Tel. +44 (0)1273 600030 (UK)
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The lodge is a communally owned group ranch. The members have elected a Group Ranch Committee and Chairman to represent over 6,000 people. It is situated on the 16,500 hectare Group Ranch, opened in December 1996 and is currently seen as 'the success story of Northern Kenya.' Although the original construction of the lodge was funded by donors and built with the assistance and support of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, the lodge is now independent.
While traditional land use, a Masai nomadic cattle culture, is maintained the introduction of income from tourism, means that the dependence of the Masai on livestock has been reduced. Profits from the lodge are divided amongst the local community and help to support nearly five hundred households and their schools, cattle dips, water supplies and other group ranch operations.
The awareness of the financial value of wildlife has resulted in a corresponding increase in wildlife numbers. Il N'gwesi has its own team of rangers to protect the returning wildlife - herds of up to 400 elephant are often seen, and the sounds of lion and leopard are frequently heard at night. This increase in wildlife in turn increases the eco-tourism potential, and the resultant cycle of success will, if carefully managed, ensure the future of these diligent people.
This holiday is part of the responsibletravel.com and Conservation International Community Based Tourism Programme to support and promote community based tourism ventures that offer significant conservation and development benefits to local communities.
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