Newsletter
AUGUST 2026
In This Issue
SOPA LODGES AT 40
BEYOND THE BOARDROOM
SUSTAINABILITY
MEDIA
For four decades, we have been privileged to share the magic of authentic African hospitality and unforgettable safari experiences, while celebrating and preserving the rich cultures, breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary wildlife of Kenya and Tanzania. What began as an ambitious dream has grown into a remarkable journey, shaped by the people, communities and guests who have been part of our story.
Our 40th anniversary is more than a celebration of a number. It is a celebration of a journey; a journey that began in the heart of the Maasai Mara and has grown into a story of hospitality, friendship and people.
At the heart of our story stands Masai Mara Sopa Lodge, the first chapter of a journey that began on 8th August 1986 with only 36 guest rooms. Affectionately known as the “old lady” of the Mara, she wears her years with pride, and while she carries the wisdom of four decades, her heart still beats strong and her spirit remains timeless.
She has watched the landscape change. She has welcomed travellers from across the world. She has seen families arrive as strangers and leave with memories that would bring them back years later. She has stood through seasons of sunshine and rain, witnessed countless sunrises over the savannah and listened to the sounds of the wild beyond her walls.
But there is something about this old lady that remains unchanged. Her heart still beats through the hands of our chefs, the care of our housekeepers, the dedication of our gardeners and the passion of every team member who turns a stay into a lasting memory.
These are the people who have kept the spirit of Sopa alive for four decades. Their hands have served generations of guests, their stories have become part of our history and their dedication has helped turn ordinary stays into extraordinary memories.
Our brand has since grown into a distinguished collection of six properties across Kenya and Tanzania, including Masai Mara Sopa Lodge, Amboseli Sopa Lodge, Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort, Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Samburu Sopa Lodge and Tarangire Sopa Lodge. While Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge and Serengeti Sopa Lodge were rebranded to Explorer by Elewana Collection, they remain an important part of the Sopa legacy.
We have welcomed thousands of travellers from around the world, creating opportunities to discover East Africa’s extraordinary wildlife and landscapes, connect with local cultures and celebrate special moments. Our journey has been shaped by its people, communities and trade partners, whose dedication has helped build a lasting hospitality legacy.
As we look to the future, sustainability and responsible tourism remain central to our journey. Through conservation initiatives, cultural preservation and meaningful community partnerships, we continue to work towards protecting the natural and cultural heritage that makes East Africa a unique destination.
Today, we celebrate a remarkable journey from modest beginnings to becoming one of East Africa's most trusted safari hospitality brands. Happy 40th anniversary to us!
| Kennedy Ayoti, the Chief Operating Officer of Sopa Lodges, discussing his 13-year tenure with the company and the organization's core values as it celebrates its 40th anniversary. | Rosemary Kuria, the Director of Sales, celebrates Sopa Lodges' 40th anniversary, defining the brand as authentic, iconic, and warm, while thanking partners and staff for their shared success. |
Forty years is a milestone worth celebrating and we celebrated it in true Sopa style! Our 40th anniversary celebration week brought our Sopa family together in a vibrant mix of colour, culture, fashion and creativity, giving our teams a chance to celebrate the spirit, heritage and people behind four remarkable decades of Sopa.
From Safari wear and Sopa’s signature blue, red and white, to Swahili attire, Sports wear and vibrant African prints, each theme brought a fresh burst of colour, creativity and personality to our 40th anniversary celebrations.
The celebration week was more than just dressing up, it was about bringing the Sopa family together. The themes sparked laughter, friendly competition and memorable moments.
The excitement culminated in our Best Dressed Awards, bringing together our colleagues from different brand units. Our winners were recognised for their creativity, consistency and commitment, taking home exciting prizes and an opportunity to experience the hospitality they help bring to life every day.
Transform your next conference into an unforgettable experience with our exclusive offer that combines productive meetings with the natural beauty of Tarangire National Park.
This special offer includes discounted accommodation rates starting from USD 105 for single occupancy on half board basis and a full day conference package starting from USD 35 per person. The package is tailor made to cater for groups of up to 10 guests and is applicable to new bookings only. This great deal is available for East African Corporates only and is not combinable with any other special offer.
In June 2026, in celebration of World Environment Day, our sustainability arm, Land & Life Foundation, together with Amboseli Sopa Lodge hosted an inspiring climate and conservation education event for learners from three schools in the Amboseli area.
The celebration brought together 103 students from Amboseli Lewis Secondary School, Amboseli Primary School and Oldonyo Oibor Comprehensive School, including members of school wildlife clubs and participants in the Art for Conservation programme.
This year’s World Environment Day theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” provided the perfect backdrop for a day focused on equipping young learners with practical knowledge and inspiring them to become environmental stewards within their schools and communities.
Impact at a Glance
- 109 Land & Life Resource Books distributed
- 103 students engaged in climate and conservation education and awareness.
- 3 schools reached - Oldonyo Oibor Comprehensive School, Amboseli Primary School, and Amboseli Lewis Secondary School.
Launching the Land & Life Resource Book
A key highlight of the celebration was the official launch of the Land & Life Resource Book, a new educational resource developed to strengthen climate and conservation education among young learners.
The resource book supports Land & Life Foundation’s commitment to climate action education and is aligned with Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), enabling teachers to integrate environmental learning into classroom activities while giving students practical knowledge about conservation and sustainability.
Celebrating Conservation Through Art & Community
The celebration brought together conservation and education partners united by a shared belief in the power of art to inspire environmental awareness and action. Through creative expression, the young learners were encouraged to understand the importance of protecting nature and their role in shaping a more sustainable future.
By bringing climate education, creativity and community together, Land & Life Foundation and Amboseli Sopa Lodge continue to empower and nurture the next generation of environmental and conservation stewards.
