Our take
Private Wilderness is an exclusive-use retreat in Lewa, with five thatched cottages overlooking the Eastern Marania River valley. Independent shared spaces and a pool create a private-home setting for up to ten guests, with the wider conservancy providing the safari backdrop.
The property lies around two kilometres downstream from Lewa Wilderness and operates independently of the main lodge. It carries the Craig family’s hospitality into a smaller, whole-property arrangement, where one group shares the dining and living areas. Open-fronted spaces look into the river valley, making quiet time at the house part of the stay rather than simply a pause between safari outings.
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A closer look at the accommodation, atmosphere and setting.
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Accommodation
Five individual cottages have en-suite bathrooms and can be prepared as doubles or twins, accommodating a maximum of ten guests. Their separate positions allow members of a group their own space, but do not create connecting family rooms. Parents travelling with younger children should consider who shares each cottage rather than assume bedrooms connect through an internal doorway.
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Food & drink
The open dining space is part of the property’s private shared centre, overlooking the valley alongside the living areas. Meals are arranged for the one resident party rather than a larger lodge guest list. Share dietary requirements and preferred mealtimes when planning, especially if several generations want different schedules.
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What to do
Lewa’s safari programme includes drives and guided walks, with horse and camel outings available through the wider Wilderness operation. A stay at Private Wilderness should have its exact activity arrangements agreed for the group. Allow time for the pool and the river-valley outlook as well as outings; optional scenic charter flights require separate arrangements.
Planning your stay
The five separate cottages offer room for a multigenerational party, but each needs an appropriate adult and child allocation. The property’s private shared spaces help a group keep its own pace, while the unfenced setting still requires close supervision of children.
Private Wilderness is a self-contained property, rather than a block of rooms beside the main Lewa Wilderness lodge. One group has the pool and living areas to itself while retaining access to the conservancy experience.
A booking is for exclusive use, with a maximum of ten guests. Specify double or twin preferences and the ages of all travellers. The activity programme should be confirmed specifically for this independent property rather than copied from a standard main-lodge stay.
Compare the alternatives
Explore the accommodation and setting of each property before choosing your combination.
Laikipia
Lewa Wilderness is a family-run lodge with nine cottages in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Garden and hillside accommodation, varied guided activities and produce from its own farm create a relaxed base for exploring one of Kenya’s important rhino conservation landscapes.
Explore the property
Laikipia
Sirikoi House is a three-bedroom exclusive-use home within Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. A private guide, vehicle, chef and heated pool give a small family or group its own safari rhythm, with the option to join Sirikoi’s main dining deck.
Explore the property
Laikipia
Kifaru House is a small hilltop lodge in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, with six bedrooms across five thatched cottages. Lawn gardens, a shared infinity pool and views towards Mount Kenya complement game drives focused on Lewa’s rhinos and varied wildlife.
Explore the propertyMake it part of a journey
Private Wilderness is worth considering when a group wants a shared safari home without a large residence’s formal feel. We would build the Lewa stay around the party’s preferred activities, then combine it with the Mara or a private coastal house for a different setting.
These journeys are starting points. We adapt the route, accommodation and length of stay around your plans.
Explore Laikipia or read our Kenya seasonal guide.
Your questions
Five individual cottages have en-suite bathrooms and can be prepared as doubles or twins, accommodating a maximum of ten guests. Their separate positions allow members of a group their own space, but do not create connecting family rooms. Parents travelling with younger children should consider who shares each cottage rather than assume bedrooms connect through an internal doorway.
Lewa’s safari programme includes drives and guided walks, with horse and camel outings available through the wider Wilderness operation. A stay at Private Wilderness should have its exact activity arrangements agreed for the group. Allow time for the pool and the river-valley outlook as well as outings; optional scenic charter flights require separate arrangements.
The five separate cottages offer room for a multigenerational party, but each needs an appropriate adult and child allocation. The property’s private shared spaces help a group keep its own pace, while the unfenced setting still requires close supervision of children.
Private Wilderness is worth considering when a group wants a shared safari home without a large residence’s formal feel. We would build the Lewa stay around the party’s preferred activities, then combine it with the Mara or a private coastal house for a different setting.
Tailor-made Kenya
We will help you compare the alternatives and plan the right combination.
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