Il Ngwesi Lodge
Situated to the east of the Mukogodo escarpment at an elevation of 4,000 feet above sea level, the Il Ngwesi Lodge allows you to experience a true paradise in the rugged African bush. To the north, you can see the majestic Mathews Range and the legendary flat topped rock of Lolokwe where little has changed for centuries, and to the south, you can view the game conservancies of Lewa Downs and Borana.
The Ranch maintains traditional use of the land, while offering safe refuge and freedom of movement to the wild animals. The Lodge overlooks the vast landscape of Kenya's northern district, unspoiled land where no light shines and only the chorus of the African bush is heard at night. A water hole with viewing platform offers a chance to watch animals coming in to drink. Accommodation is in six spacious “bandas” or cottages.
Each banda has thatched roofs with half walls at the front to keep you cool and allow uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape.
This lodge is the first of its kind, fully serviced and owned by local Africans. With its construction and success, the Il Ngwesi Group Ranch has established that wildlife and local communities can co-exist for the benefit of each other. Much of the income from the lodge is used for community projects. Il Ngwesi's cultural center was established to demonstrate the customs of the Ndorobo tribe, the original hunters and gatherers. Here you can watch the Ndorobo using skills such as bee keeping and learning about traditional medicines taken from indigenous plants.