Ngari Hill Ecolodge Maralal

Ngari Hill Ecolodge is a rustic, family-owned eco-lodge situated at an altitude of 2,000 meters atop a hilltop near Maralal town in Samburu County, Northern Kenya. Perched between Maralal and the Kirisia Forest, the lodge offers sweeping panoramic vistas across local Samburu villages, forested hillsides, and expansive surrounding plains.

The lodge features 12 en-suite guest units (comprising cottages, tented suites, and standard rooms) and an adjacent campsite, accommodating up to 31 overnight guests. Designed with sustainable principles, the property incorporates reforested indigenous trees, a rainwater-harvesting eco-pool, and traditional Samburu architectural influences. Serving as a peaceful gateway to Northern Kenya, Ngari Hill combines high-altitude climate, hiking expeditions, and rich Samburu cultural engagement.

Location & Accessibility

By Road

✓ Route from Nairobi: The fastest overland route from the capital covers approximately 350 km. The road segment between Rumuruti and Maralal is fully upgraded to a smooth tarmac highway, making the drive comfortable and straightforward

Step-by-Step Approach from Maralal Town

✓ Drive toward the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB Maralal)
✓ Continue straight past the NCPB building along the same road and cross the bridge
✓ At the upcoming junction marked with the Ngari Hill Ecolodge signboard, turn right and begin climbing the hill
✓ At the top of the hill, make a sharp right turn following the lodge signboards until reaching the main security gate

By Air

✓ Maralal Airstrip & Regional Circuits: Guests flying in can utilize charter or scheduled domestic flights to Maralal Airstrip or neighboring Samburu airstrips, followed by a short road transfer up to the lodge

Accommodation

Ngari Hill Ecolodge offers 12 en-suite room units and an adjacent hilltop campsite, providing a total bed capacity for up to 31 guests. Accommodations blend contemporary Kenyan warmth with authentic Samburu styling, featuring timber and stone accents, private verandas, and sweeping panoramic views over the hill, Maralal town, and Kirisia Forest.

Standard Amenities Across All En-Suite Room Categories:

✓ Dining Plan: Bed & Breakfast basis included (with Half Board and Full Board options available)
✓ Outdoors: Private furnished verandas or balconies designed to showcase sunrise and sunset views
✓ Bathrooms & Hygiene: En-suite private bathrooms with hot showers, flush toilets, and double washbasins
✓ Connectivity & Work: Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, writing desks with lamps, and cozy sitting furniture

1. Superior Cottages (2 Units)

Spacious, open-plan thatched cottages offering contemporary Kenyan luxury

✓ Occupancy: Sleeps 2 standard (1 King-size double bed); can accommodate up to 3 extra single beds (Maximum 4 guests per cottage / 6 PAX total across both units
✓ Key Features: Features a large open indoor fireplace with a comfortable lounge area, writing desk, wardrobe, and an expansive private veranda. The en-suite open bathroom layout includes twin washbasins and a soaking bathtub with an overhead shower

2. Exclusive Tents (2 Units)

Luxury canvas tented suites built on elevated wooden platforms with thatched roofs

✓ Occupancy: Sleeps 2 standard (King/Twin setup); can accommodate 1 extra bed (Maximum 3 guests per tent / 6 PAX total across both units)
✓ Key Features: Blends traditional safari charm with modern comfort. Furnished with a lounge seating area, writing desk, wardrobe, and a large elevated veranda. One tented unit serves as a family-friendly suite featuring an additional small sleeping room and a double shower instead of a bathtub

3. Family Cottage (1 Unit)

A multi-level cottage specifically designed for larger families or small groups

✓ Occupancy: Sleeps 2 adults and up to 3 children/additional guests (Maximum 5 PAX total)
✓ Key Features: The ground floor contains a master double bed, wardrobe, seating/dining space, and a separate toilet and bathroom section with double shower units and twin basins. An internal staircase leads to an upper-floor veranda space that accommodates up to three extra single beds. Comes with a private outdoor garden veranda

