Location

Getting There

  • 250kms from Nairobi on a paved road except for the last 4kms of all-weather murram, the journey takes between 3 and 4 hours.
  • Flying from Nairobi takes approximately 40 minutes, and it is an hour’s transfer time from the airstrip to the lodge.

map amboseli sopa lodge

Amboseli National Park

The Amboseli National Park’s ecosystem is mainly savannah grassland spread across the Kenya-Tanzania border, and also comprises of forested areas around some of its rivers and lakes. The park is famous for being the best place in Africa to get close to free-ranging elephants among other wildlife species, and its other attractions include opportunities to meet the Maasai tribe’s people, and its spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

With all this and more to see in the park, you might decide to spend a full day there instead of returning to our lodge for lunch. Should this be the case, and for your convenience, we have a tented luncheon and bar venue within a five minute drive from the park gates.

Facts about Amboseli National Park

Size / Location:
  • 390.26 Km2
  • Loitoktok District, Rift Valley Province
Major Attractions
  • Mt. Kilimanjaro
  • Large herds of Elephants
  • The Big Five
  • Observation Hill which allows an overall view of the whole park, especially that of the swamps and elephants,
  • The swamp below Observation Hill hosts many elephants, buffaloes, hippos and a variety of water birds like pelicans and Egyptian geese
  • Contemporary Maasai culture and indigenous lifestyle
Wildlife:
  • Leopard, Cheetah, Wild dogs, Buffalo, Rhino, Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Lion, Plains Game, Crocodile, Mongoose, Hyrax, Dik- dik, Lesser Kudu, and Nocturnal Porcupine
  • Prolific birdlife features 600 species

For more information please visit Kenya Wildlife Service

Astro-Tourism FAQs

What is Astro-tourism?

It is stargazing with a twist, combining astronomy, culture and nature under Samburu’s darkest night skies.

Why is Samburu the Ideal destination for stargazing?

  • Kenya is located on the equator, which allows VVIP views of both the Northern and the Southern Hemispheres.
  • Our unique geo-location; Samburu has clear, unpolluted and uninterrupted night skies that allow for clear views of the skies and its celestial bodies.
  • Samburu community has deep cultural knowledge, values and stories making it the ideal destination for this new innovation.

What can I experience at the lodge?

Private dinner under the stars, guided stargazing session using powerful telescopes,binoculars, storytelling around the bonfire while using laser pointers and Planetarium sessions.

Is there a planetarium?

Yes! A manyatta-shaped planetarium offers an immersive sky show session.

Who leads the stargazing sessions?

An Astro-physicist and trained Sopa cultural astronomers blending science with cultural insights.

Can I combine this with a safari?

Absolutely! During the day, you can enjoy exciting game drives where you will have the chance to spot the Samburu Special Five (Grevy’s zebra, Reticulated giraffe, Gerenuk, Somali ostrich and Beisa oryx), rare species found exclusively in the Samburu region. In addition to wildlife viewing, the area is home to an incredible variety of birdlife, making it a paradise for bird watching and bird photography enthusiasts. You can also explore the landscape on guided nature walks, offering an even deeper connection with the environment. All of this blends seamlessly with magical celestial nights, where stargazing under Samburu’s vast, unpolluted skies becomes the perfect way to end your day.

Is it family friendly?

Yes! Kids and adults alike can enjoy telescope viewing, constellation tracing and cultural tales.

Do I need special gear?

No, telescopes, binoculars, and laser pointers are provided as part of the experience.

Is it available year round?

Yes, with special events during eclipses, meteor showers and seasonal celestial highlights.

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