Safari to Il Ngwesi Valley

a real backwater with strong cultural interaction

The Il Ngwesi Valley is a large area of open rangeland lying between the fenced reserves of Lewa Downs to the south and Samburu National Park to the north.

The valley might not look much on the map, but that’s precisely why it remains such a pleasant backwater, an alluring tract of wild land where Samburu tribespeople and their herds live side-by-side with the wildlife.

The area has naturally lower wildlife populations than the surrounding reserves, largely due to the lack of surface water, particularly during the long Jun-Nov dry season. The most notable animals that do occur regularly are elephants, imperial zebras, reticulated giraffes and Somali ostriches. Large predators including lions, leopards and spotted hyenas are also present, but are much more difficult to find since they tend to be wary of the local people.

Because the area is free from national park regulations, camp owners are free to operate safari as they wish, so you can expect plenty of chances for walking safari, hiking, bush meals and night vehicle safari. Cultural interaction is also very strong, since both the camps are run as joint ventures with and are staffed almost exclusively by local people, who are always keen to take you to visit their villages and share their customs.

There is a very low visitor density here, you really should have the place more or less to yourselves, which is in stark contrast with neighbouring Samburu, which is one of the most hectic safari areas in Africa.

Il Ngwesi also happens to be a particularly favourite hangout for British royalty, especially William and Harry.

The Il Ngwesi Valley is usually accessed by safari vehicle, via a network of dirt tracks that lead north from the Lewa Downs area.

After their stay, some guests continue north on the back roads to Samburu and points further north.

usually accessed by road