We are excited to announce the winner of our last Trivia Triumph, where participants had the chance to win a two-night stay for two at Samburu Sopa Lodge on a full-board basis.

The challenge was to answer: Which famous Samburu elephant matriarch, (a frequent visitor of Samburu Sopa Lodge and studied by Save the Elephants), was immortalized in wildlife documentaries? The first closest answer wins…

Congratulations, Rodger Elmo’re from Premier Safaris. We look forward to welcoming you for your well-deserved stay. The correct answer is Echo/Satao.

On the magical evening of September 7th, 2025. We proudly unveiled our planetarium, the only one in the African wild. Shaped like a traditional Maasai Boma (dome-shaped) that serves as a theatre where people can learn and experience astronomy.

This is a pioneering step into Kenya’s Astro-tourism landscape that invites guests to explore the cosmos from the heart of Samburu. The launch coincided with a rare celestial spectacle, a total lunar eclipse, commonly known as Blood Moon, perfectly aligned with Saturn in the night sky, offering an unforgettable experience under the stars.

The event was hosted by the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Hon. Rebecca Miano, EGH, and graced by distinguished guests, including Samburu County Governor Jonathan Lati Lelelit, Prof. Erustus Kanga (Director General of Kenya Wildlife Service), Brig. Hillary Kipkosgey (Director General of the Kenya Space Agency), Allan Njoroge (Ag. CEO of the Kenya Tourism Board), and Amb. Diana Kiambuthi (Deputy Director-General, Cultural Diplomacy from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), alongside key tourism stakeholders.

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We are excited to announce that Samburu Sopa Lodge now features a suite, designed to meet the needs of those seeking a romantic retreat, business, leisure or solo travellers looking for comfort and style. Meanwhile, Amboseli’s conference facility is undergoing refurbishment and is set to reopen by the end of November, enhancing our capacity to host your conference.

Stay tuned for more enhancements as we continue to elevate your Sopa experience.

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We are beyond excited to share a moment of pride and celebration with you. Masai Mara Sopa lodge and Tarangire Sopa Lodges have been honored in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2025, ranking 1st and 13th respectively in Central and Eastern Africa.

This recognition speaks to your dedication, the passion behind every guest experience, and our shared commitment to showcasing the natural beauty and giving the warmest welcome in East Africa.

Thank you for being an essential part of this journey. Together, we continue to set the standard for excellence and create unforgettable memories for our guests.

Sopa Lodges LandLife Padmad CSR

At Sopa Lodges, our connection to the communities surrounding our properties runs deeper than hospitality, it is a shared journey of growth, learning, and celebration. One of the ways we continue to support this journey is through our partnership with Oloolaimutia Primary School, located near Masai Mara Sopa Lodge.

In July, we had the privilege of hosting the school’s top-performing students and their dedicated teachers for a motivational lunch just before their second term exams. It was a moment to recognize their hard work, encourage their aspirations, and remind them that their efforts are seen and valued.

Just weeks later, on August 3rd, we were honored to support the school once again by fueling their journey to Meru for the National Music Festivals. Representing the Rift Valley Region, these talented students showcased their passion, discipline, and proudly emerged third in the National rankings. Their achievement is a testament to the power of opportunity, mentorship, and community support.

We believe that investing in education and the arts is investing in the future. Whether it’s through a shared meal or a bus ride to a national stage, we are proud to stand beside the young minds who are shaping tomorrow.

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As the festive season approaches, we invite you to be part of the magic of East Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes across our six unique properties. From the twinkling stars over Samburu’s shrublands, the majestic elephants framed by Mt Kilimanjaro at Amboseli, peaceful Lake Naivasha with its grazing hippos, Lake Nakuru’s rhinos and vibrant birdlife, the iconic Maasai Mara known for Wildebeest migration, and Tarangire’s ancient baobab trees and abundant elephants, each lodge offers a distinctive celebration wrapped in authentic culture and warmest welcome.

Throughout the holidays, our lodges come alive with music, cultural performances, festive décor, and culinary delights that honor both tradition and innovation. Whether guests are enjoying a Christmas Eve stroll, a family-friendly safari, or a New Year’s Eve celebration under starlit skies, every moment is crafted to create unforgettable memories.

Together, we continue to welcome guests into a world where adventure meets comfort and every stay tells a story.

Here is to a joyful festive season and a prosperous 2026 ahead!

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Answer correctly for a chance to win a two-night stay for two at Samburu Sopa Lodge on full board basis.

Once associated with royal lineage in ancient stories, this celestial giant appearing on clear, dark nights has long been a favourite target for stargazers and astro-photographers in the Northern Hemisphere. What is it?

The first answer wins…

How to Participate:

Send your answers to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. on or before 10th December 2025. Multiple submissions are allowed, but only one answer per email address. The winner will be contacted on email.

Terms and Conditions

  • The first closest answer wins.
  • The voucher is valid for one year from the date of issue, excluding all public holidays, high-season dates and festive periods.
  • The voucher may not, under any circumstances, be used for any form of advertising, including but not limited to online/digital advertising, pre-printed material or any general form of promotion.
  • Room bookings are subject to availability.
  • All participants must consent to the publication of their images on our website by signing the consent form.

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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