Malewa Wildlife Lodge is a new lodge, situated on the Kigio Wildlife Conservancy, a 3,500-acre conservancy that lies between Nakuru and Naivasha. The striking Malewa Wildlife Lodge is set within glorious Yellow-fever woodland fronted by the Malewa River, a magnet for over 250 species of birds. The lodge reflects a dramatic architectural style combined with traditional African building methods and concepts.
The mess area is a double-storey thatched area that incorporates a sitting area with fireplace, dining room and bar, games room and general relaxation area.
To comply with the eco-footprint, electricity is generated by solar power, waste recycled, water drawn using hydro power, hot water supplied by efficient kuni boilers, cooking done using gas and eco-bricks from sustainable sources and organic food sourced from local farmers. The lodge and the conservancy work closely with the surrounding communities to offer wildlife courses, assistance to schools and clinics, and placements and sponsorships to students.
Location
Leaving or passing Naivasha and continuing northwest on Kenya’s Trans-African highway into the central Rift is the Kigio Wildlife Conservancy, the Malewa River lodge and Malewa Ranch House. Also nearby is Gilgil and Lake Elmenteita.
Background
The Kigio Wildlife Conservancy
This relatively new wilderness reserve is a former cattle ranch, which rolls from the scrubby plains near the road and railway down through lightly wooded hills to the lush valley of the Malewa River. Established in 1997, Kigio already has an impressive conservation record, with the herd of Rothschild’s giraffe relocated here in 2002 now breeding, and a pair of white rhinos relocated here in 2005 settling in well. Both relocations were filmed by the BBC. Although the conservancy rarely contains any large predators and is entirely fenced, the park’s count of large animal species is very healthy and includes hippo, buffalo, impala, Thomson’s gazelle, waterbuck, zebra, warthog and ostrich. The reserve is a great place to visit for a few hours or as an alternative Naivasha base. As well as wildlife viewing (by car, on foot or with rented mountain bikes) and riverside bird-watching, Kigio offers abseiling, horse-riding hikes up the densely wooded Kashuki Gorge, and river swimming.
A 3,500-acre conservancy, lying between Nakuru and Naivasha in Kenya, Kigio offers wide ranging habitats, from riverine and euphorbia woodlands to short grass and Leleshwa shrub. Presently if holds some 3,500 head of wildlife (including the endangered White Rhino and Rothschild Giraffe, a 200 strong herd of buffalo, impala, Grants and Thomson's gazelle, eland, hyena, leopard, hippo and over 200 bird species).
Accommodation
Accommodation is offered in 5 individual and traditional styled buildings (one is a 2-storey family cottage with 2 rooms) and four stunning river-frontage tree suites, all offering spacious bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms and peaceful surroundings with thriving wildlife.
Activities
Activities include nature walks, bird-watching, fly-fishing, abseiling, mountain biking, horse riding and swimming in the ‘eye of the spring’ natural spring of Kasuki Gorge. The conservancy’s position also allows for visits to other interesting destinations nearby such as a day trip to Nakuru Park to see up to a million flamingos and a myriad of wildlife and birds. Hells Gate National ark is also within easy reach for a day trip where you can walk and cycle amongst wildlife and there are excellent sites for rock climbers. This is adjacent to Lake Naivasha where boat trips can be arranged and a visit to Elsamere the home of the late George and Joy Adamson of Born Free fame. The higher altitude Aberdare National Park is also close by offering a different range of fauna and flora including black serval cats, black leopards, bongo among others. Visits to homesteads and schools in the local community can be a very rewarding experience as well as seeing local crafts in action. Further afield, safaris to the Masai Mara and/or Samburu game reserves can be organised.