Shompole Wilderness

  • KENYA  |  Great Rift Valley

Shompole Wilderness is a family-owned and run camp hosted by Johann and Sam du Toit, along with their two children, in the remote south-western corner of Kenya near the Tanzania border, perfectly positioned between the Masai Mara and Amboseli. Nestled on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, with views of the Loita Hills and Nguruman Escarpment, the camp offers access to over 250,000 acres of community-owned Maasai land.

 

This remarkable landscape spans open savannah, fig tree forest, riverine woodland, swamp, and the dramatic salt lakes of Magadi and Natron. Though hot and dry, the area teems with surprising biodiversity, from birds and reptiles to large mammals, and offers a unique and uncrowded safari experience. Intimate and comfortable, the camp is perfect for families, couples, small groups, and photographers alike.

 

But what truly sets Shompole apart is the warmth of its hosting, Johann, Sam, and their team share this special corner of Kenya with such generosity that guests often leave feeling part of the family, already dreaming of their return

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Fast Facts

  • Incredible for families
  • 2 photography hides
  • Community and conservation focussed lodge
  • Incredible wildlife and dramatic scenery
  • Hidden gem of Kenya / Kenya’s undiscovered secret 

Family-run and owned safari lodge

  • 6 ensuite double tents
  • Children’s tents can be added

Shompole Conservancy, South Rift of Kenya

  • 3hr drive from Nairobi
  • Private charter flight as they have their own airstrip

Children of all ages are welcome

Closed for the rainy season 25th April – 25th May

Meet the Owners

Shompole Wilderness Camp is family owned and managed by Johann and Sam du Toit with their two children. Johann is a third generation Kenyan; his ancestors moved to South Africa from France and Holland in 1686 and then to Kenya in the early 1900s. He has guided for many years and, having been brought up on a 4,000-acre farm, he is passionate about being out in nature.

 

Sam is a first-generation Kenyan and her love for the bush and conservation began at a young age. After completing secondary school in Nairobi, Sam studied Psychology and Zoology in England and then returned to Kenya and the Shompole area to work in conservation research for the South Rift Association of Landowners (SORALO).

 

With the family living on-site and hosting you throughout your stay, the experience feels personal and relaxed, like staying with old friends, where connections come easily and leaving always feels a little too soon.

Experiences

Shompole Wilderness offers a wide range of immersive and family-friendly activities, all designed to connect guests with the land, wildlife, and local culture. Explore both sides of the Ewaso Ng’iro River on day and night drives, enjoy bush breakfasts, picnics, and sundowners in spectacular settings, or spend time in one of the 2 unique Shompole Hides, deal for photographers and quiet wildlife viewing.

 

Guests can walk with the Maasai and their cattle, learning about the Maasai through Sam’s work with the local community or join guided walking safaris, go birdwatching, or even walk with baboons as part of a local research initiative. Families are well catered for with fun, interactive activities like spear throwing, bow and arrow, fire lighting, budding guide sessions, and a trunk full of games for younger children. For those keen to get on the water, seasonal river tubing and kayaking are available in the crocodile and hippo-free Ewaso Ng’iro river. Scenic helicopter flights can also be arranged.

Accommodation

The camp has been thoughtfully designed to blend into its beautiful surroundings, offering privacy and comfort in equal measure. It features six spacious tented rooms, each raised on wooden platforms with en-suite bathrooms and a private veranda, perfect for soaking up the views and the peaceful atmosphere. For families, children’s tents can be set up on the veranda, accommodating an additional set of twin beds if needed. Meals are home-cooked and delicious, served in a variety of settings throughout your stay, whether under the stars, by the river, or out at the Hide for a more adventurous experience. The camp also includes a charming dining tent and a relaxed main mess area overlooking the river, as well as a beautiful pool tucked away at the rear of the property.

Why We Love Shompole

Shompole Wilderness is an incredibly special property because from the moment you step off the plane or walk into camp, you’re swept into an atmosphere of joy, peace, and genuine connection. Every day here is filled with laughter, discovery, and the kind of warmth that only comes from being hosted by a family who truly love what they do. Johann, Sam, and their children have created something incredibly special, a home that they so generously share with their guests, and one that leaves a real lasting imprint long after you’ve gone back home.

 

At Honour Way, we’re very proud to work with small, family-run properties like Shompole, especially those so deeply rooted in the surrounding communities and local conservation efforts. Sam’s work as a researcher with SORALO has forged a genuine and deep unity between the camp and the community and this is evident throughout your stay from the kindness shown by the Maasai that co-habit their land. Guests don’t just become part of the Du Toit family, they’re welcomed into the Maasai family too, forming cross-cultural connections that stay with you for life.

Your Stay makes a Difference

The Shompole ecosystem is a truly unique conservation landscape, owned and managed by the Maasai, it lies outside Kenya’s national parks, meaning no crowds, no set schedules, and the rare freedom to explore on foot.

 

For nearly two decades, Johann and Sam du Toit have worked alongside the local communities to support both conservation and sustainable tourism. Johann helped pioneer the region’s first tourism ventures, while Sam works with SORALO (South Rift Association of Landowners), where she helped establish a research and ranger training centre and now supports over 150 community-based conservation staff across the South Rift Valley.

 

Shompole Wilderness Camp was created not only as a home for travellers, but as a way to directly benefit the communities who protect this land, through lease and conservation fees, teacher and ranger salaries, and ongoing support for local health initiatives, schools, and livelihoods.

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Step into life at Honour Way clients through the lens, from wild landscapes and welcoming spaces to the experiences and little details that make each stay unforgettable.