Il’ngwesi Eco-lodge

Owned and run by the Maasai community, Il Ngwesi offers something truly special. Visitors to the lodge have full wildlife and cultural experience, enjoying hospitality more akin that offered to a valued family member. With no other tourist facilities within the Group Ranch, it is the ultimate personal experience.

Constructed entirely out of local materials, the award-winning Il Ngwesi Lodge is perched on the edge of the Mararoi hills close to the Ngare Ndare river in Laikipia District in Kenya, with breathtaking views towards Samburu as far as the eye can see.

Their infinity swimming pool overlooks the valley and provides an excellent spot to relax in during the day; a favourable spot to cool off while watching the elephants below!

Image Credits: Il’ngwesi Lodge

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Facilities

Designed by Simon du Fresne, six spacious rooms accommodate two to four people. Each one offers a slightly different experience, being either tucked away with views up the valley, adjoined to another by rope bridge for families, or overlooking the water hole. All are designed in an ‘open to the bush’ style with opportunities for viewing wildlife, and two have extended verandas for visitors who wish to sleep under the stars in large four-poster star beds.

The main house (Il Laikipiak Hall) at the front of the site offers spectacular views to the north and east as well as down to the water hole while the swimming pool area overlooks the valley and provides an excellent spot to relax in during the day. The water hole – fed by pipes from a nearby spring – attracts a wide variety of birds and animals daily and is the lifeblood for wildlife in this semi-arid part of Kenya. A hide tucked down the hillside in front of the lodge allows visitors to get closer to the water hole and enjoy the bush in utter peace and quiet.

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Activities

Swiming
Cultural immersions
Hiking
Picnic breakfast
Sundowner
Hiking
Nature walks
Game viewing

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Directions

View coordinates to Il’ngwesi airstrip

By air: Fly Air Kenya or Safarilink from Nairobi Wilson to Lewa Downs or the Nanyuki airstrip where Il’ Ngwesi offers transfers to the lodge. Very small planes/helicopters can land at the Il’ Ngwesi airstrip adjacent to the lodge. Click here for Airstrip Chart.

By road: Via Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (using entrance Matunda Gate – approx 120 minutes to the lodge), or from Isiolo town (approx 90 minutes to the lodge). Visitors who wish to self-drive should contact us for directions or to make arrangements for us to accompany journeys from Isiolo and Lewa. Click here for Il’ngwesi road map.