Il Ngwesi Lodge, Laikipia, Kenya

The award winning Eco-Lodge was built in 1996 on a rocky outcrop in an area of the Group Ranch set aside purely for Wildlife conservation. Made out of local materials, it is well known for its spectacular "open to the bush" design with stunning views in all directions.  There are two communal areas, one at the front of the lodge overlooking the waterhole, and a second with a superb infinity pool which drops away into the wilderness. Both have covered areas for escaping the heat of the day & open areas allowing guests to dine under the stars. The lodge has six spacious bandas, five of them have single & double beds.  The Honeymoon Suite & Room 5 have large double beds with a raised platform on which the beds may be rolled out for a night under the stars. Two of the rooms have also been skillfully joined by a bridge for large groups. Built on a slope, the fronts of the bandas are on stilts, giving guests in all rooms unforgettable views of the vast surrounding panorama.  Staying at the lodge is truly special as visitors get a real taste of the bush whilst enjoying some home comforts whilst looked after by their impeccable Maasai hosts. Close to the lodge is the Maasai Cultural Manyatta where you can learn about traditional Maasai practices such as hunting with a disguised donkey, animal traps using local natural poisons, honey gathering, elaborate beadwork & ancient games. The dancing of the Moran warriors and girls cannot fail to leave you with a lasting memory of the color and vibrancy of Maasai culture. We also give you a brief but informative presentation on any aspect of the Il Ngwesi culture, history & origins as well as the current challenges in the local community. We are delighted to announce that during the year 2007/2008 guests have enjoyed some of the best wildlife viewing since the programme began. Lions, wild dogs, hyenas, cheetahs & leopards were all spotted in the conservation area. They join a long list of other species that have slowly increased in number within the ranch since the mid 1990's. Commonly seen animals include dik dik, waterbuck, impala, giraffe, eland, gerenuk, & kudu, to mention but a few.  Elephant & buffalo are regularly seen in big herds. The ranch has also been home to high profile wildlife translocations of rhino from Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Omni, the hand-reared black rhino, continues to enjoy special protection on the ranch along with two white rhino's. Finally the endangered Grevy Zebras, more numerous in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, can now also be seen within the ranch. The ranch is also home to over 250 bird species for the lovers of birds. FACILITIES  Il Ngwesi has open plan sitting and dining areas, and a swimming pool.  A game blind is discreetly situated for watching wildlife - including elephant, lion, leopard and kudu - on the waterhole.    TRANSFER By road about 6 hours from Nairobi, access via Lewa or Borana.  By private charter direct into Il Ngwesi airstrip.  By scheduled service daily from Nairobi to Lewa, then by road transfer (1½ hours).    No. of Bedrooms 6 spacious bandas. Activities Visits to Il Ngwesi Maasai Cultural Village Game drives Guided bush walks Bush breakfasts and dinners Camel safaris Sundowners. Find Similar Properties