claire_david2

DH and I are planning 2 weeks in Kenya during the first half of October. Our tentative itinerary so far is staying in Porini Camps and ending with the last 2 nights at Shompole. The most recent reviews I can find here of Shompole at 2 years old. Has anyone stayed there more recently? Any advice on how hot it will be in mid-October? While I'm at it, any advice or comments on Porini Camps? Thanks, fellow Fodorites! Claire

sandi

The temps at Shompole are almost always hot as they are low in the valley. Little rain, if any, even in the wet seasons.

Do you plan to drive or fly from the Mara to Shompole? We did the drive from Nairobi and though about 4/hrs was on tarred road and absolutely beautiful as we came down the Rift; a bit disappointing at Lake Magadi with a commercial plant, but once past this thru desert sand and no road markings... amazing how our driver even knew where he was going. We then flew back to NBO via 2/nts at Tsavo. Our visit was 2/yrs ago, but the place is still as wonderful as ever from friends who were there this past summer.

claire_david2

Hi Sandi - We will be flying from camp to camp (except driving from Nairobi to Amboseli). I have read that drive is lovely approaching Shompole though. Is Shompole a good place to do a hot air balloon ride? If not, any idea where would be? Thanks - Claire

spassvogel

Hi claire

Shompole is a lovely camp but does lack the huge numbers of wildlife but for ending a safari it's absolutely wonderful!

As you say you stay at Porini camps I assume you are also staying at Porini in the Massai Mara. There I would do the ballooning. If they comply with your request I would choose the ballooning departing from Little Governors which is the best in my opinion.

Happy Planing and JAMBO!

SV

sandi

No hot-air ballooning at Shompole. There just isn't a demand for this as there are few lodges/camps in the area.

Do the hot-air balloon in the Mara. Often the lift-off point is dictated by where the particular camp visitors staying is located. There are, I believe, 3 companies that run these in the Mara.

SV is correct in that you won't find the wealth of game at Shompole as in the Mara, but there is game and they do game drives to Lake Natron on the Tanzania border which is great for flamingoes (often though more are on the TNZ side); the landscape is fascinating and sundowners on the dried lake under Mt. Shompole is unique. What's also nice, since it's rather hot down here is those night game drives that go out at 10pm.

claire_david2

Thanks both of you - do the camps themselves arrange the hot air ballooning or do we do that on our own? I'm not worried about the game drives at Shompole - want to end our trip by vegging out in a beautiful setting and do want to see the flamingoes and landscape. But 10 pm for a game drive? Sounds like waaay past my bedtime... Claire

sandi

>>But 10 pm for a game drive? Sounds like waaay past my bedtime<<

Well, leisurely dinner is at about 8, so after dessert you hope in the vehicle and away you go. And, since there's no need to be up at 6am for game drives, you can sleep. Breakfast is served till 10am, or can be brought to your house!

For hot-air balloon, your tour operator can schedule this for you... no need to do yourself. If working directly with the Porini folks, they'll do it. If some other, then can arrange thru their ground operator. Balloon safaris over the Mara are running between $450-$500/person.

claire_david2

Sandi - Excuse me, is the $450-$500 US? OMG, I can live without... Dinnertime sounds like shades of Spain, Argentina, etc. Somehow we manage to adjust; heck, with 2 or 3 days of travel each way, our systems will be sufficiently confused and we probably won't notice anyway!

Since you seem very up on these things, can you explain what the dress is like for dinner in places like the Porini camps? In October, would it be too cold at night for sandals? I've read about wearing ankle socks at dinner and can't figure out what that's all about. Thanks - Claire

sandi

Claire -

It's recommended to wear socks, as from dusk/dawn is "mosssie biting time" when you should cover the legs (pants) and arms (long sleeve shirt/sweater)... also those ankles which critters seem to enjoy nibbling. Evening dress is much the same as daytime. Most visitors stay with their safari attire. Sandals are fine, but not a fashion statement with socks... picture those (male) tourists in Spain!

I prefer to get out of my safari tan and put on a pair of darkk pants with great sweater or t-shirt, chunky jewelry (cheap) and a shawl or pashmina with ballet slippers on the feet.

Yeh, balloon safaris are expensive in Africa.

If you've been out on an afternoon game drive and enjoying "sundowners" (cocktails) at sundown, you don't return to lodge/camps till dark which is at about 7pm. Then tie to refresh and head for dinner. Of course you can rush thru dinner for an early to bed as early to wake next morning. But at Shompole unless you have something scheduled for early early, as above, sleep in and move into the day slowly. This is the place to wind down and chill!

claire_david2

Sandi - Thank you so much for clearing this up - I had a hard time imagining getting all dressed up for dinner in the middle of nowhere. As for the socks and sandals - ROTFL - I think we'll not backslide to those days (one of those many things I had to retrain my DH about after we got married). Dark pants, nice top, and flat shoes is perfect. Are sneakers or hiking boots better for daytime? I guess everything gets pretty dusty/dirty, so mesh sneakers would not be the best choice?

By the time we hit Shompole, we will have eased into veg out mode! Those sundowners are sounding awfully good... Claire

sandi

Figured that sandals/socks image would do it for you.

I always wear moccasins (don't own sneakers) and they work fine. Also, a pair of Teva sandals (they have a thick enough sole) as an option. Sand/dust are just part of Afree-kah, why there's the shower/bath.

Have fun!