• About Sopa Lodges

    Tucked away within Kenya & Tanzania’s vast landscape, Sopa Lodges will be found in hand-picked locations with panoramic views.
    We pride ourselves in offering our guests memorable experiences with the warmest East African welcome.

Kenya and Tanzania claim some of the world's most beautiful National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Areas which teem with countless species of birds and truly wild animals, and which also host our present family of eight Sopa  Lodges.  These have all been individually designed to compliment and blend in with the magnificent surroundings of their environments while reflecting the themes and influences of Equatorial African cultures and their art.

Large open-plan areas and cottage-style guest rooms nestle unobtrusively into the vastness of Africa, and are representative of the traditions of the local inhabitants who make up the rich tapestry of Kenya and Tanzania. The location of every facility at all our properties has been carefully chosen to promise the best views over the wilderness while also offering an unrivalled ambience amongst cool and elegant surroundings.

waterbucks in the vicinity

The magnificent standards and unrivalled space of our guest accommodation are equally matched by the attention bestowed on each and every one of our patrons by the members of our staff who are carefully selected for their dedication to personal service and a genuine, heartfelt friendliness.  This ensures that all our guests enjoy an extraordinary and unparalleled level of true African hospitality.

With over thirty years of experience in the hospitality industry, we know full well that our meals not only have to be savoured by our guests, but that they also have to become family and social occasions to be looked forward to. Because of this, the highly trained executive chefs at each of our properties design their menus around classical African, European, and Asian food preparation techniques which are fused with modern eclectic themes and influences.

Wherever possible, we source all the food required for our menus from the rich farmland areas nearby, thus not only allowing us to ensure that it is garden fresh, but also to continue with our traditional support and commitment to our surrounding agricultural communities.

Our Locations

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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