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Shaba National Reserve, Kenya

Joy's Camp

We just returned from a visit to Joy's Camp and we are truly impressed. The camp has some of the largest safari tents in Africa with the high end amenities to match. The Shaba area offers great wildlife experiences with many northern species not found in other parks.  — Mango's view

Joy's Camp is situated at Joy Adamson's original campsite in Shaba National Reserve, the place where she released her famous leopard Penny. This site is proving to be spectacular. This new camp has been open for almost a year now, so the cattle have been kept out of the spring in front of the camp and the wildlife has increased tenfold, with the constant presence of oryx, zebra, Grevy's zebra, waterbuck, buffalo, a resident lion pride and elephants. It's quite an experience to watch game all day from your verandah which is only 50 meters away. Guides that have visited this site have said that there are only 3 sites with this much permanent game in Kenya; Tsavo West, Tsavo East and here.

The camp has 10 luxury Bedouin Somali style tents all overlooking the camp's own natural spring, which has become the area's main watering hole. The tents are set on raised platforms with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills of Bodich, Shaba Hill. The interiors have an Islamic/Arabic influence as this area is traditionally Muslim. Each sumptuous tent is uniquely decorated with Bedouin-Somali cloth designs and bright colors, creating a chic, sophisticated and stylish camp enjoying its own private deck, ideal for private game viewing, relaxing, reading and soaking up the truly wild environs offered by Shaba. Each guest tent has en-suite bathrooms with running water and flush loos. The main dining and living area is designed with a similar chic decorating theme.

There is also a fantasticly refreshing swimming pool overlooking the water hole. Take a dip, have a drink, and watch the local game as you relax

Shaba National Reserve is enriched with extraordinary wildlife. Game drives will incorporate varied wildlife including gravy zebra, the Somali ostrich, generuk, reticulated giraffe, lesser kudu, leopards, plenty of lion and herds of elephants. Other activities include bush breakfasts, sundowners and cultural visits. The cuisine at Joy's Camp is traditional Northern Italian food all prepared from the Cheli family cook book.

Includes: All meals, soft drinks, beer, house wines & non-luxury spirits, safari activities & laundry