Exclusive Shompole

By Ferdinand Mwongela

Of the stunning honeymoon destinations this country boasts of, there are those that can claim their fare share of internationally renowned visitors.

Among these elite few is the Shompole Lodge built on the edges of Nguruman Escarpment in Magadi with Lake Natron within a driving distance.

Even staying indoors at this world-class resort is a treat by itself, with plunge pools in the rooms and VIP treatment for each visitor. Ideally, everyone here is a VIP. One of the managers, Daniel Kishanto, made sure we lacked nothing when we visited.

The Shompole Lodge is built on the Shompole Conservancy within the larger 140,000 acre Shompole Group Ranch. It is one of the lodges that have strongly embraced the concept of partnering with the community in conservation efforts.

Walless sanctuaries

To say the area is hot is an understatement. The Mombasa heat seemed like a bearable alternative; until we were shown to our rooms.

With the dominating white theme and thatch roofs serving both a functional and aesthetic role, the rooms are in a class of their own. Calling them rooms seems just not right given the design, layout and thought that went into each.

Each room has its unique design with some being on several levels. Wherever you stay, the experience is different.

All the rooms also open out onto the Shompole Conservancy plains with the wall-less design ensuring the heat does not become oppressive while offering a beautiful view.

A drive out on the conservancy is one of the activities to undertake. Some of the animals that dot the region include the lion, cheetah and hyena.

A sundowner by Lake Natron is also heavenly with the Shompole Mountain on one side and the receding waters of the lake on the other.

Highly exclusive and private, the lodge offers what can only be termed as an experience of a lifetime. ploe