The Camp

Location: Shaba National Reserve, Kenya
Number of Tents: 10

An elegant oasis in the arid lands of Samburu, Joy’s Camp is built on the site of Joy Adamson’s tented home in Shaba National Reserve. Ten chic and sophisticated white canvas tents survey the surrounding hills. Each has an en suite bathroom and is uniquely decorated with Boran/Somali cloth design, handmade glass and the vibrant fabrics of the local nomadic tribes. Individual verandas are ideal for wildlife viewing as well as relaxing, reading and soaking up Shaba’s truly wild environs. The camp overlooks a large natural spring where animals jostle for watering rights. Guests, on the other hand, may opt for the swimming pool. Homemade breads and pastas, traditional Italian risottos and fresh organic salads delight your palate as you gaze over the springs teeming with elephant, buffalo and other plains game. After nightfall, enjoy dinner outside as you look out over the same floodlit springs where lion and other predators now appear, seeking refreshment after a long day.

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Facilities & Amenities

• En suite bathroom with shower
• Soap, shampoo and lotion
• 220v charging outlets in room (only during generator hours 7 am-10 am and 7 pm-10 pm)
• 220v charging outlets in main area (24 hours)
• Central swimming pool
• Massage treatments (extra cost)
• Wi-Fi in main area
• Laundry included
• Local drinks included (house alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)

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Wildlife Viewing & Activities

Shaba is still very much "untouched wilderness." There are only two lodges in Shaba National Reserve, which is part of the Samburu ecosystem. Joy’s Camp is the only one to conduct wildlife drives within Shaba (wildlife drives from the other lodge go to Samburu), so guests have the whole reserve to themselves. The spring directly in front of camp draws a constant stream of wildlife, allowing guests to view an abundance of wildlife right from the comfort of their tents! There are many wildlife species unique to Shaba and the drier north of Kenya, including Grevy's zebra, the rare desert species of Beisa oryx, gerenuk, striped hyena, Somali ostrich and reticulated giraffe. Shaba also has healthy populations of lion, leopard and cheetah, and elephant and buffalo are plentiful in season. Birdwatchers will find Shaba a thrill, with several hundred species present around the camp. Activities available include wildlife drives, guided bush walks, bush breakfasts and the Joy Adamson Museum.

Each region has varying concentrations and species of wildlife, and the below chart helps to illustrate major wildlife sightings often experienced in the area. Other typical sightings may include giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, hyena, warthogs and a number of other mammals, birds and reptiles. Exact sightings will depend on seasonality and wildlife movements.

Climate

Conservation

Joy's Camp is involved in many community development and eco-preservation projects. The camp supports the local communities of nomadic Boran through employment and community projects such as providing accessibility to potable water. Any timber used on site is from renewable sources or dead wood, to ensure that the only impact of the camp on the reserve is a positive one. Solar energy is used for both lighting and heating water at camp. Water management systems to limit the amount of water used and wasted have been installed, and recycling programs are in place. For example, glass is given to the East African Women's League, which runs a "Glass for Glasses" project (whereby glass waste is exchanged for eyeglasses). Joy's Camp maintains close communication with the park rangers and warden, and has also been liaising with African Wildlife Forum in drawing up a management plan for the future of Shaba.

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