Il Ngwesi Lodge – A Community-Owned Safari Gem in Laikipia

Perched on the edge of the wild Northern Frontier, Il Ngwesi Lodge is more than just a place to stay – it’s a story of community, conservation, and connection. Imagine waking up to panoramic views of the Laikipia plains, where elephants wander below your veranda and Samburu warriors sing softly in the distance. Here, every sunrise feels like a private performance of nature’s grandeur, and every stay makes a direct impact on the people who call this land home.

Unlike many safari lodges, Il Ngwesi is 100% owned and run by the local Maasai community, making it a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in both cultural traditions and untouched wilderness. Guests leave not only with memories of wildlife encounters but also with the knowledge that their visit helps sustain conservation and livelihoods.

Facilities

Accommodation at Il Ngwesi Lodge

Il Ngwesi features just six open-air bandas, carefully crafted from natural materials, blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. With open fronts and private decks, you’ll feel as though you are living under the stars.

Spacious, open-plan bandas with sweeping savannah views
Private verandas ideal for sundowners and stargazing
Natural swimming pool overlooking the valley
Eco-conscious design powered by solar and rainwater harvesting

Accommodation

Safari and Wildlife Experiences

Set within 16,500 hectares of community land, Il Ngwesi offers an exclusive safari without the crowds. Wildlife roams freely between Il Ngwesi, Borana Conservancy, and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, giving guests access to some of Kenya’s most important conservation areas.

Highlights:

Elephants, giraffes, Grevy’s zebra, lions, leopards
Over 350 bird species
Guided bush walks with Maasai warriors
Visits to traditional Maasai manyattas
Sundowners, bush breakfasts, and stargazing

Il Ngwesi Lodge Rates

Non-Resident Rates (US$ per night)

Category	Peak	Regular	Green
Adult per person/night (FB)	$550	$440	$368
Child per person/night (FB)	$275	$220	$184
Family (2 adults + 2 children sharing)	$1,320	$1,056	$924

Resident Rates (KES per night)

Category	Peak	Regular	Green
Adult per person/night (FB)	KES 27,500	KES 22,000	KES 19,250
Child per person/night (FB)	KES 13,750	KES 11,000	KES 9,625
Family (2 adults + 2 children sharing)

Seasons

Peak Season: 1st July – 15th September; 16th December – 5th January
Regular Season: 6th January – 31st March; 1st June – 30th June; 16th September – 31st October; 1st December – 15th December
Green Season: 1st April – 31st May; 1st November – 30th November

Inclusions

All meals & soft drinks
1 cultural manyatta visit
1 guided bush walk
1 game drive within Il Ngwesi Conservancy
Stays longer than 2 nights include 1 game drive in Lewa Conservancy

Exclusions

Conservation fees
Transfers to/from the lodge
Beading workshop & beauty treatments
All alcoholic drinks

Camping can be supported on request at Il Ngwesi and Ngare Ndare Forest with staff/security. Camping and conservation fees apply, and equipment can be provided.

Nearby Lodges to Combine With Il Ngwesi

Borana Lodge – luxury and rhino conservation
Lewa Wilderness Lodge – classic safari lodge with big cats and rhino sightings

Why Choose Il Ngwesi Lodge?

Authenticity – Run entirely by the Maasai community
Exclusivity – Only six bandas for a private safari feel
Conservation Impact – Every stay supports wildlife & local livelihoods
Immersive Setting – Sleep under the stars, overlooking wild Laikipia

Il Ngwesi Lodge FAQs

What’s included in the rates?
All meals, soft drinks, one cultural visit, one bush walk, and one game drive within Il Ngwesi (extra Lewa Conservancy drive for stays over 2 nights).

Are conservation fees included?
No, they are charged separately.

How do I get there?
Fly into Lewa Downs airstrip (with transfers) or drive from Nairobi (approx. 4–5 hours).

Can I combine Il Ngwesi with other lodges?
Yes – perfect with Borana Lodge, Lewa Wilderness Lodge, and Laikipia Wilderness Camp for a full Laikipia safari circuit.