SHOMPOLE
LODGE
The place of red ochre
4 Day, Shompole
Lodge Experience
"Shompole lies on the edge of the Great Rift Valley overlooking sun-baked plains and riverine forest, great creased volcanic mountains and lush green wetlands. It is a creation of imagination and the product of a partnership with the Maasai people of that area. Constructed to emphasise the beauty of natural materials combined with flowing water and smooth white walls, the camp is truly an unusual and exquisite place. We would like to invite you to take a closer look......."
Shompole is conveniently located for many different itineraries including those that visit Amboseli and the Maasai Mara.
Locationed in the South-Eastern Kenya on the Tanzanian border near Lake Natron and Lake Magadi on the edge of the Nguruman Escarpment overlooking the Great Rift Valley access is either by air on a short private charter flight (30 mins) from Nairobi, the Mara or Amboseli or by road along a breath-taking drive from the heights of Nairobi down the escarpment and across the floor of the Great Rift Valley, encountering Lake Magadi and some of the most spectacular views. (the drive takes around three and a half hours, two hours of which is a game drive from Lake Magadi to the lodge).
Shomploe is a unique and artistically appointed camp, using natural materials, smooth white walls and water to create a fresh and unusual approach to the bush experience. The camp is a joint-owned venture between a private safari company and the members of the Maasai community of Shompole Group Ranch.
The community benefit from conservation fees and profit from their shares in the camp and we hope that over time, the community will become majority shareholders while we continue to assist by contributing our expertise in management and marketing.
The camp is in an arid region. October and November tend to be the hottest months of the year, while April and May tend to be wet. Because it tends to be hot during the middle of the day, activities normally take place during the mornings and evenings, while the middle of the day is spent relaxing by the pool or in the shade of the rooms and mess.
The Conservancy area is home to many species of animals and birdlife and includes one of the most ecologically diverse area in Africa with environments ranging from rainforest, through acacia woodland, grass plains, riverine forest, salt plains and soda lakes. There is an abundance of plains game and night animals frequently seen include aardwolf, civet, serval, leopard and striped hyena. Elephant, lion and cheetah are found in the swamp and grassy plains, while the birdlife is varied and plentiful.
The colourful Maasai that are our partners in this project remain traditional in much of their life-style and dress. They are fully involved in the project, employed in the lodge and included in any decision-making involving the business. They welcome visitors to both the camp and their villages and are an important focal point of a stay at Shompole. In addition, the area is also home to the Tanzanian Maasai whose white beads and very traditional way of life, distinguish them from the Maasai of Kenya.
Shompole was initiated by Anthony Russell, an experienced safari guide and conservationist, and with the support of a strong team both in the Nairobi office and in the camp, the project has successfully combined the expertise of a quality safari company and the eagerness and hard-work of the Maasai people. The Maasai comprise the majority of camp staff, rangers and project co-ordinators on site, along with some experienced staff from the coast who contribute their skills to ensure a high standard of service.
Guests are hosted by professional management who will ensure that every detail of their stay is attended to. Your accommodation is situated on the side of the Nguruman escarpment, overlooking the stunning expanse of the Great Rift Valley, the camp is positioned ideally to make the most of both an incredible view and the cool breeze.
Constructed using naturally-occurring white quartz stone, pale thatch and other materials, and using water as a prime feature, each tented room provides a very spacious, shady oasis in this green desert environment. With privacy, comfort and relaxation in mind, each room consists of a cool-pool and informal sitting areas, a bathroom with a view and a specially-designed tent which includes vast windows and a high canopied roof. 6 tented rooms: 4 doubles, 2 twins. All rooms en-suite with private cool-pool and lounge. Extra beds can be added.
The main lounge and dining area consists of a high thatch roof overlooking Mount Shompole and the Rift Valley. Various levels accommodate seating areas and a lofted recess high in the roof provides an additional quiet area. Should guests wish to take meals by their tent, the main pool or in the bush, we can make special arrangement to provide for their individual needs.
The variety of landscape available at Shompole allows for a great range of activities from early morning and evening walks, river trips, night drives, sundowner visits to Lake Natron to see the flamingos, pic-nics and nights spent out in romantic fly-camps. Horse-riding and camel-riding are among the many activities that are planned for the future. The pre-historic site of Olorgesaille offers an interesting day out. The experience and skills of Maasai guides and trackers play an important part in the experience we offer. Activities are unscheduled and organised according to the preferences of our guests. Guests will also have ample time to relax and enjoy the facilities of the camp itself.
Tree-Houses: The establishment of tree-based units are among the projects planned for the future. These will be ideal as a night-stop for walking and horse-back safaris. Rustic and simple in design, they will offer the guest a taste of the unspoilt bush experience and a proximity to nature and wildlife that will appeal to all ages.
Length of stay: To take full advantage of everything on offer, stays at Shompole should be a minimum of 3 or 4 nights.
Price
Guide
4
Day, Shompole Lodge Experience
Price Per Person Sharing
from £675.00
Includes all house beverages (including wine,
beer and spirits, excluding champagne),
full board and all activities.
Excludes International and domestic flights to and from Africa and within
Kenya.
Additional Nights from £225.00 per person sharing
Single Supplement Charge of £65.00 per night
Transfers
to and from Shompole
From
Nairobi
By Road using 4 x 4 vehicle from Nairobi to Shompole or v.v
costs £155.00 one way - per group (max 6 people)
By Air for 2 people from Nairobi to Shompole or
v.v
costs £255.00 one way (reduced rates for larger groups)
From
the Masai Mara
By
Air for 2 people from Masaai Mara to Shompole or
v.v
costs £355.00 one way (reduced rates for larger groups)
From
Amboseli National Park
By Air for 2 people from Amboseli to Shompole or
v.v
costs £335.00 one way (reduced rates for larger groups)
(Excluding all flights to
and from Africa)
Safaris subject to availability and prices can change without prior notice.
To
check availability for this safari, please contact us on
UK
- 01995 679 776
International
- 44 1995 679 776
Priority is given to people who call us, due to
the number of e-mails we receive.
holidays@safari-africa.co.uk
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Pictures in this
column were taken in
Kenya and Tanzania.
To make a booking please contact us with a depature date that you would like. We will then check availablility for you.
Flights to, from and many within Africa are not included in the cost of the safari, you can check flight prices On-Line by going to our Flights page or by contacting your local travel agent or flight specialist.
If you need any help please contact us, by phone, e-mail or pop-in to see us in person.
