• Samburu National Reserve - Kenya

    Samburu Sopa Lodge

    Located inside the Samburu National Reserve in Northern Kenya, Samburu Sopa lodge is built atop high ground allowing panaromic views of the vastness of Samburu shrub land and the hills beyond.

Located inside the Samburu National Reserve in Northern Kenya, Samburu Sopa lodge is built atop high ground allowing panaromic views of the vastness of Samburu shrub land and the hills beyond.

samburu cottages

The lodge is built to reflect the architectural heritage of the local communities whose sons and daughters make up the majority of the work force at the lodge.  Fifteen cottages, each with two bedrooms are built in an arch formation on either side of the public areas to surround the waterhole but leaving a wide gap to allow the animals free movement to the water.

Samburu Sopa Lodge : In-Brief

Location

Samburu National Reserve. 350 Km from Nairobi.

Access

6 hr drive from Nairobi. 50 minute flight from Wilson Airport to Samburu Oryx airstrip. 10 minutes transfer from the airstrip to the Lodge.

Accommodation

60 rooms. Includes 2 inter-connecting wheelchair accessible rooms.

Facilities

Bar, lounge, restaurant, out-door dining area, swimming pool, gift shop. WiFi in public areas.

Activities

Game drives, bush dining, bird watching, nature walks, board games.

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.

Join Our Mailing List

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive news and updates on events and special offers.