Lewa Airstrip

Lewa Airstrip lies within the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in northern Kenya, about 50 kilometres northeast of Isiolo town. This unpaved strip serves as the primary arrival point for visitors heading to the conservancy and surrounding safari lodges. Unlike larger airports in Kenya, Lewa handles only small charter aircraft—typically Cessna Caravans, Twin Otters, or other bush planes—operated by safari airlines such as Safarilink, AirKenya, and Fly540. The airstrip sits on a flat valley floor, surrounded by acacia woodland and open savannah, and wildlife sightings on approach are common. There are no scheduled commercial flights; all arrivals are pre-booked charter or scheduled safari flights connecting from Wilson Airport in Nairobi (about 1 hour flight) or from other parks like the Masai Mara. Because the strip is unpaved, flights may be subject to weather conditions, particularly after heavy rain. The airstrip is not open every day—operations typically align with scheduled charter flights, which run mainly on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, with peak times around 4 pm, 1 pm, 4 pm, and 7 am respectively. The airstrip has a simple layout: one gravel runway, a small parking apron, and a basic terminal building that consists of a waiting area and a toilet. The lack of facilities means passengers must come prepared with water, snacks, and any essentials for the rest of their journey.

Getting There

The most common way to reach Lewa Airstrip is by flying into it. For travellers starting in Nairobi, the standard route is a scheduled safari flight from Wilson Airport (WIL) to Lewa, operated by carriers like Safarilink or AirKenya. Flight time is approximately 60–75 minutes. Alternatively, visitors may fly into nearby Isiolo (a separate airstrip about 20 minutes by road) and then drive to Lewa, but direct flights to Lewa are preferred as they avoid the need for additional ground transport. For those already in the region, such as at another conservancy or lodge, ground transfers can be arranged. From Isiolo town, the drive to the airstrip takes about 45 minutes to an hour via the C76 road, which turns into a gravel track after the Lewa gate. A 4x4 vehicle is essential, especially during the rainy seasons (March–May and October–December). Most lodges within the conservancy include transfers in their packages, so pre-arranging a pick-up is standard. There are no public buses or taxis that service the airstrip directly; all transport is private or organised by tour operators. If driving yourself, note that the airstrip is inside a wildlife conservancy, and gates have specific operating hours, so confirm access times with the conservancy office beforehand.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Lewa Airstrip is a small, single-storey structure—more a shelter than a full building. Upon arrival, passengers disembark directly onto the gravel apron and walk a short distance to the terminal. The interior consists of a waiting room with a few benches, a counter for check-in or flight reporting, and a single toilet (which is clean, as noted by frequent visitors). There are no shops, cafes, or food vendors; no luggage trolleys; and no air conditioning—the building is open-air to the breeze. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal. For departures, passengers are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled flight, though the process is much quicker than at larger airports. There is no security screening beyond a visual check of bags; the focus is on weight balance for small aircraft. Your luggage is weighed at check-in, and any excess items may be offloaded or charged. The airstrip staff are friendly and efficient, often coordinating directly with the lodge drivers who meet arriving flights. One practical point: because the terminal is basic, you may need to use the toilet before a flight if you are driving from a distant lodge. The toilet is maintained but is a simple pit latrine or flush toilet with no running water for handwashing—bring hand sanitiser. Overall, the terminal experience is quick and unpretentious, prioritising function over comfort.

Lewa Airstrip and Isiolo

Isiolo is a town in northern Kenya that serves as a gateway to the arid north and the wildlife-rich conservancies of Laikipia. Historically a trading post on the route to Ethiopia, Isiolo today is a multi-ethnic hub, home to Borana, Somali, Samburu, and Turkana peoples. The town itself is modest, with a dusty main street, a lively market, and a handful of hotels and restaurants. But its importance lies in its surroundings. Just a short drive from Isiolo is the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its success in protecting black rhinos, Grevy's zebras, and elephants. Lewa covers 62,000 acres of savannah, woodland, and mountain slopes. Visitors come for game drives, walking safaris, and cultural visits to nearby communities. The conservancy also runs a rhino sanctuary and an anti-poaching operation. Beyond Lewa, the region offers more: to the south, the highland town of Nanyuki and Mount Kenya; to the north, the Samburu and Shaba National Reserves, home to unique northern species like the reticulated giraffe and Somali ostrich. The people of Isiolo are known for their hospitality, but the area is also a frontier—a place where traditional pastoralist lifestyles meet modern conservation. Travel here is not for those seeking luxury shopping or nightlife; it is for those drawn to raw nature and authentic cultural experiences. Dry season (June–September and January–February) is the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources. The landscape is starkly beautiful, with acacia silhouettes against red soil. A visit to Lewa Airstrip is thus not just a travel point but the beginning of an immersion into one of Kenya's most significant conservation areas.

Practical Information

Lewa Airstrip is not open daily; flights typically operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, with peak times at 4 pm (Mon, Wed), 1 pm (Tue), and 7 am (Thu). Confirmation of flight schedules is essential, as they can change with demand or weather. The airstrip is open only during flight times, and there are no overnight facilities. Contact information: website https://www.lewa.org/experience-2/getting-here-and-other-faq/ provides details on booking and logistics. For queries, call the Lewa conservancy office (+254 720 999 000) or your safari operator. There is no public transport; arrange transfers with your lodge. Tips: bring insect repellent, sun protection, and binoculars. The toilet is the only facility, so come prepared with snacks and water. One concrete piece of advice: always confirm your flight weight limit—small aircraft have strict baggage allowances (typically 15 kg per person in a soft bag), and excess luggage may be sent by road or left behind. Pack light for a hassle-free arrival.