Hot Valentines Weekend at Little Shompole – Magadi, Kenya
Feb 18, 2010, 7:32 am
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Hot Valentines Weekend at Little Shompole – Magadi, Kenya
Hot Valentines Weekend at Little Shompole – Magadi, Kenya
Hot is an understatement. What a weekend it was. The daytime temperature was around 38 degree’s Celsius and the evenings did not get cooler then 25 degree’s Celsius. And what a hot lodge they have built.
On the Shompole Community Conservancy, designer Anthony Russell has created 4 little pieces of heaven. The original lodge was Shompole which has 6 rooms. Then he built Little Shompole which is a private retreat with two suites. Then Shompole House and eventually 360 House.
We left Nairobi by private charter (Cesena 206) with East African Air Charters at around 10:15 am (there was a lot of traffic at Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, so it took a while to get clearance). After a scenic 40 minute flight over the suburbs of Nairobi, past the Ngong Hills, over the rift valley, over Lake Magadi, we started our decent into Shompole airstrip and landed on a flood plain. We were met at the strip by our guide for the weekend – Sammy.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...akemagadi1.jpg
Sammy gave us a brief about the game drives, and drove us up to Little Shompole in ten minutes. Here we were greeted by Bena, Zakaia and Evelyn, who were going to look after the two of us for the next 3 days. They met us with cold towels, and as we walked up to the common area, we met the Manager – Alphonse. He quickly checked us in, and we were shown to our suite.
The suite is huge. Down some steps is a raised dining platform with a table and two chairs all made out of dead wood. Then down some curved steps to a seating area with two huge days beds dressed in pure white. Further along, there is a bridge over some water, and to the bed area. The whole room is open at the front to the stunning views of Mt. Shompole and the conservancy. The bed is huge – 9ft x 9ft and is the only part of the whole suite that is enclosed in a tent like zip up net. Behind the bed is a water feature that cascades over the head board, and then down the side of the bed into the plunge pool. There is a plunge pool located below the seat area, and this had 3 levels inside it with the most incredible views. In front of the bed area was a deck (no rails, just a magnificent drop) with two sun beds. Further along was the toiler area with its own wash basin. This again is open to the elements and the view, so you could have your constitutional with a view. Between the lounge and the bed area was a shower with a huge rain head, open at the top with views at the front, and behind there were two wash basins.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d.../cupboard2.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...tobathroom.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...omtolounge.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...ompole/bed.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...romsundeck.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...eafrompool.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...mpole/bed2.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...mpole/bed1.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...ole/toilet.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...le/sundeck.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...ole/shower.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...oolsundeck.jpg
The whole concept of the room is amazing. It measured around 30 meters by 15 meters, and was on multi levels, using natural materials, and lots of white wash. There was water everywhere and the plunge pools brought welcome relief to such hot days. Above the bed was a fan which was great at night.
There is no door, just a white linen curtain. There is no glass, plastic or other materials used that would not blend into the surrounding environment. We spent our days in the room, lazing, reading, sleeping and plunging. There is a cooler box that is stocked with any drinks of your choice. The room also had a two way radio that you could use to ask for anything you so desired.
Service was amazing. Between Bena and Zakaia, they looked after us in the room and dining area. Peter cooked all the food, and Evelyn kept our room clean. Every time we left the room, Evelyn would pop in, and freshen the room up. Clear up towels, fold clothes back, collect laundry, sweep the floors, re-stock the cooler box, and so on. Such service is so special and dedicated.
The common area at Little Shompole is shared by the two suites. It consists of a dining table for 6, two huge day beds, some bean bags and sun beds, all of course dressed in pure white. There is a 25 meter lap pool, and water everywhere. The kitchen is under the dining area. All food is prepared fresh for the two suites and served at your convenience.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...le/LSpool3.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...le/LSpool1.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...diningarea.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...iningsteps.jpg
Our day started off with Bena coming into the room saying “hodi” carrying a tray with coffee and cookies at 5:30 am. It was still dark and we got ready for the morning game drive. At 6:00 am we would meet Sammy at the car (they use open sided Land cruisers with two sets of 3 seats in the back. They were very spacious and comfortable). And we would be off.
