Samburu Sopa Lodge, situated on high ground within the Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya, offers panoramic views of the surrounding area’s immense expanse. Drive from Nairobi, which is a 6-hour journey away. Wilson Airport and Samburu Oryx Airstrip are 50 minutes away by plane. The drive from the airport to the lodge takes ten minutes.
Accommodation and facilities
Samburu Sopa features 60 rooms, including two wheelchair-accessible rooms that are connected. The outside design of our guest cottages is reminiscent of traditional Samburu homes from centuries ago, but that is where the similarities end. Instead, our buildings feature en-suite bathrooms, significantly larger floor spaces, more expansive windows, and higher ceilings.
The guest rooms in each of our well-spaced cottages are spacious and tastefully furnished, featuring two queen-size beds, a large dressing table, a luxuriously equipped bathroom, and an open-air balcony with a view of the waterhole.
Physically disabled guests can stay in the two guest rooms nearest the reception area.
Dining and cuisine
The main dining space and the outdoor area provide a lovely view of the surrounding area. Bush and Wildlife are the two places where guests can eat. The lodge’s layout allows guests to savor their meals while taking in the stunning scenery and fauna of the Samburu region. The meals served to guests are either buffet-style or plated, featuring a mix of international and Kenyan specialties.
Fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden are served alongside a variety of delectable combinations from various culinary disciplines at the curved buffet tables and live cooking areas. Artistically placed wall niches display a range of natural decorations, and the furniture features traditional designs.
Samburu Sopa has a bar that serves Sundowner Cocktails. During evening game drives, the lodge serves a variety of refreshing beverages, such as beer, soft drinks, and cocktails, as sundowners.
Wildlife and safari experience
The Samburu National Reserve offers a remarkable safari experience and is a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts. This reserve, located in northern Kenya, is renowned for its rich wildlife, including species exclusive to the region, varied habitats, and breathtaking vistas. Samburu is home to various animals, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and other predators. Leopards are mostly found in acacia trees. The lodge offers guests morning and afternoon game drives.
The lodge offers walking safaris led by professional local guides, providing guests with the opportunity to learn about the local ecosystem, including its plant and insect life, as well as the animals that inhabit it.
For guests with an interest in birding, a professional guide is provided to lead them on bird excursions, which are often found along the riverbanks and woodland areas where birds congregate.
Cultural and recreational
Samburu Sopa Lodge offers visitors the opportunity to engage with the local community by taking them to the Samburu community. Guests have the opportunity to learn about the Samburu people’s daily lives, traditions, and customs. During the visit, visitors can also participate in traditional dances and learn about the process of creating artifacts. The Lodge offers bush dinners and sundowners, enabling visitors to connect with nature while stargazing.
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The lodge offers spa services to help guests unwind after a tiring day of a safari.
Sustainability and conservation
Samburu Sopa Lodge supports and teaches guests about anti-poaching efforts to protect the endangered species that support the lodge’s profits. The lodge offers employment opportunities in guiding, hospitality, and support services to residents. A significant portion of Samburu Sopa Lodge’s energy requirements is met by solar energy. This lessens the lodge’s carbon footprint and dependence on non-renewable energy sources.
Samburu Sopa Lodge is committed to implementing recycling programs to minimize waste. Paper, glass, and plastics are among the recyclables that the resort actively separates and sends to approved recycling facilities. This promotes the region’s general sustainability by keeping rubbish out of landfills.
How to get there
By Road: It takes roughly five to seven hours to drive the 350 kilometers (220 miles) between Nairobi and Samburu Sopa Lodge.
By Air: Wilson Airport and Samburu Oryx Airstrip are 50 minutes away by plane. The drive from the airport to the lodge takes ten minutes.
Conclusion
Samburu Sopa Lodge is a popular destination due to its ideal balance of luxurious accommodations, stunning scenery, and genuine safari experiences. The lodge, situated in the heart of the Samburu National Reserve, offers exceptional service in a serene, environmentally friendly setting complemented by excellent wildlife viewing. The lodge offers luxurious accommodations, is rich in Samburu culture, and is also conveniently accessible to a variety of wild animals.
FAQs About Samburu Sopa Lodge
1. Where is Samburu Sopa Lodge situated and how do I reach it?
Samburu Sopa Lodge is located on elevated ground within Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya. It provides stunning views of the surrounding hills, acacia woodlands, and a nearby waterhole frequented by wildlife. The lodge is approximately 325 kilometers north of Nairobi and can be reached by a five to six-hour drive. Alternatively, guests can fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Samburu or Oryx Airstrips, with flight durations ranging from 50 to 90 minutes, followed by a short transfer to the lodge.
2. What types of accommodation and room configurations are offered?
The lodge has about 60 guest rooms housed in 15 two-story cottages built in traditional Samburu architectural style. Each room comes with two queen-sized beds, an en-suite bathroom, a private veranda with views of the waterhole or landscape, and high ceilings for natural ventilation. Two of the rooms are interconnecting and wheelchair-accessible, located near the reception area.
3. What facilities are available on-site?
Facilities at the lodge include a large free-form swimming pool with a shallow children’s section, a sunken pool bar, and a deck area overlooking the waterhole. Other amenities include a bar and lounge, an open-air dining terrace, a gift shop, laundry services, babysitting on request, evening turndown service, and complimentary Wi-Fi in public areas. The lodge can also accommodate small conferences and banquets.
4. What dining options are available?
Guests can enjoy buffet-style meals in the elevated, open-air dining area with views of the surrounding terrain. The cuisine includes a variety of African, continental, and vegetarian dishes, often served with live cooking stations. Guests may also opt for outdoor dining experiences such as picnic lunches during game drives or bush dinners under the stars. The lodge’s bar serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
5. What activities can guests enjoy?
Guests at Samburu Sopa Lodge can participate in game drives offered in the mornings and afternoons, guided nature walks, and birdwatching, with over 350 species recorded in the area. Additional activities include bush breakfasts, sundowners, visits to nearby Samburu cultural villages, and recreational options such as swimming and board games. Camel rides are also available through affiliated providers.
6. What wildlife may I see?
Guests can observe a range of wildlife from the lodge, including elephants, buffaloes, crocodiles, hippos, antelopes, and the “Samburu Special Five”: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk. Big cats such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs are also commonly spotted, along with abundant birdlife in the region.
