Text : Hitesh Mehta
Photos : Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
In 1995, a small lodge was built on Il Ngwesi, using funds donated through the Kenya Wildlife Service. This was Kenya ’s first community-owned and managed lodge in the country. It has proved enormously successful, and has won many awards, including a British Airways ’Tourism for Tomorrow’ award, Equator Initiative Award in 2002, Conde Nast Traveler 2003 Eco Tourism winner in the Hotel/Lodge cathegory and Harpers and Queens "Best 101 Hotels 2003".
With the revenue from the lodge, the Il Ngwesi community has paid for many social developments, such as the provision of school bursaries and the construction of a primary school and three nursery schools. Funds have also been directed into water maintenance and health schemes. The Il Ngwesi project won the UNDP Equator Initiative Award for their success in tapping the biodiversity of their environment for economic gain and community development.
Since the initiation of the Group Ranch projects, eight Game Scouts have been employed which has greatly increased the wildlife security. A vehicle purchased by the community for use for security is also available for _ transportation of Group Ranch members.
Training and awareness workshops have become an important part of the picture as they cover wildlife conservation project management and the further development of sustainable resources.
LWC still provides considerable logistic support to Il Ngwesi, including maintenance of vehicles, communication network, and accounting. It is _ LWC’s objective to make Il Ngwesi entirely self-supporting, except in areas where there are economies of scale in LWC continuing to provide services.
This will be achieved by additional training programmes and by moving the lodge up-market in order to generate additional revenue.
Contact
Let’s Go Travel
PO Box 60342, Nairobi, Kenya
Tel :(+254-20) 4441891 4446052/4447151
Tel/Fax : (+254-20)-4447270 4441690
E-Mail : letsgo@letsgosafari.co.ke
Vintage Africa
8th floor, Kalson Towers
The Crescent, Westlands.
P.O.Box 59470
Nairobi 00200. Kenya
Tel : +254 20 3742450/55/35
Fax : + 2542 20 3742465/3741980
email : vintagenbo@vintageafrica.com
Locally built and locally run
Visitors to the Lodge are spoilt with a variety of things to do. In addition to visiting the Cultural Boma, there is the option of exploring the area by foot, or by camel, following the Ngare Ndare River with local guides, which offers a special opportunity to get close to the wildlife.
Less strenuous possibilities include a game drive and taking sundowners to one of the many different vantage points along the Mukogodo Hills. Bush breakfasts and dinners are also available.
Another very popular attraction is the hand-reared orphan black rhino, Omni. Omni was moved to Il Ngwesi from Lewa in May last year. He is the first black rhino to come back to Il Ngwesi in 30 years and with two white rhinos, is now a daily sight for Il Ngwesi visitors.
The habituated baboon troop is another popular attraction. Trips to see the monkeys can be arranged from the lodge.
This small paradise, perched between peak and plain, possesses a magic which cannot fail to touch anyone who is lucky enough to experience it.
The lodge is a local project
Il Ngwesi possesses an original and striking beauty and although the lodge was only officially opened in December 1996, and has relied solely on marketing by word of mouth, its average occupancy level has been running at 60%. The staff involved in the construction and subsequent running of the lodge are all Group Ranch members and the project therefore provides an increase in local employment.
There is accommodation for up to 16 people in the six bandas. Self-catering guests bring their own food while the lodge can provide cold drinks. A number of non-perishable items can also be purchased from the store (for specific requests please give notice). Staff prepare all meals and attend to other needs such as laundry.
Rates are dependent on the number of guests, their country of origin and whether the lodge is booked exclusively. Costs begin at $350 for up to twelve residents and US$190 p/person for non-residents (per night). The lodge also offers all-inclusive stays, where the package includes food and a variety of activities.
Il Ngwesi Lodge was awarded the prestigious British Airways Best Eco-tourism Destination Award in 1997, Best Self-catering Camp by readers of Travel Magazine twice, Kenya’s leading travel magazine and The Equator Initiative Award (Click here to read more) at the world Summit in Johannesburg in 2002. It has also become the role model for upcoming community eco-lodges throughout the East African region.
More information
http://www.lewa.org/ilngwesi_lodge.php
http://www.lewa.org/ilngwesi.php
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Contact Addresses :
Lewa Nairobi Office
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Email : nairobi-office@lewa.org
Lewa Main Office Kenya
Email : info@lewa.org
Lewa USA
Paula Morris
Email : lewausa@verizon.net
Linda Millard
Email : Linda.millard@gmail.com
Lewa Canada
Contact person ; Lynne Adams
Email : lynneadams27@rogers.com