Samburu Sopa Lodge

Samburu Sopa Lodge is a unique safari sanctuary built on high ground within the Samburu National Reserve, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the vast Samburu shrubland and distant hills.

The lodge is architecturally inspired by the heritage of the local communities, with its structure mimicking the traditional Samburu housing but designed with high ceilings and spacious interiors to allow cooling breezes to flow freely.

Fifteen cottages, each with two bedrooms, are built in an arch formation on either side of the public areas, surrounding a central waterhole. This design leaves a wide gap to allow animals free movement to the water, ensuring that guests can watch wildlife from the comfort of their rooms or the open-air lounge.

Whether relaxing by the free-form pool or gazing at the stars through the lodge’s unique Astro-Tourism program, Samburu Sopa Lodge offers a blend of rustic charm, cultural connection, and affordable luxury.

Location & Accessibility

✓ Located approximately 350 km north of Nairobi, crossing the Equator into the northern hemisphere
✓ Built on elevated ground within the Samburu National Reserve, allowing for sweeping views of the landscape
✓ The lodge layout mimics the shape of buffalo horns converging at the public area, leaving the waterhole accessible to wildlife
✓ Situated in a prime spot for viewing the “Samburu Special Five” (Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, Reticulated giraffe, Gerenuk, and Beisa oryx

By Road:

✓ Scenic drive offering vistas of Kenya’s highland and semi-arid terrain
✓ Total journey time is approximately 6 hours from Nairobi (325–350 km)
✓ The route passes through Nanyuki, Isiolo, and Archer’s Post on tarmac, followed by a 21 km game drive on all-weather roads to the lodge

By Air:

✓ Flights land at Samburu Oryx Airstrip
✓ A short 10–15 minute transfer brings guests from the airstrip to the lodge
✓ Flying time from Nairobi Wilson Airport is approximately 50 minutes to 1.5 hours

Accommodation – Traditional Cottages

Samburu Sopa Lodge features 60 spacious rooms housed within 30 cottages. The cottages follow the exterior design of centuries-old traditional Samburu housing with thatched roofs but feature modern, airy interiors with much larger windows and floor space.

Standard Rooms

✓ En-suite bathrooms with shower stalls and modern amenities
✓ Tastefully furnished with local materials and rich earth colors
✓ Equipped with a large dressing table and ample wardrobe space
✓ Every room has a private open-air veranda overlooking the waterhole
✓ Two rooms near the reception are specially adapted for wheelchair access
✓ Each room features two Queen-size beds, making them ideal for families or sharing

Family/Triple Rooms

✓ Adjoining rooms available for larger families or groups
✓ Spacious layout allows for triple configurations upon request
✓ High ceilings ensure a cool and comfortable atmosphere even in the midday heat

Room Features & Amenities

✓ Laundry service available
✓ Mosquito nets over every bed
✓ Bedroom kettles for tea and coffee
✓ Daily housekeeping and evening turndown service
✓ Traditional Samburu decor and carved furnishings
✓ En-suite bathrooms with hot showers and hairdryers
✓ Private veranda with views of the waterhole and wildlife

Dining & Culinary Experience

The open-air dining room is situated slightly higher than the lounge, sharing the open atmosphere to allow views over the waterhole and the panoramic landscapes beyond. The curvaceous buffet tables and live cooking stations offer a fusion of culinary disciplines.

Culinary Highlights:

✓ Live cooking areas for fresh preparation
✓ Gala dinners and private barbecues arranged on request
✓ Outdoor dining terrace for enjoying meals under the sky
✓ Sunken bar at the pool for refreshing drinks while swimming
✓ Bush breakfasts and dinners available (including champagne breakfasts)
✓ Buffet-style meals featuring International, African, and vegetarian cuisines

Lounge & Common Areas

The lodge’s public areas are designed without windows, allowing cooling breezes to flow through large, amorphous spaces.

✓ Reception: A circular, grass-thatched area with high ceilings that provides immediate respite from the heat.
✓ Swimming Pool: A large free-form pool tiled with blue mosaic, featuring an adjoining children’s pool and a sunken bar.
✓ The Lounge: Features no front or side walls, only a low safety barrier, making guests feel as if they are standing on top of the world with stunning panoramic views.

