Nairobi, Kenya - 4 November 2016: Il Ngwesi, a pioneering Maasai-owned and operated lodge in Laikipia, Kenya, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. In 1996, encouraged by leading conservationist Ian Craig of neighboring Lewa, the elders of the Maasai community Il Ngwesi took a leap of faith: to move a large number of cattle - for centuries the traditional lifeblood of the Maasai - off a section of its land, turn it over to wildlife, and build an upmarket eco-lodge.

In the intervening years, the Il Ngwesi adventure has proved an inspiration, as the first of what is now a family of community conservancies in northern Kenya connected by the Northern Rangelands Trust and supporting both local wildlife and communities.  On 29 October Il Ngwesi celebrated the 20th anniversary of the opening of the fabulous eco-lodge. 

The initiative’s successes notably include the return of wildlife to the area, now including some of Africa’s most endangered species such as the Grevy Zebra, the African Wild Dog and other iconic predators such as the leopard, cheetah, lion and hyena. Visitors also regularly see elephants, giraffes, kudu, eland and many others.  Income from visitors to the lodge has helped to provide much-needed funds for the development of the community, including a secondary school, a new health clinic and school bursaries.  A partnership with VSO in Kenya funded by the EU has also supported women to set up a local and national beadwork business.
 
In August 2015, Il Ngwesi embarked on a new era under the direction of a new board.  The lodge, designed by Simon Douglas-Dufresne – has been described as ‘one of the most exemplary examples of deadwood architecture in the world’ and has six bandas open to the bush as well as a freeform swimming pool, a water hole and a large main house with views stretching north as far as the eye can see.  Since 2015, the lodge has been refurbished, has a new website, a newly graded airstrip, and visitors can now enjoy beauty treatments and beading workshops.  The water and solar infrastructure are in the process of being upgraded and plans are in place to introduce night game viewing.  The team continues to improve the visitor experience, which already includes rhino walks, visits to the cultural village, and of course a menu of game viewing including walks, drives and sundowners. At the end of the day, nothing feels better than watching the sun go down and retiring to a large four poster bed under the stars.    
 
Il Ngwesi is a Maasai-owned and managed ecotourism initiative in Laikipia, Kenya. It remains the only upmarket lodge in Kenya genuinely owned and run by the local Maasai community without leasing arrangements with external individuals or businesses of any kind.  Visitors can relax, enjoy some of Africa’s most iconic species and experience the local culture first-hand.  As it enters its third decade, Il Ngwesi is looking forward to a sustainable future working closely with partners and friends who, like Il Ngwesi, remain committed to ethical tourism, community development and wildlife conservation.
 
Until 31 March 2017, those wishing to enjoy this unique experience for themselves can benefit from a Special 20th Anniversary 3-night package of US$650 per adult based on two sharing or a special 3-night family package of US$1900 based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing.  Rates include all food, soft drinks, game drives/walks, cultural village visits.  Rates do not include flights, transfers, conservation fees or alcohol.   Bookings can be made before 31 December 2016 by contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and quoting Il Ngwesi at 20. For more details on the above and photographs, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About Ecotourism Kenya:
Ecotourism Kenya is a civil society organisation directly serving more than 450 members, and reaching out to hundreds more in Kenya. Since its inception in 1996 Ecotourism Kenya has been involved in a wide range of activities to promote and broaden the industry understanding of sustainable tourism, and attract membership beyond the mainstream tourism industry.  These include organising international conferences and training workshops to developing guidelines such as the Green Destination Guidelines, codes of conduct, best practices and a Green Eco-rating Certification Scheme. Ecotourism Kenya has had many firsts: it was the first Ecotourism Society in Africa; the first to develop a voluntary eco-certification scheme for hotels/lodges in Africa, the first to publish a Green Directory of producers of green products and services, the first to develop a Sustainability Standard for Tour Operators in E. Africa and the first to develop Green Destination Guidelines in Africa.