The Craig family has been entertaining visitors at their home, Lewa Wilderness, for the last 30 years and it shows. Tucked away on a hillside overlooking Lewa's Eastern Marania Valley, each of the cosy cottages, come with their own four poster beds, fire places and verandas from which to enjoy the views.
Given the lodge has grown naturally over the years, there is an eclectic, but welcoming mix of buildings and styles, although there is no denying this is very much a family home, complete with billiard room and library, well suited, therefore for families. In addition to the game drives and very good walking safaris here, there is a tennis court and excellent horse-riding stables on site. The camp does have a small fence to keep out much of the larger wildlife so is particularly good for those with younger children, given there is also no minimum age limit.
Food is prepared by skilled chefs who take full advantage of the site's home-raised livestock and five-acre organic vegetable garden, incorporating these delicious fresh ingredients into every meal, usually served around the large banquet table in the open-sided dining room. For those looking for something a little different, then you can join Will Craig in the open cockpit bi-plane on site for a bird's eye view of this stunning landscape. Guided tours of the Conservancy and Mount Kenya by air can be arranged by special request, as can a five-day walking expedition through Lewa and nearby Il Ngwesi.
Why We Like It.
This is much more a country house homestead than safari lodge and one in which you are welcomed as a friend. Given the huge choice of activities on offer and their inclusive approach to hosting families, this is a great choice for larger groups with younger children or anyone looking for a taste of bygone Africa.