Description
Please note that Shompole is shut from 23rd October 2011 until further notice.
The main camp at Shompole has just 6 uniquely elegant rooms with high thatched roofs and incredible views, Little Shompole has two private suites, a swimming pool, dining area and its own staff. The rooms have been strategically designed to take advantage of the views and on a clear day you can see as far as Ngoongoro Crater in Tanzania.
Shompole is situated in a 35,000 acre conservancy overlooking riverine forest and sun-baked plains. It is an artistic wilderness retreat created by Anthony Russell, a veteran of wildlife tourism, who established Shompole as a group venture with the local Maasai people. Shompole aims to create self-sustaining tourism.
The camp is perfectly positioned to make the most of the incredible view and the cool breeze. There are no sides to the buildings to interrupt the views and the main lounge and dining area overlook Mount Shompole and provide a wonderful setting to enjoy meals or just to relax during the heat of the day.
The variety of landscape at Shompole allows for a great range of activities, from day and night drives through the game-rich plains and mountain-biking along the edge of the escarpment or walks at Lake Natron, breeding ground of East Africa's two million flamingos. Visits to the local Maasai market and pre-historic sites, learning about the skills and lives of the Maasai and nights spent out in romantic fly camps.
Accommodation
Shompole has 6 open sided rooms with huge mosquito nets draped around enormous beds. The rooms are simple yet incredibly stylish constructed from white quartz stone with lots of pale fig-tree wood furniture, smooth wooden decks and the occasional terracotta pot complete the look. Little Shompole has two private suites, a swimming pool, dining area and its own staff.
Childcare
Shompole is not suited to very young children and therefore those under 12 will not be accepted. However, at this age and beyond children begin to connect with nature and animals and show great curiousity and ability to learn. A safari can be a hugely rewarding and educational experience. Meal-times and food can always be tailored to suit younger palates.
Facilities
Each room at Shompole has it's own cool pool to enjoy in pivate and at Little Shompole there is a stunning infinity length pool perched on the hillside. There is also a therapist on hand for massages and other treatments. The main lodge has a shop offering beautiful art and pieces from local Maasai workshops.
Activities
Shompole offers guests a great range of activities, from day and night drives through the game-rich plains and mountain-biking along the edge of the escarpment or walks at Lake Natron, breeding ground of East Africa's two million flamingos. Visits to the local Maasai market and pre-historic sites, learning about the skills and lives of the Maasai and nights spent out in romantic fly camps. The activities are tailored to suit each guests personal requirements.
Services
All rooms have a personal butler to help make the guests stay as relaxing as possible. The guides are trained locals who have an intimate knowledge of the area and the wildlife.
When to travel
The only time to avoid Kenya is during the long rainy season in April and May. November is considered the short rainy season, however, these are less predictable and are much lighter.
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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Nguruman Escarpment, Kenya
Nguruman escarpment, south western Kenya, very close to Lake Natron.
How to get there
8.5hr international flight to Nairobi and from there the only way in is by private charter. From Nairobi it is a 35 minute flight - a spectacular one as you fly over the Ngong Hills and down the escarpment into the Great Rift Valley
