Perched on a hilltop in Kenya's celebrated Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Elewana Kifaru House welcomes guests into a world where luxury meets purpose. This intimate retreat, whose name aptly comes from the Swahili word for rhino, is one of only two properties owned by the Conservancy itself. With just five charming cottages set in vibrant gardens, Kifaru House offers a rare blend of exclusivity and authenticity. Here, morning coffee comes with panoramic views, afternoons bring wildlife sightings from your private veranda, and evenings end with starlit conversations. Every stay directly supports Lewa's groundbreaking conservation work and community initiatives, making this more than just a beautiful place to rest—it's conservation in action.
Awarded: Bronze
Location
Elewana Kifaru House occupies a prominent hilltop position within the 65,000-acre Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in northern Kenya. The elevated setting provides commanding views across the conservancy’s diverse terrain, with Mount Kenya visible to the south on clear days.
This strategic position allows for convenient access to varied wildlife habitats within the conservancy, including open grasslands, acacia woodland, and riverine areas. A waterhole located below the main building attracts regular wildlife visitors, enhancing game viewing opportunities directly from the property. The lodge’s position on high ground offers natural cooling breezes and optimal vantage points for landscape photography. Several well-maintained game drive routes radiate from the lodge, connecting to Lewa’s broader network of conservation areas and neighboring community lands.
Rooms
Elewana Kifaru House features five standalone thatched cottages distributed throughout the property’s landscaped gardens. Each cottage is constructed using local materials, with stone walls and high thatched roofs designed to maintain comfortable temperatures. The interiors feature polished wooden floors and handcrafted furniture, including four-poster king-sized beds fitted with fine linens and mosquito netting.
The spacious en-suite bathrooms include sunken showers, double wash basins, and flush toilets, with hot water provided through the property’s solar heating system. Large windows capture natural light and frame views of the surrounding landscape, while private verandas extend the living space outdoors. The cottages are positioned to maximize privacy and outlook, with garden pathways connecting them to the main facilities. Each unit includes storage space for luggage and clothing, bedside reading lights, and seating areas both inside and on the veranda.
Communal Areas
The main building serves as the central gathering space, constructed from locally sourced stone with a high thatched roof and open sides to capture prevailing breezes. Inside, guests will find a comfortable lounge furnished with sofas and armchairs arranged around a central stone fireplace, a well-stocked bar, and a dining area featuring a large wooden table. A spacious terrace extends from the main building, providing an ideal setting for al fresco dining and relaxation with views of the waterhole and the broader conservancy.
Additional amenities include an infinity swimming pool set within a separate area, accompanied by sunbeds and a shaded pavilion for respite from the midday sun. A small library offers a selection of books focusing on East African wildlife and culture, and a curio shop sells local crafts. Pathways illuminated by solar lighting connect all areas of the property, ensuring safe and easy navigation after dark.
Activities
Life at Kifaru House revolves around exceptional wildlife encounters within one of Africa’s premier conservation areas. Morning and afternoon game drives in customised 4×4 vehicles provide guests with the opportunity to explore Lewa’s diverse ecosystems. The conservancy is home to a significant population of black and white rhinos, as well as the Big Five and the rare Grevy’s zebra . Strict visitor limits within the conservancy ensure exclusive and uncrowded wildlife viewing experiences.
For a more immersive perspective, guided bush walks with trained armed rangers offer insights into the finer details of the ecosystem, from tracking techniques to plant identification. Guests can also enjoy bush breakfasts in scenic locations across the conservancy, as well as traditional sundowners at selected spots during sunset.
Additional activities include horse riding for experienced riders and camel rides, both providing alternative wildlife viewing experiences. Horseback safaris are subject to availability and require prior arrangement, while camel rides, led by experienced Samburu handlers, offer a gentle and unique way to explore the landscape .
Cultural visits to local Samburu villages can be arranged, with proceeds supporting Lewa’s community development programs. These visits offer guests an opportunity to learn about traditional lifestyles and the symbiotic relationship between the conservancy and neighbouring communities.
Between activities, guests can unwind on their private verandas, browse the library’s collection of East African literature, or relax by the pool deck. The property seamlessly blends modern comforts with its natural setting, providing a harmonious balance between luxury and wilderness immersion.
Fully inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRY SEASON
Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities. A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in late March.
After the ‘short rains’ wildlife tends to be less concentrated, and the vegetation will be thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier. On the other hand, the colours of the park are a lot more impressive after the rains, and the large volume of insets draw in migratory birds who will be in their full breeding colours.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
DRY SEASON
Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities. A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in late March.
After the ‘short rains’ wildlife tends to be less concentrated, and the vegetation will be thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier. On the other hand, the colours of the park are a lot more impressive after the rains, and the large volume of insets draw in migratory birds who will be in their full breeding colours.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot. On the plus side rates are at their cheapest and visitor numbers to the park are incredibly low, offering a more private safari experience for those who don’t mind taking their chances. Many lodges do however close during this period; please contact for more details.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot. On the plus side rates are at their cheapest and visitor numbers to the park are incredibly low, offering a more private safari experience for those who don’t mind taking their chances. Many lodges do however close during this period; please contact for more details.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot. On the plus side rates are at their cheapest and visitor numbers to the park are incredibly low, offering a more private safari experience for those who don’t mind taking their chances. Many lodges do however close during this period; please contact for more details.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Also, one of the cooler periods, which makes midday temperatures a little more pleasant. The rains earlier in the year should also have cleared a lot of dust in the sky, making the long distant views outstanding.
As the land begins to dry up the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, making it that bit easier to spot!
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Also, one of the cooler periods, which makes midday temperatures a little more pleasant. The rains earlier in the year should also have cleared a lot of dust in the sky, making the long distant views outstanding.
As the land begins to dry up the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, making it that bit easier to spot!
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Temperatures will be on the rise until the ‘short rains’ arrive in October.
As the land continues to dry the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, significantly improving the odds of good sightings. Vegetation will also be much thinner towards the end of the dry season, which will again improve the odds of having some great sightings!
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Temperatures will be on the rise until the ‘short rains’ arrive in October.
As the land continues to dry the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, significantly improving the odds of good sightings. Vegetation will also be much thinner towards the end of the dry season, which will again improve the odds of having some great sightings!
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Temperatures will be on the rise until the ‘short rains’ arrive in October.
As the land continues to dry the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, significantly improving the odds of good sightings. Vegetation will also be much thinner towards the end of the dry season, which will again improve the odds of having some great sightings!
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
WET SEASON
A rather unpredictable time of the year with heavy showers or thunderstorms, but usually with sunshine in between. The vegetation will become thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier. Great visibility offering spectacular views of Mt Kenya, during those clearer periods.
Migratory birds will start arriving, offering potentially great bird watching opportunities.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
DRY SEASON
Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities. A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in late March.
After the ‘short rains’ wildlife tends to be less concentrated, and the vegetation will be thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier. On the other hand, the colours of the park are a lot more impressive after the rains, and the large volume of insets draw in migratory birds who will be in their full breeding colours.
After the ‘short rains’ wildlife tends to be less concentrated, and the vegetation will be thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier. On the other hand, the colours of the park are a lot more impressive after the rains, and the large volume of insets draw in migratory birds who will be in their full breeding colours.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
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What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
