Ker & Downey and Lewa Conservancy Unite to Protect Wildlife and Communities in Kenya

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has a powerful new ally in its mission to protect people, wildlife, and wild places: Ker & Downey World Travel.

Tourism is the lifeblood of Kenya’s economy and one of its greatest strengths, drawing visitors from around the world to landscapes that stretch from the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya to the sweeping savannas alive with elephants, rhinos, and big cats. At Lewa, tourism contributes 27 percent of the Conservancy’s annual budget, directly funding anti-poaching patrols, classrooms for thousands of children, and healthcare for the communities who live alongside wildlife.

Why Ker & Downey

For more than 40 years, Ker & Downey has crafted journeys that are both deeply personal and unforgettable. What sets them apart is a belief that travel should leave a positive mark. As pioneers in linking tourism with philanthropy, they ensure that the destinations their guests cherish remain strong and resilient. This philosophy is a natural fit with Lewa, where conservation and community go hand in hand. Together, Ker & Downey and Lewa are showing that luxury and responsibility belong side by side.

Impact You Can See

Tourism is one of Lewa’s strongest tools for conservation and community support. In 2024 alone, Lewa’s education programmes reached thousands of learners, while rangers safeguarded critically endangered black rhinos. None of this would be possible without partners who understand the power of responsible travel.

With Ker & Downey as a partner, every journey becomes more than a safari. Guests step into a larger story of conservation and community, where their presence helps safeguard endangered species, sustain local livelihoods, and secure a future where both wildlife and people can thrive.

Karen Bromham, Lewa’s Director of Strategic Partnerships, put it best: “I could not be more delighted with the partnership between Ker & Downey World Travel and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Not every tourism dollar reaches the ground, but this partnership ensures it does. Together we have built a powerful tourism-philanthropy model where every guest experience in Eastern Africa directly funds our conservation work and community programs. We are proving that responsible luxury travel can be the most effective catalyst for protecting endangered species while empowering the local communities who are essential to conservation success.”

Beyond the safari, Lewa offers a look behind the curtain at what sustainable tourism can achieve. Our behind-the-scenes activities reveal how every visit contributes to conservation, education, healthcare, and community development.

See how your journey makes a difference: Behind the Scenes at Lewa