Located on Shompole Conservancy, Shompole Wilderness is a traditional, exclusive-use tented safari camp in the southern part of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, perfectly positioned between Amboseli National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Overview
All six sleeping rooms and the shared spaces at Shompole Wilderness (which they refer to as the ‘chill area’) look down over the Ewaso Ng’iro River just beyond the camp. Modest yet very comfortable, with thatched roofs, stonework in the local style and much of the furniture handmade from local found wood, there is a bar, ample room for lounging and a dining room, as well as the opportunity to take meals outdoors under the stars. There is also a swimming pool, and WiFi is available in the communal area.
Food and service
The camp has a sterling reputation for the meals and refreshments it provides. Fresh ingredients are sourced regularly from Nairobi and Shompole itself, and sometimes it’s possible to experience a traditional Maasai goat roast.
Rooms
While the camp cultivates a traditional safari atmosphere, the six individual tents at Shompole Wilderness also offer a significant degree of luxury. Canvas-sided with views onto the river and forest, each is ensuite with flush toilets and showers and offers a large, comfortable bed, (limited) electricity, floor fans, lamps and private veranda. A feature is made throughout of local reclaimed wood and arts and crafts, including striking beadwork.
Activities
Activities available at Shompole Wilderness include day and night game drives with local Maasai guides, walking safaris, kayaking and tubing on the river, a baboon walk at nearby Lale’enok Resource Centre, trips to the Shompole swamps and waterfalls, abundant birdwatching and visits to local villages.
Impact
Conservation
Shompole Wilderness was involved in founding and actively supports SORALO, the local conservation organisation here, funding community rangers and regularly hosting donors and partners at the camp.
Commerce
The Shompole Conservancy is wholly owned by the local community, to whom all community and conservation fees paid to Shompole Wilderness go directly. Nearly all staff are Shompole, many having been involved in the camp’s construction before going on to permanent positions. Meat and milk are sourced from homes surrounding the camp, and the beadwork to be found in the rooms is all produced by local women.
Culture
The camp works hard to ensure that its activities are supportive of Shompole culture and traditions, collaborating with them, for instance, on funding educational initiatives and local enterprise.