Edward Ndiritu Embarks on the 250 km Namib Desert Marathon for Rangers
With the Namib Desert Marathon on the horizon, Lewa’s Head of Anti-Poaching Edward Ndiritu is gearing up for the challenge. Known as the “Desert Ultra”, this multi-day ultramarathon covers 250 km across the Namib Desert in Namibia, showcasing human endurance, the force of nature, and the unique solitude of running through one of the world’s oldest landscapes.
The Namib Desert, often cited as the world’s oldest, has endured tens of millions of years of aridity and features vast stony plains, towering sand dunes, and rugged rocky outcrops. In this gruelling race, challengers navigate harsh terrain under the blazing sun by day and freezing temperatures by night. More than an athletic test, it is a mission. Organised by the Beyond the Ultimate Race Series, the event offers a break from everyday routines, total immersion in nature, and a vivid reminder of both human fragility and strength.
Edward Ndiritu, Head of Anti-Poaching at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, is no stranger to endurance challenges. A seasoned athlete, he completed the 2024 London Marathon to raise funds for ranger welfare and has also taken on the 86 km Mountain-to-Mountain Challenge in Central Kenya. As a member of the team behind the annual Lewa Safari Marathon, Edward has long combined his passion for sport with his commitment to conservation.
This year, his mission goes beyond personal achievement. His participation in the Desert Ultra reflects a lifelong dedication to wildlife protection, with every step representing the rangers at the heart of this work. Beyond Lewa, Edward serves on the boards of the Kenya Wildlife Rangers Association and the Game Rangers Association of Africa Leadership Council, helping guide organisations that champion ranger welfare across the continent.
Edward Ndiritu’s Impact on Lewa’s Anti-Poaching Success
Since joining Lewa in 1997 and rising through the ranks to become Head of Anti-Poaching in 2012, Edward has led the Conservancy’s security operations with vision and dedication. Under his leadership, Lewa has recorded zero cases of rhino or elephant poaching since 2019, a remarkable achievement attributed to strong intelligence networks, effective collaboration, and deep-rooted trust with surrounding communities. In September 2025, he added another milestone to his conservation journey by hosting the Africa Ranger Congress.
Speaking ahead of the Desert Ultra, Edward shared, “I’m doing this not to compete, but as a fundraising event for rangers’ welfare, the brave men and women on the frontline of protecting nature and conservation.” His passion reflects the essence of Lewa’s mission: that conservation succeeds when people and wildlife thrive together.
As Edward takes on the vast Namib Desert, we at Lewa stand firmly behind him. We wish him the very best as he champions the cause of rangers and continues to inspire conservation efforts across Africa and beyond.
Be part of the journey! Support Edward and the brave rangers safeguarding Africa’s wildlife. Your contribution helps protect the planet, one step at a time.