Experiences & Activities

✓ Swimming – Relax in the pool or the dedicated kids’ pool
✓ Bird Watching – The reserve is a haven for over 450 bird species
✓ Traditional Dances – Evening entertainment showcasing Samburu culture
✓ Sundowners – Enjoy drinks with canapés as the sun sets over the distant hills
✓ Nature Walks – Guided walks to learn about the flora, fauna, and animal tracks
✓ Game Drives – Explore the reserve to spot the Samburu Special Five, lions, leopards, and elephants
✓ Cultural Visits – Tours to local Samburu villages to engage with the community and learn their traditions
✓ Astro-Tourism – A unique experience featuring a planetarium, telescope sessions, and guided night sky tours with Samburu cultural astronomers

Facilities & Guest Services

✓ Laundry – Same-day service available
✓ Baby Sitting – Services available for families
✓ Wi-Fi – Available in the lounge and public areas
✓ 24-Hour Solar Power – Eco-friendly electricity supply
✓ Gift Shop – Selling handcrafted jewelry, textiles, and souvenirs
✓ Conference Facilities – Available for corporate events and meetings
✓ Wheelchair Access – Two accessible rooms and accessible public areas
✓ Swimming Pool – Free-form pool with a children’s section and outdoor shower

Highlights of Samburu Sopa Lodge

✓ Excellent value for money for families and large groups
✓ Architecture that honors local heritage while providing modern comfort
✓ Authentic cultural connection through staff, architecture, and storytelling
✓ Elevated location providing some of the best panoramic views in Samburu
✓ Unique “Astro-Tourism” program with a planetarium and cultural astronomy
✓ The only lodge in the area with a waterhole, allowing for game viewing directly from the bedroom

Non-Residents Accommodation Prices Per Night Include;

Full Board Accommodation

Notes

* Check-In 12 Hours
* Check-Out 1000 Hours
* Picnic Lunch 20 US Dollars
* Extra Lunch or Dinner 25 US Dollars
* Samburu National Reserve | Click Here
* Easter Supplement: 35 US Dollars Per Person Per Day
* Reduction for Half Board: 5 US Dollars per person per day
* Easter Supplement: 40 US Dollars Per Person Per Day will apply 
* Christmas supplement of 50 US Dollars per person will apply to all bookings on the 24th, 25th, 26th, and 31st of December and on the 1st of January

Child Policy

* Children aged 2.99 years old stay for free
* Children under 3 years of age (sharing with adult/s) are free of charge
* Children are welcome. Babysitters and special meals are available on request
* 2 Children 4-12 years sharing their own room: 75% of the twin/double room rate
* Children 4-12 years sharing with 1 or 2 adults: 50% of the per-person adult twin rate

Accommodation Rates Exclude:

* Flights
* Activities
* Park Fees
* Game drive
* Alcoholic drinks
* Gratuities/ Tips
* Domestic Flights
* Excursions from the lodge
* Medical/ Travel insurance
* Items of a personal nature
* Transfer to and from the lodge
* Medical evacuation and flying doctor insurance

Samburu National Reserve Entrance Fee

Notes

* Child rates apply to persons 3 to 17 years of age. Persons under 3 are free
* Student rates are only applicable for persons aged up to 23 years old, sponsored by a recognized learning institution, and in possession of a valid student ID, and visiting the reserve on a pre-arranged school-organized trip or for research authorized by the ticketing office of the Buffalo Springs and Shaba Reserves in Isiolo. Students must obtain permission to use these special rates at least two weeks in advance of their visit.

Samburu Sopa Lodge has 30 individual guest cottages, each comprising two rooms, forming buffalo-horn patterns converging at the public facilities area, leaving the open end free for wildlife to access the waterhole. Local materials have been used in the construction, furnishings, and interior decoration.

Each guestroom is tastefully furnished with two queen-size beds, a closet, a large dressing table, an en-suite bathroom with a shower stall, and an open-air veranda overlooking the waterhole.  The architecture blends with the area, mirroring the style of the local Samburu housing.

There are two wheelchair-accessible rooms, interconnected, closest to the reception for the physically challenged. The dining area is open-air and has superb views of the landscape and of the water hole.

The dining area features traditional designs, curvaceous buffet tables, and live cooking areas, offering a wide selection of delicious fusions of different culinary disciplines, complemented by garden-fresh fruits and vegetables. Outdoor dining is available on the terrace.

The well-stocked bar serves a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and is located against the rear wall of the lounge. There is an outdoor swimming pool tiled with various shades of blue mosaic tiles and surrounded by a local flat stone sunbathing area.

Next to the pool are a children’s pool, outdoor shower, and sunken bar, as well as views over the waterhole. Samburu Sopa Lodge offers banquet facilities that are ideal for conferences, gala dinners, and other corporate events.

Samburu Game Reserve has a wide variety of animal and birdlife, with several species considered unique to the region, including Grevy’s zebras, Reticulated giraffes, and Vulturine guinea fowls. Lions, leopards, and cheetahs can also be found here, as can elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, and hippos.

Other mammals frequently seen in the park include Olive baboons, gerenuks, warthogs, Grant’s gazelles, Kirk’s dik-diks, impalas, waterbucks, and Beisa oryxes.

Samburu Sopa Lodge activities include sundowners, bush dinners, game drives, bird watching, guided nature walks, board games, Samburu village visits, and swimming.

Mobile: + 254-721-242-711
WhatsApp: +254-721-242-711
Reservations: +254 718-179-967
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://africanspicesafaris.com