Nestled in the heart of Kenya's breathtaking landscapes, the Shompole Conservancy stands as a testament to the country's commitment to wildlife conservation and eco-tourism. This remarkable destination offers visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature while supporting local communities and conservation efforts.

The Shompole Conservancy encompasses over 35,000 acres of pristine wilderness, showcasing the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of Kenya. Situated on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, this conservancy offers a diverse range of habitats, including acacia woodlands, grassy plains, and dramatic cliffs that overlook the vast expanse below.

One of the most notable lodges within the Shompole Conservancy is Shompole Wilderness. Designed with a seamless blend of luxury and sustainability, this exclusive lodge provides guests with an intimate and authentic safari experience. Surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes, visitors can indulge in the beauty of the African wilderness while enjoying world-class hospitality from Johaan, Sam and their kids.

Snapshot & Key Highlights:

Location: Shompole Conservancy, Kenya

How to get there: Private 25 minute plane from Nairobi or 2 - 2.5 hrs drive from Nairobi

Accommodation: 6 Luxurious rooms with private verandas

Activities: Tubing, photography hide, walking with baboons, game drives, walks and running in the wild, fishing and helicopter flights (additional cost)

Facilities: Swimming pool, lounge area, dining room, laundry, wifi in lounge area

Conservation: Active involvement in habitat restoration, community involvment and anti-poaching efforts

Sustainability: Eco-friendly practices, including solar power and water conservation

Hosts: Warm and attentive hosts, Johaan, Sam, and their children

Shompole Hide:

The Shompole Wilderness Lodge is renowned for its exceptional photography hide, offering photographers and wildlife enthusiasts a chance to capture stunning images of Kenya's iconic wildlife. From the hide, guests can observe various species as they quench their thirst at the nearby waterhole, providing incredible opportunities to photograph elephants, giraffes, zebras, and many bird species in their natural habitat.

Johann du Toit, the owner of Shompole Wilderness, joined forces with Will Burrard-Lucas, an expert photographer renowned for his expertise and wealth of knowledge in the field. Together, they collaborated to perfect various aspects of the hide, with Will providing invaluable advice and contributing his extensive photographic expertise.

Situated 4.7 kilometres away from the nearest water source, the Hide presents an enticing location for birds and mammals to quench their thirst.

Over 30 members of the local Maasai community from Shompole actively participated in this project, benefiting their families through the additional support provided.

For clients of Shompole Wilderness who have booked the camp exclusively at the international rate, there is no additional charge to access the Shompole Hide.

For those who aren’t staying on an excluisve basis further details regarding the costs associated with the hide can be obtained by contacting the lodge directly.

Activities

Tubing

For those seeking adventure and excitement, tubing on the river is a must-try activity at Shompole Wilderness. Drifting along the gentle currents of the Ewaso Ngiro River, guests can soak up the serene surroundings and marvel at the breathtaking scenery. This relaxing experience allows visitors to appreciate the landscape from a very different viewpoint while enjoying a refreshing break from the sun and watching the birds and monkeys as you float past.

Another fascinating activity offered within the Shompole Conservancy is the opportunity to walk with a habituated baboon troop. Led by experienced guides, visitors can embark on a captivating morning alongside these charismatic primates, witnessing their complex social interactions and observing their natural behaviour up close with the local researcher, Sisco.

Game Drives

Embark on thrilling game drives at Shompole Wilderness and delve into the captivating world of Kenya's wildlife. Led by expert guides, these excursions take you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Shompole Conservancy, where you can witness majestic elephants, graceful giraffes, and awe-inspiring predators in their natural habitat. With each game drive offering unique encounters and the chance to learn about conservation efforts, a Shompole game drive is an unforgettable adventure that brings you closer to the wonders of African wildlife.

Fishing

As you unwind and embrace the serenity of Shompole, why not indulge in a bit of fishing? The river has a healthy catfish population, and with fishing rods provided, you can try your luck at reeling in one of these magnificent creatures. However, it's important to note that the camp upholds a catch-and-release policy right in front of the camp. So, while you can enjoy the thrill of the catch, please kindly release the fish back into the river to preserve the ecosystem's delicate balance.

Running in the Wild

For avid runners seeking a remarkable experience, Shompole offers an ideal setting. The flat terrain and expansive open areas provide ample space for safe and stimulating runs. To ensure your well-being, a vehicle will accompany you during your run, as a precautionary measure. Additionally, we can arrange for a knowledgeable guide to accompany and run alongside you, ensuring you have company throughout your jogging adventure. Lace-up your running shoes and immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the wild, where every stride brings you closer to the untamed spirit of Shompole.

Helicopter Flight

A helicopter flight over the Shompole ecosystem is a must-try and highly recommended! Witnessing the breathtaking landscapes from the air is truly a magical experience that is hard to describe. With low-level flying and doors off (without disturbing the wildlife), you'll have the opportunity to soak in awe-inspiring views of Lake Magadi and Lake Natron. Please note that this activity requires booking and is subject to the availability of the helicopter. It's important to mention that helicopter flights are an additional activity and not included in our standard package. So, seize the opportunity to elevate your safari adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime with this extraordinary aerial experience.

Rooms

The rooms at Shompole Wilderness offer a truly unique and private retreat within the enchanting landscapes of the Shompole Conservancy. Set amidst the dense cordia bushes, there are six spacious tents, each thoughtfully designed to provide a different experience. Two tents offer a breathtaking river view, two overlook the expansive plains, and two provide a charming treehouse ambience.

