waynehazle

Yes, may I add to how INCREDIBLE your camps looked.

Not sure I would ever come home after staying at those places!

kimburu

Desert Rose is amazing. The other places aren't half bad too. Just as well I'm all booked up now - those photos wmake me want to go further north again. Do you know if all guests charter planes to Desert Rose or does it fit into a land trip?(I'm guessing few would drive all the way there just to go to Desert Rose - fabulous though it is).

Thanks

sandi

Patty - We were almost neighbors, though a few years apart.

Kimburu - Desert Rose is just so "special." No other words to express how we felt. Of course, one could drive, but a 4WD is an absolute requirement and you can't do it in one day. Admittedly, the air is costly, but the reason ones stay should be at least 3-, preferrably 4-days. But most choose to fly as it's just about 1.5/hrs direct from NBO. If stopping at Nanyuki as we did, that flight is about 40-min, then another 1.10 to DR.

cindysafari - Richard's was lovely. Lux in some ways, rustic in others; similar to others, but with a style very much its own. After being picked-up from the airport, the road here was quite rough (but there are a number of roads that can be taken)... and then you're at this wonderful great lawn that is totally unexpected. The tents with the added dressing room is larger overall then many other tent camps; the bathroom is large and well lit and that shower stall is big enough for two. Sitting around the campfire was fun, the food was outstanding and Richard's is one of only a handful of camps in the Mara that is owner hosted which is a lovely extra.

Wayne - I didn't want to come home, no so much the accommodations and hosts, as wonderful that they were - I didn't want to leave Afree-kah. That's the hard part. As LyndaS quoted in her report, to paraphrase, Karen B said "Africa is the place to be." Which was reinforced when after the bush dinner at Saruni, I stayed back with Riccardo, the owner, and we just talked and talked, about everything and anything, as I marvelled at the sky above and never gave a thought that there might be animals around; I was just able to "be" in Afree-kah!

stakerk

Sandi:

thanks for the response. you are a great help to so many of us.

Kevin

cybor

Sandi,
Wow, what a treat. Your photos are wonderful!

I thought you had me with Desert Rose until I saw Shompole. Barney and Fred sure did a wonderful job. Too bad they didn't get Betty's imput on the blow dryer criteria, though .

What,stunning properties. I can't even imagine the logistics of building those places. How far from civilization (although they sure seem civilized) are they?
The price of Desert Rose is actually surprisingly decent, considering that it has a helopad etc. etc. What's the price of Shompole (I probably don't want to know). As I may now have to put it on my list.

Do the crocs. seem to obey the 'don't go past this area' sign in Tvaso?

Well done. Thanks for sharing and please thank Susan for us.
Sherry

lovetodiscover

Thank you Sandi for sharing the pictures and great visuals of the camps. It's very beneficial for planning trips and considering choices. Thank you, thank you.

sandi

Sherry -

I too was wondering why Betty didn't have more input re hairblowers at Shompole. But I understand they can provide a generator it using the device is an absolute must ("or I'll die&quot guest.

What's interesting is that though I didn't wash the hair daily (as done at home), because the air is relatively clean, my hair felt clean even after a day or two. Not like living here in the big city, where everything in the air settles on your hair.

Rates at Shompole are in the mid-$400s, person/night, season dependent.

The crocs "can't read" - they not only come ashore in the area across from the dining area, but are often found on the near side of the tree-log in the guest's path. I would have to say, "it's important to watch where you walk and what may be in your way."

cooncat3

Sandi - Have only just quickly looked through but boy those look like great places to just hang out! Thanks for sharing. I'll have to look more closely later!

Sharon

Ericka

Thanks for sharing your great pics Sandi!

Leely

Sandi,
Just found these. What a treasure. Some great looking places; guess I'll have to try to pick up freelance work so I can refill my coffers for another trip. And your captions are priceless! I laughed and laughed.

Thanks for sharing. Maybe someday we'll get a report...

janischa28

sandi,
thanks so much for the pictures.. we stayed at shompole for 2 nights, but didn't take that many pictures because after like 15 days of tanzania and kenya, i sort of just wanted to only relax back, and now of course i regret not having made more pictures... so seeing your photo's made me relive the whole wonderfull experience. we travelled there by car, and i can indeed vividly remember the dry surroundings, the dry lake we drove next too, the dust, and then finally the welcoming drink at shompole .. like entering a piece of paradise... you only forgot to take a picture of the birds regularly diving through the lunch/dining/sitting room, entertaining the guests

sandi

janischa -

Thanks for your comments. Yes, there were birds diving thru the public space, but often we (at least I) didn't have our/my cameras when we had our meals... and/or, they were too fast. The cutest though, watching the birds drinking from the water pools running thru the lounge area.

Like the Desert Rose, Shompole is another gem!