Kenya > Lewa Wildlife Conservation

Home to the Dyer family for three generations, Borana takes its name from the native Boran cattle farmed on these arid grasslands. The ranch sits within a vast conservation area and the Dyer family is dedicated to working alongside its neighbors to preserve the natural environment and to promote economic and social improvements in the area.

Increasingly acknowledged as one of the most important areas for biodiversity in Kenya, wildlife population densities in the Laikipia region rank second to the internationally renowned Maasai Mara ecosystem. The diversity of large mammals is higher than in any other part of Kenya. Laikipia hosts the highest populations of endangered species: black rhino (half of Kenya’s total population), Grevy’s zebra (70% of the world’s population), reticulated giraffe, the only viable population of Lelwel hartebeest in the country and Africa’s only expanding population of wild dog.

The Lodge is designed to work in harmony with the landscape and is created from local, sustainable building materials. It enjoys an idyllic setting, 17 miles north of the equator and 6,000 feet above sea level, and is free from the malarial mosquito and the nights are cool.

All areas of the Lodge overlook a lake that is a popular watering hole for the local animals so there is constant activity for guests to watch. Take a guide and walk down to the dam to enjoy a close-up view of elephants swimming!

There are eight cottages at Borana.  Four have large double beds and four have twin beds - both of which are queen size. Four of the cottages have their own veranda. Two sets of cottages share a veranda, both of which has a phenomenal view over the dam. Each cottage also has an open-fireplace lit every evening by the room stewardess; a basket of firewood is kept in each room. The bathrooms are the epitome of luxury: spacious, clean and with exceptional views over wildest Africa.

The Lodge is set in a verdant garden of largely indigenous plants chosen for their scents, colors and flowers. From the infinity pool guests can watch the elephants wandering their well-trodden path to the watering hole or simply relax, read and soak up the sun. The pool veranda is a favorite place for a long, leisurely lunch watching the natural world unfold before you.

In the dining room at the main lodge guests can sample fresh produce from the Ranch, fresh juice from the Borana orchard and wines from around the world.

In the sitting room, sofas and armchairs surround a huge open fireplace and picture windows guarantee a continuing vista to the plains below.