Il Ngwesi Lodge

Nestled in a landscape of thick bush and trees, visitors to Il Ngwesi Lodge are met with peace and tranquility in this wilderness wonder. The lodge is owned and run by the local community, therefore offering genuine Masaai hospitality and introducing guests to tradition and wonderful Swahili cuisine and decor.

The main lodge area is uniquely designed, with curved thatch roofing supported by large, round wooden beams, open on all sides, and offering a wonderful space to enjoy outstanding meals and simply relax in comfortable chairs. The chef at Il Ngwesi Lodge can create dishes with a blend of African and European flavors. Barbeques are enjoyed near the pool or out in the bush, with a beverage of choice available from the friendly bar.

Guests can relax and enjoy time next to the swimming pool and enjoy a beauty treatment or massage during their stay. The waterhole invites animals to come and drink throughout the day and guests can watch nature at play either from the deck at the main house or from a hide located on the property. Accommodation comprises six rooms and is crafted and constructed from local materials which gives this Lodge its award-winning status, the sole property on the Il Ngwesi Group Ranch.

Location

Il Ngwesi Lodge stands on top of the Mararoi Hills near the Ngare Ndare River in the Laikipia region of Kenya. Guests can fly by small charter planes and helicopters into the Il Ngwesi Airstrip located next to the Lodge or into the Lewa Conservancy (Lewa Downs Airstrip) which will be a one-hour flight from Nairobi’s Wilson or Jomo Kenyatta Airports. The drive from via the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy’s Matunda Gate will take approximately two hours to the Lodge. Drive time will take around 5 hours from Nairobi.

Rooms / Tents

Six large and elegant rooms are available for guests at Il Ngwesi Lodge, each one individually decorated and offering a slightly unique feature. All rooms are numbered and named. Room One (Emuny) offers the most privacy on the property and is located closest to the water hole. Room Two (Oltome) and Room Three (Orgatuny) are perfect for families looking to be together as they are connected by a wooden bridge and are walled on each side. Room Five (Olarro) has a large deck, as does Room One, and both boast star beds that can be pulled out onto the deck where the guest can sleep outside. Room Six is known as Emara or Giraffe.

Each one of the cottages has a bathroom with a difference. There is a vanity and a washstand, with a toilet dubbed a “loo with a view”, presenting wide views over the bush. Set separately downstairs guests will find the walled shower, an outdoor experience with an open sky above. Natural toiletries are provided for guests to use during their stay.

Amenities

• Dining Area
• Lounge Area
• Bar
• Bush Breakfast
• Swimming Pool
• Laundry Service
• Family Friendly
• Small Gift Shop

Game Viewing / Activities

Guests staying at Il Ngwesi Lodge can enjoy outstanding game viewing by enjoying a game drive and bush walks, as well as the privilege of embarking on a night drive where nocturnal favorites such as civets and aardvark may be spotted. Visits to the Mukogodo Forest and the option to camp overnight provide exciting adventures guests can enjoy.

Something unique is the guided walk through the Rhino Conservancy, a truly heartwarming experience.

For a cultural experience, visits to a local Masaai village can be arranged. Here guests can learn about tradition and culture, learn hunting techniques, enjoy local music and dance, and spend time learning about community projects, plus pay a visit to a local school.