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Il Ngwesi Lodge, Laikipia
Home Hotels Il Ngwesi Lodge

Il Ngwesi Lodge

B Corp
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Owned and run by the local Laikipiak Maasai community, Il Ngwesi is a beautiful eco-lodge but also a community empowerment and wildlife conservation project.

It stands out for its commitment to the local community, with 6,000 local stakeholders having supported the lodge for more than two decades.

This thatched lodge, with its six cottages, perches on the side of a bush-dotted hill looking out over the conservancy landscape. The reserve, which was once heavily overgrazed, is now brimming with wildlife once more. Look out for wild dogs, leopards and lions, as well as elephants, hyenas, jackals, reticulated giraffes and Grevy’s zebras.

Why we like Il Ngwesi Lodge

Many places claim authenticity, but few are as authentically Maasai as Il Ngwesi. The team of 18 permanent staff all grew up close to the lodge and the board is made up of passionate Maasai locals. These strong local roots give the lodge a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.

Facilities

Each of the locally constructed thatched rooms is slightly different, but each one protrudes out from the hillside, supported by wooden stilts. They are rustic and simple, but beautifully open and comfortable. Some of them have roll-out sleepout beds, whilst others look out towards a busy waterhole.

The main area is similar in style, with a solid stone base and high thatch roof. There is also a swimming pool – perfect for relaxing in between game drives.

Activities

  • Bush drives
  • Full-day game drives to the Lewa Conservancy
  • On-foot rhino tracking in the white rhino sanctuary
  • Sundowners
  • Bush breakfasts by the Ngare Ndare River
  • Visits to the Mukogodo Forest
  • Fly camping
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Nearby experiences

  • Stargazing
  • Walking and Strolling
  • Conservation
  • Cultural
  • Game Drive
  • Safari

Ideally suited for

  • Child Friendly

Price guide

£££££

Location

Il Ngwesi is located in Laikipia, to the north of Lewa and Borana conservancies. In early 2018, it was announced that the fence between these neighbouring conservancies would be removed, allowing black rhinos to return to Il Ngwesi.

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Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.

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