Joy's Camp is built on the site of Joy Adamson's tented home in Shaba National Reserve in the Samburu region. Here she wrote 'Queen of Shaba' about Penny, the leopard. Shaba National Reserve is a semi desert with rugged hilly terrain, with great rocky kopjes (small hills), river gorges and lots of springs supporting the abundant wildlife.
The camp overlooks a large natural spring where elephant, lion, buffalo, giraffe and zebra come to drink.
The 10 elegant canvas tents are raised off the ground and have breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. Each 100 square metre tent is uniquely decorated with the vibrant coloured fabrics inspired by the local Boran people, handmade glass and contemporary architectural details creating a sophisticated and stylish camp. The tents have ensuite bathrooms with stone floors, flush toilets, showers and hot and cold running water.
There is a seating area as well as a private verandah, ideal for viewing wildlife at the water hole as well as relaxing, reading and soaking up the truly wild environs offered by Shaba.
Game drives in new 4x4 landcruisers specifically designed for comfort and photography offer the chance to see the varied wildlife including Grevy's Zebra, the Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, Lesser Kudu, leopards, plenty of lions and herds of elephants. Joy's Camp is the only camp offering game drives in Shaba, so there will be no crowds. The guides here all have the prestigious Silver Level KPSGA qualification. Other activities include spectacular bush walks, sumptuous bush breakfasts along the Ewaso Nyiro River and Gorge, sundowners and cultural visits to a local Boran village. Painting and drawing can be arranged. This is also a good area for bird watching. The Joy Adamson Museum is based at this camp. Guests can also chose to relax around the camp's swimming pool or indulge in a therapeutic massage.
The cuisine at Joy's Camp is based on traditional Northern Italian food all prepared from the Cheli family cook book. Homemade pasta and bread is often served, along with traditional Italian ristotto and organic salads. Private dinners can be arranged.
Accolades for Joy's Camp
Silver Eco-rating Certification - Ecotourism Kenya 2011-2012
Finalist Best Eco Safari Property in Africa - The Good Safari Guide 2010
Finalist Best Safari Property in East Africa - The Good Safari Guide 2010
The 2007 Hot List - Conde Nast Traveller Magazine
Fair Trade and Responsible Tourism
Joy's Camp works towards the holistic wildlife conseravtion between Shaba National Reserve and the new surrounding Nakuprat-Gotu Wildlife Conservancy. The camp is working in conjunction with the Cheli & Peacock Community Trust to raise funds to rehabilitate the 'Chaffa Gate' and rangers post, with the aim of reinstating an effective ranger presence to protect Shaba's wildlife. Joy's Camp supports several local schools and guests can donate towards text books, bursaries and class furniture. 70% of the camp staff have been recruited from the local community. The camp uses solar energy and only timber from renewable sources or deadwood.
