Il Ngwesi Lodge
Central & Mount Kenya Circuit
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A community-owned eco-lodge on a Laikipia escarpment, run by the Il Ngwesi Maasai.
Il Ngwesi Lodge is a community-owned eco-lodge perched dramatically on a rocky escarpment in the northern reaches of Laikipia, overlooking the vast Samburu lowlands and the Mathews Range beyond. This is not just a safari destination, but a living conservation story, as the lodge was built and is run by the Il Ngwesi Maasai community, ensuring that tourism directly funds wildlife protection and local livelihoods. The area is known for its wild beauty, home to elephants, reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, lions, leopards, and more elusive species such as wild dog. With just six open-fronted bandas, Il Ngwesi is intimate and deeply connected to its surroundings. Each banda is crafted from local materials and opens onto sweeping views of the wilderness. Some bandas have star beds for unforgettable nights beneath the sky, while a natural rock pool carved into the cliffside invites guests to cool off while watching elephants below at the waterhole.
Safari Highlights
- Six open-front bandas with private decks, open-air bathrooms, and some with star beds
- Natural swimming pool overlooking a waterhole frequented by elephants
- Day and night game drives in the Il Ngwesi conservancy
- Guided bush walks with Maasai warriors
- Camel safaris across the savannah
- Bird watching, with over 400 species recorded in the region
- Visits to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy for rhino viewing
- Solar-powered eco-friendly operations
Self Drive: Standard Tent
| Validity | Double/Twin Sharing | Child Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Green Season (1 Apr – 31 May, 1–30 Nov), Full Board | KSh 33,375 | KSh 16,740 |
| Regular (6 Jan – 31 Mar, 1–30 Jun, 16 Sep – 31 Oct, 1–15 Dec), Full Board | KSh 40,825 | KSh 19,120 |
| Peak (1 Jul – 15 Sep, 16 Dec – 5 Jan 2027), Full Board | KSh 47,628 | KSh 23,870 |
Road Package (Guide + Vehicle + Hotel): Standard Tent
| Validity | Double/Twin Sharing | Solo Traveller |
|---|---|---|
| Green Season (1 Apr – 31 May, 1–30 Nov), Full Board | KSh 90,075 | KSh 146,775 |
| Regular (6 Jan – 31 Mar, 1–30 Jun, 16 Sep – 31 Oct, 1–15 Dec), Full Board | KSh 94,825 | KSh 151,525 |
| Peak (1 Jul – 15 Sep, 16 Dec – 5 Jan 2027), Full Board | KSh 104,330 | KSh 161,030 |
Flight Package (Flights + Hotel): Standard Tent
| Validity | Double/Twin Sharing | Child Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Green Season (1 Apr – 31 May, 1–30 Nov), Full Board | KSh 121,800 | KSh 105,165 |
| Regular (6 Jan – 31 Mar, 1–30 Jun, 16 Sep – 31 Oct, 1–15 Dec), Full Board | KSh 126,550 | KSh 107,541 |
| Peak (1 Jul – 15 Sep, 16 Dec – 5 Jan 2027), Full Board | KSh 136,055 | KSh 112,295 |
Itinerary details coming soon.
What's Included
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
- Soft drinks: water, tea and soda
- Guided bush walks
- Transport as specified, on a return basis
- Morning & afternoon shared game drives within Il Ngwesi conservancy
- Hiking the Maruri hill for interested guests
- Bush breakfasts and sundowners (alcoholic drinks charged upon consumption)
- Visit to rhino sanctuary
- Visit to cultural manyattas
- Ol Derkesi Conservation Fee
What's Excluded
- All excursions
- Laundry services
- All alcoholic drinks (house wines, beer, non-luxury and luxury spirits, champagne)
- Beading workshop
- Beauty treatments
- Visit to Ngare Ndare Forest Trust (available on request at extra fee)
- All items of a personal nature
- Personal gratuities
- Scenic flights & helicopter excursions