Il Ngwesi Group Ranch

Il Ngwesi Group Ranch . Model Community Conservancy . Laikipia Plateau

Il Ngwesi Group Ranch is a remarkable community-owned and managed wildlife conservancy pioneering conservation and wildlife protection.

Located in Laikipia County, north of Mount Kenya on the edge of the Laikipia Plateau, Il Ngwesi Community Conservancy spans an area of 16,500 hectares in northern Kenya.

Located in Laikipia County, north of Mount Kenya on the edge of the Laikipia Plateau, Il Ngwesi Community Conservancy spans an area of 16,500 hectares in northern Kenya. It stretches endlessly to the horizon and far from any towns—you will not see a single light at night, with only the calls of the wild surrounding you.

Established in 1996, the Il Ngwesi Conservancy was formed as a partnership between the Il Ngwesi community—a group of Maasai families of the Laikipia outback—and the Borana Conservancy, representing a replica of the successful, self-sustaining conservancy model developed by the Lewa and Borana Conservancies.

To advance efforts to protect their land and wildlife from commercial livestock farming and unregulated hunting, the Maasai set aside 80% of their land, creating a sanctuary where wildlife could freely roam without the threat of poachers. They have scaled down their livestock while maintaining their traditional ways, and even opened a small lodge.

Today, the property is one of the first and most successful community-owned eco-tourism initiatives managed and operated by the Maasai of the Il Ngwesi community. All revenue directly supports nearly five hundred households and community development projects, including schools, healthcare and water infrastructure.

It stands out as a premier pioneering model for community-based conservation, a testament to the fact that wildlife protection and community development can coexist harmoniously. Visitors can experience an immersive, culturally authentic, and community-focused wildlife viewing in a diverse setting.

Wildlife of Il Ngwesi Conservancy

Giraffes in Il Ngwesi Conservancy

Il Ngwesi Conservancy provides shelter to some of Africa’s iconic wildlife, including the Big Five, reticulated giraffes, zebras, African wild dogs, impala, Grant’s gazelle, eland, gerenuk and Grévy’s and Burchell’s zebras. Herds of up to 400 elephants have been seen, while the calls of lions and leopards are often heard at night. Omni, a black rhino, was recently relocated from Lewa, making it the first black rhino in Il Ngwesi in over twenty years.

Over 400 avian species have been recorded in the conservancy, and it is listed as an Important Bird Area.

Activities in Il Ngwesi Conservancy

Game drives: Embark on heart-pounding, Maasai-led safari experiences on morning and evening game drives to see some of the country’s most sought-after animals, including the Big Five and various endangered species.
Cultural immersion: Enjoy an immersive cultural experience, learning about these intriguing people through authentic village (manyattas) visits, and guided nature walks, all narrated by Maasai guides.
Enjoy stunning landscape views: The conservancy’s location on the Laikipia Plateau offers sweeping views of Mount Kenya and the surrounding plains.
The Eco-Lodge: Il Ngwesi Lodge, an award-winning property, is constructed from locally sourced materials – wood, rock and thatching. The camp itself is small and beautifully designed, offering six open-sided cottages, a main dining area, and an infinity pool that overlooks a watering hole and sweeping views of the distant Samburu plains. With a rustic charm and authenticity rarely found in standard safari lodges, a stay here feels like an escape from the modern world to a simpler time without Wi-Fi and outside distractions.

Best Time to Visit Il Ngwesi Conservancy

The best time to visit Il Ngwesi Conservancy is during the dry season from June to October when the vegetation thins out and wildlife concentrates around waterholes.

Getting there

A road trip from Nairobi to Il Ngwesi takes about 5 to 6 hours through Nanyuki, Timau and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy before reaching the destination in a 4×4 vehicle.

You can charter a flight directly to the Il Ngwesi private airstrip, or take a scheduled flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Nanyuki Airstrip followed by a 2-hour drive to the conservancy.