Il Ngwesi is a beautiful community run lodge in the Laikipia plateau of central Kenya. The bandas are open to the air and provide stunning views of the surrounding area. The lodge is run by members of the Maasai community and all profits are returned to the community. There is an abundance of wildlife and the lodge overlooks a waterhole which ensures great game viewing even if you have not left the lodge. The staff is friendly and welcoming and will give a glimpse into the lives within their community. I highly recommend this lodge to anyone looking for an out of the way place to stay in Kenya and enjoy the wildlife as well as learn about the Maasai culture. I've been there four times and it never gets old.

This is the best of Africa--Masaai warriors in their regalia, adapting to provide for their communities by protecting the environment and luring back the wild animals to former grazing land, and greeting guests to this unique hotel, lovely, open to the air, built by Masaai warriors with materials from their land. Totally relaxing, safe, comfortable--the perfect place to decompress from a western lifestyle and begin an African vacation. Wonderful scenery, wild animals all around, nothing man made in view except this very special hotel. And if you are looking for a place away from crowds and conflicts and cameras (except your own), you've found it here. It smells wonderful, the food is fresh and delicious, and it is completely and totally relaxing. Bring your own chocolate. And binoculars.

I was impressed by the beauty of the lodge and its environment. The staff was great and I felt very welcome as a guest. They explained about their community life and their community based project. More people should be aware of the uniqueness of this lodge.Thank you for your hospitality!

From looking at Il Ngwesi's website I knew I was in for a treat, but the stunning setting and high standards of accommodation blew me away as soon as I arrived. Incorporating a game drive into the journey to the lodge really built up the excitement. We spotted zebra, giraffe and more in the beautiful land surrounding the lodge before we even arrived!

The lodge is built from local materials and staffed and run by Masai from local villages. The service is fantastic and it is so interesting to learn about the traditional lifestyle from the staff. I stayed in room one, which had a huge wooden four poster bed (complete with mozzie net of course!) and the best shower ever! It feels as if you're standing (naked!) in the middle of the bush with animals and birds looking on! The room is totally open and overlooks the watering hole where we were lucky enough to see elephants stop for a morning drink.

One of my main concerns when booking this trip was that the weather would be bad as it is during Kenya's "rainy" season but it the whole three weeks I spent in the country, I only got caught in the rain once. Don't be put off traveling at this time - you can get some great deals and the land is lush and green. One of the highlights of my stay was the sunny afternoon spent by the infinity pool. Heaven. I really couldn't recommend this place more.