IINGWESI GROUP RANCH- Laikipia- Kenya

The 16,500-hectare Il Ngwesi Group Ranch opened its doors in December 1996 and currently is seen as a great success story for Northern Kenya. Though the original construction of the lodge was funded by donors and built with the assistance and support of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Il Ngwesi is now independent. At Il Ngwesi, traditional land use, Maasai nomadic cattle culture has been maintained. The introduction of income from tourism means that the dependence of the Maasai on livestock has been drastically reduced. The lodge divides profits amongst the local community and this helps to support nearly five hundred households and their schools, cattle dips, water supplies and other group ranch operations. 

Wildlife numbers at the group ranch have increased three fold due to awareness of their financial value. The lodge has taken in it responsibility of employing rangers to protect wildlife. The area boosts about 400 elephants, while lions, leopards are seen or heard often. Increase in wildlife numbers has ensured the growth of ecotourism, revolving around the Maasai, their culture and the wildlife.

 EA-ECOCONSULT arranges excursions and visits to the villages, while visitors can stay at the Ecology. Your contribution by visiting I1 Ngwesi helps in empowering the local Maasai economically while sustaining traditional cultures.

Make a reservation on Tel +254 733 735863-email kagoka@avu.org.