Monday, December 8, 2008

Top Lodges in Kenya - The Shompole Lodge

By Kark Heinz

Shompole lodge, considered to be the cutest lodge in Kenya, is found on the Nguruman Escarpment near Lake Natron at the Tanzanian border.

The fact that Shompole has been constructed with natural materials makes it a rare establishment since it creates an environment that is not only fresh but blends to its natural surroundings, the bush. It has an eye catching hall mark of white smooth walls and water. Shompole caters for every type of guest, hence it makes not only the luxury seekers but also the adventurous people feel at home.

Shompole Lodge has just six rooms each looking out over the Great Rift Valley and Lake Natron in the distance. All the rooms are en-suite, and are constructed with naturally occurring white quartz stone and pale thatch.? With privacy, comfort and relaxation in mind, each room consists of a cool-pool and informal sitting area, a bathroom with a view and a specially designed tent bedroom that includes vast windows and a high-canopied roof.

Overlooking Mount Shompole is the main lounge and dinning area that sport a high thatch roof. This provides a great view of the magnificent landscape and allows a gentle cool breeze to flow in.There is a whole load of fun and exciting activities to do at the Shompole lodge. From guided mountain biking, Game drives, maasai guided bushwalks, sundowner visits to Lake Natron where you get to view flamingoes. The lodge has a variety of facilities that the guests can enjoy, not to mention the services of a resident massage therapist who offers a range of treatments.

Little Shompole Lodge is located overlooking the stunning expanse of the Great Rift Valley. It consists of only two vast private suites, situated within walking distance of Main Shompole Lodge, but positioned for the utmost consideration and privacy.? Each suite has its own separate lounge area, cool pool and sundeck. The rooms are en suite and have privately moulded his and hers basins as well as a cascade shower.

A high canopied netting covering the bed ensures that one is protected against insects especially at night. The two suites share a mess and a pool overlooking the Lake Natron Basin and the alluring volcanic slopes of Northern Tanzania. Lodge Staff provides butler service and private guide safaris at the disposal of the esteemed guest.

For those guests who want to take advantage of Shompole Lodge array of activities could either indulge in game drives (in the morning or evening/night) usually accompanied by a sundowner in the bush. If you love walking there is a conservancy nearby that's most convenient. This is a learning experience since the accompanying guide explaints about the plant and animal life that you come across. Finally there are mountain bikes for the energetic adventurous types as well as as inflatable canoes that enables one to enjoy a ride down the river.

Shompole is a short -30 minutes chartered flight from Nairobi, or take a 120 km breath-taking drive from the heights of Nairobi down the escarpment and across the floor of the Great Rift Valley to Shompole in the Masai Mara ecosystem near the Tanzania border. - 16955

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