There is one large pride of lion, that has split in two at the moment. One has two females and 7 cubs. The other one male, one female and four cubs. There are also several nomad males around. There are several cheetah, many with cubs (we did not get to see any, as the lions were around). Rarely do they see Leopard. There are also Aardwolf, Hyena, civet cats, African Wild Cat (we saw one) and Porcupines.
It has been 4 years since we last visited, and it is great to see the animal numbers really grow. There are lots of zebra, wildebeest and giraffe (we saw a herd of around 40). We also got to see two Lesser Kudu.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...le/giraffe.jpg
The birdlife is prolific, with so many raptors around. We were amazed at the variety of wildlife for such an arid area. The scenery is stunning.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...hitestorks.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...e/sunrise1.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...e/sunrise2.jpg
We would return to camp between 9 am and 10 am to be welcomed with cold towels. Then off to the dining area, which was already laid out with cold juice, milk, cereal, preserves and yoghurt. Bena would bring us fresh fruit, and take our order for a cooked breakfast. Then she would bring hot beverages and toast. Out of all the meals, the hot breakfast was a let down. They could not get the eggs right, and the sausage/bacon was greasy.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d.../Breakfast.jpg
After breakfast we would head to our Suite and chill out. If we needed cool drinks, etc., we just had to use the radio and ask for some to be delivered to the room. During the day it got very hot. The plunge pool was a welcome relief.
At breakfast we would be asked what time we wanted lunch. Lunch always consisted of around 4-5 salads – they were stunningly presented, very tasty and fresh, as well as a pasta dish or quiche. With a few glasses of a cold wine, it was a sumptuous light feast. There was always desert – usually tangy and cold, such as a lemon meringue pie, lime tart, etc.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...ole/lunch3.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...ole/lunch2.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...ole/lunch2.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...le/LUNCH3A.jpg
After lunch it was back to the suite for a dip and a siesta. Around 4:30 pm we would meet Sammy at the vehicle, and head off for our evening game drive. They would always pack a cooler box with sundowners. At 4:30 pm it was very hot. We would head off into the conservancy, stopping for birds all the time. Then we would look for the lions and cheetahs. Around 6:30 pm we would stop somewhere in the middle of nowhere and have our sundowners. Sammy is such a knowledgeable guide. He is studying for his Silver Guiding certificate. We had such great conversations about wildlife, conservation, people we all knew, growing up and life in general. At around 7:30 pm we started to head back to the lodge, but usually took 1 – 2 hours as we would be tracking lions or looking at the night sky or spotting nocturnal birds and animals.
Back at the lodge by 8:30 – 9:00 pm, and off for dinner. By this time we were knackered. Dinner was always a three course affair, or fabulous food that was well presented and extremely tasty. Food was fresh, well made and not pretentious at all, but would do well in good restaurants around the world.
Then we would head back to the Suite, have a shower under the night sky, and into one of the most comfortable beds under the fan, listening to the lions calling one another, ad the hyena’s cackling, dreaming of a wonderful day and waiting to hear the birds in the morning and the “hodi” from Bena.
What made Little Shompole such a special place were the people. We hardly saw the manager, as he was busy with the three other properties, and the staff made our stay so special and welcoming. There was nothing that they could not get done. From service around meals, to the way the room was kept clean and maintained to the guiding, all was done with genuine smiles and warmth.
All of the rooms at all 4 lodges are stunning. Anthony Russell has captured the raw beauty of the area, and incorporated it into huge open spaces that cover sleeping, bathing, plunging and sitting. All about relaxation and peace. Many guests do not venture out of their space.
I did get to go and see 360 House, and have stayed at main Shompole before, and my vote goes without any doubt to Little Shompole.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d.../360suite2.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d.../360suite1.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...e/360pool2.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...e/360pool1.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d.../360lounge.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...360lounge2.jpg
I always like to be constructive about any place that I stay at, and I would note the following about Little Shompole. For a lodge of this caliber, there was no wine list. The wines served were good, but I would have expected more. The toiletries used are very mediocre, with Cussons soap bars and a glass bottle with shampoo or lotion. I would want to see more eco friendly, luxury toiletries. The glassware is very average. While I can understand that we are in a remote location, I would want to see better quality glassware to match the crockery, cutlery and service. At some lodges in southern Africa, guests are given plastic sippy bottles (to take home), but they fill up water from water dispensers. This means there is less plastic being used. We would have used in 3 days, over 30 water bottles.
