Lewa Wilderness

Lewa Wilderness occupies a hillside inside Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya, looking out over a broad valley. Nine thatched cottages spread across the slope: hillside rooms take the northerly views, garden cottages sit closer to the main areas and suit families, and the two-bedroom hillside cottage has its own plunge pool. A separate unit, Private Wilderness, occupies five cottages along the Eastern Marania River. Every room has an en-suite bathroom, fireplace, sitting area, and veranda. The Craig family — Will and Emma Craig still live on the property — have run the camp since 1972.

The kitchen draws on a five-acre organic garden, home-raised livestock, and natural springs on the property. Lunch at the farm, under the mango trees, is a listed activity in its own right.

Game drives cross the conservancy in open vehicles. Both black and white rhino are here — rare in most of East Africa — alongside Grevy's zebra and the full range of large predators. Walking safaris go out with Maasai guides who have lived on the conservancy their whole lives. The stables hold more than thirty horses and take mixed-ability groups. Camel safaris range from a short bush ride to a two-night trek. Scenic flights leave from the lodge in a Cessna 206, reaching Reteti Elephant Orphanage or the Ewaso Ng'iro River. The Ngare Ndare Forest, a full day's trip away, has a canopy walk and waterfalls where you can swim.