Island Camp Baringo??
 

I've been looking for a thread on Island Camp Baringo but can't seem to find anyone who's stayed there.

Does anyone have any thoughts on Island Camp Baringo?

Have you already seen my pics? http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...&y=-cbpxy0

I visited in November but didn't stay there (stayed at Samatian Island nearby). Island Camp was in the process of replacing their older tents with newer open air cottages. At the time of my visit, one was completed. I don't know how much more progress has been made since then.

When are you going? I believe there are a few posters who plan to stay there in August and September.

Thanks Patty,

Yes, if anyone has a trip report on Island Camp.. it would be much appreciated!

Patty, One more question for you: How does Island Camp compare with Samatian Island?

If Samatian Island was a 8 out of 10.... what would you give Island Camp?

Does anyone know Patty's email address?

simbakubwa

i've been to Island Camp a few times (before the changes Patty talks about)
Have not been to Samatian.
don'y know if i can b of any help, but ready to answer questions

aby

Aby,

When was the last time you were there? How did you like it? Would you recommend it for 2 nights, or is the camp not worth the drive!?

I've heard good and bad reports and would be curious to hear your thoughts.

Thanks

BigLion

Those stays were a few years back.
<"worth the drive?">
I reckon u mean the drive to Baringo
(& not the short "drive" to the Isle by boat ;-))
I love Baringo (must expose the fact that i'm a missionary for fresh-water Lakes, "preaching" folks not to be "narrow minded" about their safaris)
# I Love the road from Samburu to Baringo - The least touristic of the roads most people here drive on.
# The Pokot tribe is the least affected by tourism, still wearing leather, painted mud-caps (men), dikdik-bone belts etc'
# There r scenic parts of the road, one awesome viewpoint of the rift
# at Baringo u can visit the IlChamus (called Njemps by Wazungu) - a Maa speaking people (like Samburu &Maasai) who have brocken the tabu on eating fish. Their boats r special, but their paddles r a totally different concept than anywhere else...
# Tha place has a nice "island-atmosphere",
# The pics u see of an African Fish Eagle (relative of Bald Eagle) taking a fish from close range - were photographed here! can tell u how to organize it
# The only nesting site of Goliath Herons
# for birding on land, the Country Club is better (& has a resident ornithologist).
when the only approachable nest of the Verreauxi's (Black) Eagle was still on the cliff nearby, i much preferred to stay on the CC

Sorry, I'm not much of a reference to camps anyhow, since i don't mind too much about that Man-made aspect & pay more attention to the Natural aspect

don't miss Baringo

aby

Thanks Aby,

How many years ago were you there? Any thoughts on the accommodations?

And the road you are referring to from Samburu to Baringo.... do mean the C77 ?

I really enjoyed my time at Baringo (we stayed 2 nights) but what does the rest of your itinerary look like and would you be giving up something else in order to stay 2 nights there? What time of year are you traveling? Be aware that it's very hot at Baringo and I imagine Jan/Feb can be scorchingly so.

We drove from Nakuru which took around 2 hours. It's hard for me to comment on anything except the physical aspects of Island Camp or give it a rating since we didn't stay there. Aside from Samatian, I believe it's the only "island" accomodation in the middle of the lake. It's larger in size (about 23 tents) vs Samatian which is 4 cottages (maybe 5 now). The cottages at Samatian are all open air similar to the new cottage at Island Camp but more "organic" feeling. There's a vast difference between the cottage and tents at Island Camp. Samatian's rates are higher ($83pppn more last year in low season) but are inclusive of boat rides, drinks and laundry which I believe are extra at Island Camp. Samatian is also an owner hosted camp. I don't know if Island Camp is or not though Perry was on the island at the time of my visit.

simbakubwa

C77 ? - i don't know & do not have a map at the moment...
But the road i mean is coming from Samburu through Archer's Post, continue towards Oldoinyo Sabbachi (Mt. Ololokwe), pass through
Wamba junction, Maralal junction, past Sugutta Marmara (some maps Sukuta Marmar) & then turning west (through Pokot land) ending up north of Baringo on the road from Kapedo to Campi-ya-Samaki...

As for accommodation consult Patty - after renovation my stays r irrelevant
& like i said i have a different view of accommodation, therefore i'm reluctant to recommend

Simbakubwa,

I've already booked one night at the Island Camp for our trip in august. So, if it's not too late, I'll let you know all the details at the end of august when back.

Apart this, I guess you already checked their site: http://www.island-camp.com/
I tryed a couple of times to call them, but wasn't able to get in touch with wnybody there. My travel agent (to whom i explained we would like to stay in the new cottage and not in tents - thanks to Patty's advice) told me that she spoke to them and they said they had finished with replacing all of their tents.

I don't know if any of these helps...

I've been reading this thread with my jaw dropping. Over 10 years ago, my family went to Lake Baringo and stayed at a place called Seruni Camp on, I believe, Olkokwa Island. We had intended to stay at a different nearby less rustic camp which was closed for renovation. The pictures and discussions here bear very little resemblance to our experience. It was definitely a fine experience except for the distraction of the "traffic" accident we had on the drive from Samburu to Baringo (mentioned by Aby above). Our driver ran smack into a huge square truck which was stopped right in the middle of the road (it's will always be a mystery as to why he didn't slow down or try harder to get around it). Only because of amazing luck, no one was seriously injured except for the car. We were able to drive but with trepidation AND without the front and side windows which had been shattered and had to be pulled out in order for the driver to see. Amazingly, in a desolate & uninhabited- looking area, people came out from all directions. We would have enjoyed engaging them if we weren't so concerned about not being stranded and getting to Lake Baringo.

lle,

Yes, hearing your report in august is just fine! I look forward to your thoughts on the place and what the accommodations are like now that "some/all" of them have been upgraded.