We have decided that Little Shompole will be a once a year visit, but next time for at least 4 nights.
Hot is an understatement. What a weekend it was. The daytime temperature was around 38 degree’s Celsius and the evenings did not get cooler then 25 degree’s Celsius. And what a hot lodge they have built.
On the Shompole Community Conservancy, designer Anthony Russell has created 4 little pieces of heaven. The original lodge was Shompole which has 6 rooms. Then he built Little Shompole which is a private retreat with two suites. Then Shompole House and eventually 360 House.
We left Nairobi by private charter (Cesena 206) with East African Air Charters at around 10:15 am (there was a lot of traffic at Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, so it took a while to get clearance). After a scenic 40 minute flight over the suburbs of Nairobi, past the Ngong Hills, over the rift valley, over Lake Magadi, we started our decent into Shompole airstrip and landed on a flood plain. We were met at the strip by our guide for the weekend – Sammy.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...akemagadi1.jpg
Sammy gave us a brief about the game drives, and drove us up to Little Shompole in ten minutes. Here we were greeted by Bena, Zakaia and Evelyn, who were going to look after the two of us for the next 3 days. They met us with cold towels, and as we walked up to the common area, we met the Manager – Alphonse. He quickly checked us in, and we were shown to our suite.
The suite is huge. Down some steps is a raised dining platform with a table and two chairs all made out of dead wood. Then down some curved steps to a seating area with two huge days beds dressed in pure white. Further along, there is a bridge over some water, and to the bed area. The whole room is open at the front to the stunning views of Mt. Shompole and the conservancy. The bed is huge – 9ft x 9ft and is the only part of the whole suite that is enclosed in a tent like zip up net. Behind the bed is a water feature that cascades over the head board, and then down the side of the bed into the plunge pool. There is a plunge pool located below the seat area, and this had 3 levels inside it with the most incredible views. In front of the bed area was a deck (no rails, just a magnificent drop) with two sun beds. Further along was the toiler area with its own wash basin. This again is open to the elements and the view, so you could have your constitutional with a view. Between the lounge and the bed area was a shower with a huge rain head, open at the top with views at the front, and behind there were two wash basins.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d.../cupboard2.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...tobathroom.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...omtolounge.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...ompole/bed.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...romsundeck.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...eafrompool.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...mpole/bed2.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...mpole/bed1.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...ole/toilet.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...le/sundeck.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...ole/shower.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...oolsundeck.jpg
The whole concept of the room is amazing. It measured around 30 meters by 15 meters, and was on multi levels, using natural materials, and lots of white wash. There was water everywhere and the plunge pools brought welcome relief to such hot days. Above the bed was a fan which was great at night.
There is no door, just a white linen curtain. There is no glass, plastic or other materials used that would not blend into the surrounding environment. We spent our days in the room, lazing, reading, sleeping and plunging. There is a cooler box that is stocked with any drinks of your choice. The room also had a two way radio that you could use to ask for anything you so desired.
Service was amazing. Between Bena and Zakaia, they looked after us in the room and dining area. Peter cooked all the food, and Evelyn kept our room clean. Every time we left the room, Evelyn would pop in, and freshen the room up. Clear up towels, fold clothes back, collect laundry, sweep the floors, re-stock the cooler box, and so on. Such service is so special and dedicated.
The common area at Little Shompole is shared by the two suites. It consists of a dining table for 6, two huge day beds, some bean bags and sun beds, all of course dressed in pure white. There is a 25 meter lap pool, and water everywhere. The kitchen is under the dining area. All food is prepared fresh for the two suites and served at your convenience.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...le/LSpool3.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...le/LSpool1.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...diningarea.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...iningsteps.jpg
Our day started off with Bena coming into the room saying “hodi” carrying a tray with coffee and cookies at 5:30 am. It was still dark and we got ready for the morning game drive. At 6:00 am we would meet Sammy at the car (they use open sided Land cruisers with two sets of 3 seats in the back. They were very spacious and comfortable). And we would be off.
There is one large pride of lion, that has split in two at the moment. One has two females and 7 cubs. The other one male, one female and four cubs. There are also several nomad males around. There are several cheetah, many with cubs (we did not get to see any, as the lions were around). Rarely do they see Leopard. There are also Aardwolf, Hyena, civet cats, African Wild Cat (we saw one) and Porcupines.