4. Standard Rooms (7 Units)

Cozy, rustic en-suite rooms decorated in warm African style

✓ Inventory Breakout: 2 Single Rooms, 2 Twin Rooms, 1 Double Room, and 2 Double/Triple Rooms (Total capacity: 14 PAX)
✓ Key Features: Outfitted with handcrafted wooden double or twin beds (with extra single bed additions available upon request), writing desks, en-suite bath-shower/toilet facilities, and private verandas. Single occupancy options are available across all twin/double units

5. Hilltop Campsite

Terraced grounds located on top of Ngari Hill for self-pitching or rooftop vehicle camping

✓ Capacity: Space for up to 10–15 small/medium-sized tents and 4 vehicles equipped with rooftop tents. Medium-sized pitched tents with bedding are also available for hire on-site
✓ Facilities: Dedicated campsite shower block with solar-heated hot water, flush toilets, and access to Wi-Fi. Campers can self-cook in designated areas or dine at the hilltop restaurant

Dining & Cuisine

Restaurant & Culinary Highlights

✓ Culinary Style: Serves a blend of French and Italian-inspired cuisine infused with traditional Samburu flavors, utilizing fresh local produce
✓ A La Carte Dining: Available for guests booked on Bed & Breakfast or Bed-Only rates, as well as visiting non-residents and campsite guests
✓ Packed Lunches & Excursions: Custom packed lunches are prepared on request for guests embarking on full-day hikes into Kirisia Forest, trips to Malasso Viewpoint, or regional safari drives
✓ Board Plans & Daily Menus: Guests on Half Board or Full Board packages are offered changing daily set menus featuring 2 to 3 main course choices, with vegetarian alternatives always included
✓ Setting & Atmosphere: Open-air and indoor dining space perched at 2,000 meters altitude. The large outdoor terrace allows guests to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner surrounded by reforested indigenous trees and abundant birdlife

Facilities, Events & Activities

Ngari Hill Ecolodge integrates hilltop leisure amenities with high-altitude endurance training, multi-day tribal trekking, and immersive Samburu cultural engagement.

Lodge Facilities & Property Highlights

✓ Conference & Group Lounge: Offers indoor conference facilities and event space for corporate retreats, workshops, and private group meetings for up to 40 guests
✓ Endurance Sports Hub: Due to its 2,000 m high altitude and rugged terrain, the lodge is a popular base for cross-country running, mountain biking, and off-road motorbiking groups
✓ Reforested Indigenous Grounds: Over the years, the property compound has been actively reforested with native trees, creating a sanctuary that attracts diverse bird species for birdwatching
✓ Rainwater Eco-Pool: Designed with an integrated water harvesting structure that collects pure rainwater. Features cozy poolside lounge seating, verandas, and a pool house, available free of charge to overnight lodge guests

Guided Hikes & Multi-Day Treks

✓ Kirisia Forest Hike: Guided wilderness trek accompanied by local guides and rangers through pristine forest habitat where elephants roam freely among Samburu herders
✓ Poro Ranch & Suguta Valley Trekking: Excursions across the private ranch in Poro descending into the low-lying plains of Suguta Valley, highlighting rapid changes in temperature and vegetation, complete with a prepared picnic lunch
✓ The Grand Samburu Tribal Trek: A signature multi-day guided trek along traditional Samburu paths, combining overnight stays at Ngari Hill Ecolodge and its sister ranch in Poro. Includes a trek into Kirisia Forest to visit the Singing Wells, observe free-roaming wild elephants, and meet Samburu pastoralists
✓ Samburu & Buffalo Springs Safari Excursions: Full-day safari game drives down to Samburu National Reserve and Buffalo Springs National Reserve (~2.5 to 3 hours drive from Maralal via Wamba). Explore the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River and track Northern Kenya’s famous “Samburu Special Five”: the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk, with packed picnic lunches provided by the lodge.

