Celebrate the Festive Season with Sopa Lodges: A Journey of Joy and Wonder

SL festive

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!

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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