Privacy is a priority, as each tent is carefully positioned to be hidden from the others, ensuring a secluded and intimate stay. The tents feature large verandas, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings. The tent interiors are designed with netted windows, facilitating excellent airflow and a refreshing breeze.

En-suite bathrooms are a luxurious feature of each tent, with flush toilets as well as hot and cold running water for refreshing showers. The tents are elevated on raised platforms, nestled among the vegetation, creating a treehouse-like sensation while providing shade to cool the interiors.

The sleeping arrangements offer flexibility, with the tents capable of accommodating either double or single beds. There is also space for an additional cot bed if required, making it a family-friendly option. The camp has been thoughtfully designed to maintain a traditional bush feel while ensuring the utmost comfort and a cosy, homely atmosphere.

Lounge Area

The lodge offers a spacious lounge area and a communal dining area where guests can gather and share their experiences. The friendly and attentive staff cater to the needs and preferences of each guest, ensuring a personalized and memorable stay.

Food and Dining at Shompole Wilderness

Meals at Shompole Wilderness are a combination of artistry and sustainability. The lodge sources ingredients from nearby communities and its organic garden, ensuring freshness and supporting local farmers. This farm-to-table approach guarantees that each dish is prepared with care and showcases the vibrant flavours of the region.

The day begins with a delicious breakfast spread that caters to various preferences and dietary requirements. From freshly baked pastries and homemade granola to a selection of fruits, yoghurts, and cooked-to-order hot dishes, guests can indulge in a hearty meal that energizes them for the day's activities.

For lunch, the lodge offers a diverse array of options, including light and refreshing salads, delectable soups, and flavorful dishes, usually served buffet style so guests can help themselves.

Dinner at Shompole Wilderness is a true highlight. The lodge's chefs skillfully craft a menu that showcases a fusion of African and international flavours. Guests can expect a variety of dishes, from succulent grilled meats and fresh seafood to vegetarian delights, all prepared with meticulous attention to detail.

At Shompole Wilderness, dining is not just about satiating hunger—it's an integral part of the overall safari experience. The combination of mouthwatering flavours, fresh ingredients, and exceptional service with the Du Toit family hosting where appropriate leads to an enjoyable dining experience.

Swimming Pool

The swimming pool area at Shompole Wilderness is a serene oasis where guests can unwind, relax, and soak up the sun in a tranquil and picturesque setting. Designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, the pool area offers a refreshing respite from the African heat while providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

Surrounded by comfortable loungers and shaded seating areas, the pool area provides the perfect spot to bask in the sun or curl up with a good book while enjoying the soothing ambience of the savannah sounds.

Your Hosts

At Shompole Wilderness, guests are welcomed into a warm and inviting atmosphere thanks to the attentive and dedicated hosts, Johaan and Sam, along with their children. This remarkable family goes above and beyond to ensure every guest's experience is memorable, comfortable, and personalized.

Johaan and Sam are passionate about the Shompole Conservancy and its wildlife, and their enthusiasm shines through in their interactions with guests. With their extensive knowledge of the area, they are eager to share insights, stories, and local wisdom, enhancing the overall safari experience.

As hosts, Johaan and Sam are attentive to the needs and preferences of each guest, providing a level of personalized service that creates a home-away-from-home ambience. Whether it's arranging specific activities, dietary requests, or special celebrations, they strive to make every aspect of your stay at Shompole Wilderness tailored to your desires.

Conservation

Beyond its exceptional lodges and thrilling activities, Shompole Wilderness is committed to various conservation projects that contribute to preserving the region's precious ecosystems. The lodge works closely with local communities, promoting sustainable livelihoods and empowering individuals through education and employment opportunities. Through initiatives such as anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, and wildlife monitoring, the Shompole Conservancy plays a vital role in safeguarding Kenya's natural heritage for generations.

Useful Information:

Security: The camp is unfenced, allowing wildlife to move freely. During the day, guests are welcome to explore the camp, but at night, we kindly request that you are accompanied by one of our Maasai guards for your safety.

Phone & Internet: Phone reception is available but can be patchy. When the signal is strong, we can provide a hotspot for email access, but it may not be suitable for extensive internet use. We encourage you to embrace the opportunity to disconnect from the outside world and enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness. To maintain a social atmosphere, we kindly ask that the use of mobile devices be limited to private areas. A fine of $10 applies for using mobile devices in public spaces.

Drinking Water: Ample drinking water is provided. Due to the prevalence of dehydration, we recommend drinking more water than you may think necessary. Please bring your own electrolytes (e.g., Gatorade) as the available rehydration salts may not suit all tastes.

Drinks: Most beverages are included in your stay, except for Champagne and top shelf spirits. Assistance for ordering drinks can be obtained at the main dining/mess area. Residents of Kenya should note that drinks are not included.

Electricity: Each room operates on a small generator. Universal charging bars are available in the tents. To avoid power outages, please refrain from using hair dryers.

First Aid: We have a well-equipped first aid kit on-site. Please inform Johann if you require any assistance.

Gratuities: All tips should be given to Hamisi, who will ensure equitable distribution among the staff. If using Mpesa, please send the tip to his number. We recommend a gratuity of $10 per client per night for the main camp staff. Guides should be tipped separately.

Showers: Each of the six tents is en-suite with ample running hot and cold water for showers.

Laundry: Complimentary daily laundry service is available, with same-day return. Please note that undergarments will not be laundered.

Safe: A safe is provided for securing valuables. We advise keeping all valuables locked away.

Smoking: Smoking is prohibited inside the tents and in enclosed communal areas to ensure the comfort and safety of all guests.