Cultural Engagement & Regional Excursions

✓ Maralal Town Tour: Half-day or full-day guided tours of Maralal frontier town, visiting local cattle markets, blacksmith artisans demonstrating their trade, and Samburu women’s bead jewelry collectives
✓ Malasso Viewpoint (World’s End): Excursions to the famous Malasso Viewpoint overlooking a dramatic 120 km-deep panoramic drop into the Rift Valley and the serrated Taita Hills, combined with a hilltop picnic lunch
✓ Samburu Cultural Visits: Guided trips to neighboring manyattas (homesteads) to learn about traditional pastoral livelihoods, cattle herding, and beadwork. Includes opportunities to witness authentic traditional dance performances at the lodge or in nearby villages

Highlights

✓ Scenic Hilltop Campsite: Dedicated terraced campsite equipped with solar-heated hot showers, flush toilets, and space for up to 15 tents and 4 rooftop-tent vehicles
✓ High-Altitude Oasis: Situated at 2,000 meters elevation near Maralal, offering cool mountain temperatures, fresh air, and sweeping views across Kirisia Forest and surrounding plains
✓ Sustainable Eco-Design: Built with sustainable principles featuring a rainwater-harvesting eco-pool, re-forested indigenous grounds, and birdwatching sanctuaries attracting native wildlife
✓ Authentic Samburu Cultural Engagement: Offers deep cultural integration including guided visits to traditional manyattas, village dances, and tours of Maralal town and artisan markets
✓ Endurance Sports & High-Altitude Base: Prime hub for cross-country running, mountain biking, off-road motorbiking, and adventure sports due to its rugged terrain and 2,000 m altitude
✓ The Grand Samburu Tribal Trek: Signature multi-day guided hiking routes through Kirisia Forest and Poro Ranch, featuring free-roaming wild elephants, the Singing Wells, and Rift Valley escarpment viewpoints
✓ Versatile En-Suite Accommodation: Features 12 en-suite guest units including Superior Cottages with open fireplaces, Exclusive Safari Tents, a multi-level Family Cottage, and rustic Standard Rooms accommodating up to 31 guests

2026 Ngari Hill Ecolodge Maralal Non-Resident Accommodation Rates Per Night

Notes:

* Camping per person – Own Tent and gear – 20 US Dollars
* Children up to 2 years stay free of charge when sharing with parents
* For children aged 2 – 6 years –  50% of the adult rate is charged when sharing with parents
* Private Guest House -Self-Catering (prepare your own meals or visit on-site restaurant)) – 70 US Dollars Per Person

2026 Ngari Hill Eco-lodge Maralal Resident Accommodation Rates Per Night

Notes

* Camping per person – Own Tent and gear – 1,100 Kenya Shillings
* Children up to 2 years stay free of charge when sharing with parents
* For children aged 2 – 6 years –  50% of the adult rate is charged when sharing with parents
* Private Guest House -Self-Catering (prepare your own meals or visit on-site restaurant)) – 6,000 Kenya Shillings Per Person

Ngari Hill Ecolodge has 2 standard rooms, 4 superior cottages, 2 exclusive tents, and a budget campsite. The standard rooms are en-suite, with either a double or twin wooden bed, and are decorated with carefully selected Kenyan antiques made from natural materials.

The thatched cottages are en-suite, tastefully fitted with wardrobes and lounge seats, and offer a stunning fusion of a calm, relaxing views of Ngari Hill. One cottage has a large open fireplace, a lounge area, a writing table, a wardrobe, and a bathtub.

The tents have thatched roofs and are placed on an elevated wooden platform, giving them a magnificent view of Ngari Hill. Each tent features a writing table, wardrobe, comfortable lounge seating, verandah, and a luxury bathroom with a bathtub.

There is a campsite that can accommodate up to 15 tents. The campsite sits atop ‘Ngari Hill’ with magnificent views all around.  Guests here can either pitch their own tents or hire from the lodge. Shared bathrooms with hot showers and flush toilets are located near the campsite.

The Ngari Hill Eco-lodge Maralal offers a variety of dishes, mainly prepared from ingredients available locally in and around Maralal. The well-stocked bar serves a good selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. There is also a fine selection of wines.

The eco-lodge has a large lounging area where guests can relax in comfortable seats, watch their favorite television program, and enjoy drinks and snacks. Here, guests can meet friends and hold private or business meetings. The lounge offers full conference services for groups of up to 40 guests.

Ngari Hill Ecolodge Maralal Activities include camel walks, a visit to Malaso Viewpoint, Sunguta Valley trekking, a visit to Kirisia Forest, and Samburu village visits.

Mobile: + 254-721-242-711
WhatsApp: +254-721-242-711
Reservations: +254 718-179-967
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://africanspicesafaris.com