The last days at Shompole

Ole Glas with some of his children

Most of my guests are curious about the local tribes and customs and welcome the chance to visit a homestead or village while they are on safari. Shompole is a community owned lodge and the local Masai benefit from much of the revenues brought by tourists staying there. I always enjoy going to visit a Masai elder, Ole Glas who has his Ingang (homestead) near the lodge. Over the years we have developed a good relationship and he always greets my guests with genuine warmth and hospitality.

Ole Glas's daughter with goat kid

Jonathan and Andi were also made welcome and quickly started making friends by taking pictures and then showing them the image on the camera. We were also shown inside one of the huts which was pretty dark and smokey and then posed with Ole Glas's senior wife outside.

Jonathan and Andi with Ole Glas's senior wife

The evening visit was fun but also a great eye opener to my guests who mentioned that if they had seen pictures of the Ingang and family they would have felt that they needed help to lift them out of the squalor and poverty. However, after visiting in person they realised that these people are happy and content with their lives and life style.

The following morning we visited the village and again were able to enjoy some time with the Masai and especially the kids who I reckon think of us like the circus arriving in town: 'Funny white folks with cameras and smiles who indulge the kids with laughter and some fun'

A young girl watches us as we explore the Masai village

As I said earlier, a great way to break the ice with the kids is to take their picture and then show it to them afterwards on the review screen. They cluster around pointing at their likeness and giggle with pleasure and wonder at the technical marvel of the camera. I sometimes bring back prints of these photos to give to my Masai friends and they are always really popular.

Looking at pictures with the kids in the village.

The week has gone so quickly and we have reached the last day of the safari. Jonathan and Andi are leaving tomorrow to Burundi for the next part of their adventure. Shompole was a wonderful relaxing interlude with stunning architecture, beautiful scenery, warm people and exciting wildlife. As we go our separate ways I hope that we see them back here on safari again sometime soon.

The view from Little Shompole down Africa's Great Rift Valley towards L. Natron and Ol Donyo Lengai.