not recommend this place to anyone. Very very disappointed!

by NadineB29 Nairobi

Elewana Lewa Safari Camp

A really disappointing stay at Elewana Lewa Safari camp. This trip started on a negative note with the manager hoarding two big groups into the main area to discuss the rules of the camp - Covid 19 social distancing not thought of nor was there the personalised touch that I expect when going to similar lodges. The chef and staff did try to accommodate our food requests but again not up to the standard we expected. The tents were also disappointing - in need of an upgrade. We arranged a walking safari with explicit agreement that it would be in the conservancy with a ranger. They subsequently drove us to the conservancy gate where we picked up the ranger to go walk on a public road outside the conservancy. Even writing this now, I still can’t believe it. Walking safaris should not be advertised if you will have to leave the conservancy and go on a public road! We had also booked a day out to Ngare Ndare but the camp cancelled this the night before due to some drizzle and then lied saying it was cancelled by Ngare Ndare. They also cancelled the morning game drive due to some rain the night before - unheard of!! I have never experienced this and I have travelled all over Kenya and the world. If it was due to any type of danger such as washed out roads etc then I would accept but it was literally a drizzle more than 12 hours before a scheduled game drive. After we escalated these complaints the camp organised a superb bush lunch which was really lovely- such a shame that we had to experience such a dreadful time to get this. The camp can do better and it should for the prices being paid. Despite this trip ending on a high, I will certainly be taking a break from the Elewana brand as they really need to up their game if they still want to charge in the same bracket as their competitors. There are far better options out there.

by 401pattyp Cary, North Carolina

Amazing "Glamping" (Glamor Camping) on Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

I have been visiting Lewa Safari Camp every year for many years. It's my slice of heaven on earth. It's luxury camping with everything you could dream of having. The staff is extraordinary and the game drives are the best anywhere in Kenya. The guides at Lewa are #1 in Kenya & this past trip was my 40th trip to Lewa. All the comforts of home. I felt like a Princess because the staff was so friendly & helpful.