I have no reason to be maliscious but i am genuinely mystified how Jungle Junction has gained such a high reputation among overlanders.
They had just moved to new premises when we stayed there but the new site was unprepared to receive visitors. Our first night had no water no electricity and no manager the next day There was sporadic water supply but no working showers (the showers were lying on the floor ) after four days some kind of water supply was restored but no hot water. he does offer restaurant facilities but that was not working. apparently the staff had more important things to do. Chris the manager was pretty unhelpful and not there very much. It is true to say that we went with high expectations as we needed repairs and information from other travellers. When I asked about workshop facilities I was told the mechanic is on leave and I am too busy.
i have no reason to wish that Chris shouldnt make a living but for me our experience came up well short of the expectations built by reports of other travellers. We left there very disatisfied and found another camp www.Wilderbeestecocamp.com which while not particularly geared up for overlanders he is very happy to accomadate them in this very pleasant and easygoing camp Wilderbeestcamp in Karen is recomended. The Owner Alan is a very helpful and welcoming guy.
These are my opinions and impressions just give it some thought before assuming that JJ is the only place for overlanders.

Happy travels!

I guess you can't please everyone all of the time. Can't say I agree with you though.

It must be hard to ensure that everything works perfectly all of the time for the hordes of demanding overlanders parked on your front lawn. Perhaps you might of asked ahead of time so Chris could've dropped everything and worked on your vehicle or called the guy back off leave.

My guess is that JJ's has such a good reputation because the overwhelming majority of people who stayed there have had a great time.

Just saying...

oops, dead link.
should be wildebeestecocamp.com

Thanks for your tip, though.

__________________
Our website: tenhoope.net
Not all those who wander are lost. Usually, however, I am...

Hi,

I guess you got up with the left foot that morning :-).

Jungle Junction just moved, that is right - and I think it's normal that at the first days of a move things can go a little upside down.

Beside: A cold bucket shower from time to time won't kill anyone ;-).

Chris was and is a incredible source of information, a very helpfull guy and not to forget - a nice guy and a long year traveller himself.
He and his mechanics, with all their experience, hints and tips are one of the best places to be for bikers for getting you repaired for no or little money...

I cannot believe that this all would have changed in a couple of days.

Keep having fun !
Heiko

they moved? Where are they now?

I stayed there last October and we had a great time. Chris went out of his way to hook us up with a mechanic (for Subarus none the less)...and while there was no restaurant like some of the other overlanding places we had been, the showers were clean, and HOT.

I think that the mission/focus of JJ has probably changed over the years. I felt that overlanders were 3rd in line.... 1) Storage of vehicles 2) backpackers 3) overlanders.

However, that was fine as we didn't pay much and when we did need something, he or the staff were there to help. We stayed for 2 or 3 nights and thought it was quite conveniently located. We cooked a few times (GREAT grocery stores nearby)...and ate out a few times (again, some very nice and really good restaurants nearby).

If the location has changed, perhaps all of this is different as well?

We stood for a week (Jan 2014) in the Jungle Junction and really liked it. The place moved and is now very safe, the security has been heavily upgrade: 2,5 m walls with barbed wire, 3 watchman at night on duty, 200m to the police station, watch dogs emergency buttons and a armed security company. That's what I call pretty safe.
Apart from that the athmosphere is really nice, Chris the owner tries to make everybody feel at home, camping and the food is good and inexpensive ( at least for Nairobi standards, dinner Kshs 550, camping 700). If needed, you can be driven to the airport or into town, 200m away there is a market to buy the basics. Chris operates a workshop for motorcycles and cars, he even had some new tires for us though those ones for the big motorcycles (Honda NX650 and XRV 750) are not common in Africa. He is a trained BMW mechanic and has an excellent knowledge of the common cars (Landcruiser/Rover) as well.

We made some bonfires and BBQs on our own, and had a really good time waiting for our Sudan Visa. Met a lot of other Transafrica travellers and exchanged a lot of advice. The adress now is:
Jungle Junction

Langata - Karen/Hardy

Kongoni Road (half way along with a small sign with "JJ's" by the gate)

Kenya - http://goo.gl/maps/XyHxO

S: 1° 21.767"

E: 36° 44.438"

Chris Handschuh

+254 (0) 722 752 865