Little Shompole

Shompole has been covered extensively in the world's press and has won awards for its approach to conservation, which has led to a partnership between a small private business and the Maasai community that own the land. Shompole made waves, not only because of going into partnership with the Maasai, but also by refusing to compromise on building a totally unique, breath-taking property aiming at the highest standards of service, food and experience.

While many community initiatives shrug off the lack of cold drinks or the slightly wobbly service as being inevitable, given the difficulty for a once rural herdsman to live up to alien Western expectations, Shompole has pushed the envelope in this respect and manages to provide unparalleled flourish of style, incredible food and a level of service that could match any privately-owned 5-star lodge.

Everything is done with a great deal of care and attention, but with an air of effortlessness that is down to Ava, the Manageress who has made her job a way of life and genuinely enjoys being accommodating and taking care of her guests. Extra touches like a surprise private dinner by the pool or a conjured-up bush breakfast after a long walk really stand out and make a stay memorable.

The Little Shompole suites were added after the main lodge was complete and are the culmination of an already ambitious design journey. Covering a staggering 5,500sqft each, each suite roves over a number of different levels, with a full view over the Rift Valley and a 9'x9' bed, complete with a cooling system that channels water over the moulded white stucco head-board and around the bed in a shallow pool. Water runs through the room into a large plunge pool and the open sun deck in front of the room also doubles as a romantic spot for private dining.

The suites share a small lounge and dining room with yet another horizon pool, fed with fresh spring water, and have a private kitchen and a dedicated team of staff....really, how could you tear yourself away from this place?? However, there is lots to see here for those that manage to venture out into the conservancy.

Shompole has worked hard at encouraging wildlife back and the once parched, over-grazed and scarcely populated area of the Rift Valley is now home to a wide variety of wildlife and birds. The landscape is varied and interesting with striking views of creased volcanic hills, lush marshland, a river lined with yellow fig trees alongside waving grassland and acacia woodland. Activities are rewarding, particularly night drives which often include sightings of shy aardwolf, honey badger, striped hyena, serval or civet, wild cat and bat-eared fox.

Shompole is the type of place where your room is not just a place in which to sleep, but space in which you can spend hours, days even, just relaxing and watching the view or reading without the slightest conscience. If you want to venture out, you can but essentially, this is a place that you come to for the lodge just as much as the area.