A family-run lodge on a former cattle ranch, now a thriving rhino sanctuary bordering the Lewa Conservancy.
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Overview
From Cattle to Rhino
Borana was a working cattle ranch for decades before converting to conservation, now sharing an open border with Lewa.
Borana Lodge sits on a hillside above the 32,000-acre Borana Conservancy, a former cattle ranch that shares an unfenced border with the neighbouring Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, together forming one of the largest contiguous rhino sanctuaries in Kenya. The lodge remains family-run, with the same hands-on hospitality style that defined its ranching decades, now applied to horseback safaris, mountain biking and game drives across genuinely varied terrain — from rolling hills to rocky gorges. Its position looking toward Mount Kenya gives it one of the more dramatic backdrops on the Laikipia Plateau.
8
Cottages
32,000ac
Borana Conservancy
1
Shared Border with Lewa
1
Mount Kenya View
Suites
Hillside Cottages
Cottages set into the hillside, each looking out toward Mount Kenya in the distance.
Cottage — Borana Lodge
01
Mount Kenya ViewsEvery cottage is positioned to make the most of clear-day views toward Mount Kenya.
02
Private VerandasShaded verandas for watching wildlife move across the valley below.
03
Family-Run HospitalityA hands-on, personal style of hosting that traces back to the property's ranching history.
04
FireplacesCosy fireplaces for the cooler evenings typical of the Laikipia highlands.
Experiences
Beyond the Game Drive
Borana's varied terrain supports activities rarely available elsewhere on safari.
Wildlife
Rhino & Big Cat Sightings
Sightings benefit from the open border shared with the neighbouring Lewa Conservancy.
Adventure
Horseback Safaris
Guided horseback rides across open plains and rolling hills for experienced riders.
Adventure
Mountain Biking
Guided mountain biking routes through varied Laikipia terrain.
Dining
Family-Style Meals
Dining reflects the lodge's ranching roots — generous, communal and unfussy.
01The main dining room with valley views
02A fireside lounge for evening drinks
03Bush breakfasts and picnic lunches on request
04Sundowners at a favourite hilltop spot
Valley View Dining — Borana Lodge
Location
Borana Conservancy
A 32,000-acre former cattle ranch sharing an open border with Lewa, on the Laikipia Plateau.
Located within the 32,000-acre Borana Conservancy on the Laikipia Plateau.
Shares an unfenced border with the neighbouring Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
Roughly a 45-minute charter flight from Nairobi's Wilson Airport.
A natural pairing with Lewa Wilderness for a combined Laikipia stay.
Fly
A 45-minute charter flight from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to the Borana or Lewa airstrip.
Drive
A 4-5 hour road transfer from Nairobi for those preferring to drive.
Arrive
Check-in from 12:00 with lunch and an orientation drive across the conservancy.
Laikipia Pairing
Borana & Lewa, Together
Best combined with neighbouring Lewa Wilderness for a fuller Laikipia experience.