Newsletter
SEPTEMBER 2026
In This Issue
Every journey begins somewhere. For Eliud Msafiri, it began at a time when the future was far from certain.
As a young boy, Msafiri was taken in by the founding family, who saw something in him and chose to give him an opportunity. With their support, he was able to go to school and for the first time, look towards a future filled with possibilities.
Years later, the opportunity led him to Sopa Lodges, where he began his career as a trainee. He may have started at the bottom, but he never allowed where he started to determine where he would end up.
Msafiri took every opportunity to learn. He worked across different departments, from stores and front office operations to rooms division and lodge management. Each role taught him something new. Each responsibility helped him grow. And with every step, he gained not only experience, but also the confidence to take on the next challenge.
His journey was not an overnight success. It was built through years of hard work, patience and determination. Slowly but steadily, the trainee who once walked through the doors of Sopa Lodges grew into a leader entrusted with greater responsibilities.
Today, more than 30 years after beginning his journey with us, Msafiri is the General Manager of Tarangire Sopa Lodge. The most meaningful part of his story is not the position he holds today, it is how far he has come.
His journey is a reflection that sometimes, all a person needs is an opportunity and the determination to make the most of it. A difficult beginning does not have to define the rest of your story. With the right support, perseverance and belief in what is possible, one step can lead to another, and one opportunity can change the course of a life.
Today, Msafiri is not only leading a lodge; he is part of a journey that continues to inspire those around him. His story carries a simple but powerful message: where you begin does not have to determine where you end.
Sometimes, all it takes is one opportunity, the courage to pursue it and the determination to keep moving forward.
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.
Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort has something for everyone. Enjoy a 15% discount on all paid activities, including e-bike rides, boat rides, archery, horse riding and more. In addition, enjoy complimentary accommodation for one child aged 12 years and below when sharing a room with two adults.
Bring the family, make new memories and experience more of what Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort has to offer.
Last month, together with our sustainability arm, Land & Life Foundation, we supported the installation of solar powered lighting at Kiltamany Comprehensive School in Samburu County.
For the school learners, accessing the latrines after dark has been challenging. The facilities are located 10 to 100 metres from the dormitories, with limited lighting along the paths and snakes present in the surrounding area.
The new solar lights provide better visibility around the facilities and along the paths, helping learners move more safely and confidently at night.
This initiative reflects Sopa Lodges and Land & Life Foundation’s continued commitment to supporting practical solutions that make schools and communities safer and more supportive places to learn.
There is more to the African night sky that meets the eye. This October, two special events will give stargazers even more reason to look up and enjoy the wonders above at Samburu Sopa Lodge.
4th October | Saturn at Opposition
On 4th October, Saturn takes centre stage as Earth passes between the Sun and Saturn. This makes the planet appear brighter and easier to spot throughout the night, from around 19:00 to 04:00 EAT. While Saturn can be seen with the naked eye, a telescope offers an even better view, revealing its famous rings.
21st October | Orionid Meteor Shower
Later in the month, the sky will put on another show with the Orionid Meteor Shower. Earth will pass through dust and debris left behind by Comet Halley. As these tiny particles burn up in our atmosphere, they create bright streaks of light across the sky, commonly known as the shooting stars. The best time to watch will be between 23:00 and 05:00 EAT.
For guests at Samburu Sopa Lodge, October offers two special opportunities to experience the night sky; from catching a glimpse of Saturn’s rings through a telescope to watching shooting stars streak across the darkness. Mark your calendars and do not miss these celestial highlights.