It has been 4 years since we last visited, and it is great to see the animal numbers really grow. There are lots of zebra, wildebeest and giraffe (we saw a herd of around 40). We also got to see two Lesser Kudu.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...le/giraffe.jpg
The birdlife is prolific, with so many raptors around. We were amazed at the variety of wildlife for such an arid area. The scenery is stunning.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...hitestorks.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...e/sunrise1.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...e/sunrise2.jpg
We would return to camp between 9 am and 10 am to be welcomed with cold towels. Then off to the dining area, which was already laid out with cold juice, milk, cereal, preserves and yoghurt. Bena would bring us fresh fruit, and take our order for a cooked breakfast. Then she would bring hot beverages and toast. Out of all the meals, the hot breakfast was a let down. They could not get the eggs right, and the sausage/bacon was greasy.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d.../Breakfast.jpg
After breakfast we would head to our Suite and chill out. If we needed cool drinks, etc., we just had to use the radio and ask for some to be delivered to the room. During the day it got very hot. The plunge pool was a welcome relief.
At breakfast we would be asked what time we wanted lunch. Lunch always consisted of around 4-5 salads – they were stunningly presented, very tasty and fresh, as well as a pasta dish or quiche. With a few glasses of a cold wine, it was a sumptuous light feast. There was always desert – usually tangy and cold, such as a lemon meringue pie, lime tart, etc.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...ole/lunch3.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...ole/lunch2.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...ole/lunch2.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...le/LUNCH3A.jpg
After lunch it was back to the suite for a dip and a siesta. Around 4:30 pm we would meet Sammy at the vehicle, and head off for our evening game drive. They would always pack a cooler box with sundowners. At 4:30 pm it was very hot. We would head off into the conservancy, stopping for birds all the time. Then we would look for the lions and cheetahs. Around 6:30 pm we would stop somewhere in the middle of nowhere and have our sundowners. Sammy is such a knowledgeable guide. He is studying for his Silver Guiding certificate. We had such great conversations about wildlife, conservation, people we all knew, growing up and life in general. At around 7:30 pm we started to head back to the lodge, but usually took 1 – 2 hours as we would be tracking lions or looking at the night sky or spotting nocturnal birds and animals.
Back at the lodge by 8:30 – 9:00 pm, and off for dinner. By this time we were knackered. Dinner was always a three course affair, or fabulous food that was well presented and extremely tasty. Food was fresh, well made and not pretentious at all, but would do well in good restaurants around the world.
Then we would head back to the Suite, have a shower under the night sky, and into one of the most comfortable beds under the fan, listening to the lions calling one another, ad the hyena’s cackling, dreaming of a wonderful day and waiting to hear the birds in the morning and the “hodi” from Bena.
What made Little Shompole such a special place were the people. We hardly saw the manager, as he was busy with the three other properties, and the staff made our stay so special and welcoming. There was nothing that they could not get done. From service around meals, to the way the room was kept clean and maintained to the guiding, all was done with genuine smiles and warmth.
All of the rooms at all 4 lodges are stunning. Anthony Russell has captured the raw beauty of the area, and incorporated it into huge open spaces that cover sleeping, bathing, plunging and sitting. All about relaxation and peace. Many guests do not venture out of their space.
I did get to go and see 360 House, and have stayed at main Shompole before, and my vote goes without any doubt to Little Shompole.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d.../360suite2.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d.../360suite1.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...e/360pool2.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...e/360pool1.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d.../360lounge.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...360lounge2.jpg
I always like to be constructive about any place that I stay at, and I would note the following about Little Shompole. For a lodge of this caliber, there was no wine list. The wines served were good, but I would have expected more. The toiletries used are very mediocre, with Cussons soap bars and a glass bottle with shampoo or lotion. I would want to see more eco friendly, luxury toiletries. The glassware is very average. While I can understand that we are in a remote location, I would want to see better quality glassware to match the crockery, cutlery and service. At some lodges in southern Africa, guests are given plastic sippy bottles (to take home), but they fill up water from water dispensers. This means there is less plastic being used. We would have used in 3 days, over 30 water bottles.
We have decided that Little Shompole will be a once a year visit, but next time for at least 4 nights.
