Samburu Sopa Lodge is a distinguished safari destination located within Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve. Perched atop elevated terrain, the lodge offers panoramic vistas of the expansive Samburu shrubland and the surrounding hills, providing guests with an immersive experience in the heart of the African wilderness.
Accommodation
The lodge comprises 15 cottages, each housing two spacious rooms, totaling 30 rooms. Designed to reflect the architectural heritage of the local Samburu community, the cottages feature thatched roofs and are arranged in an arc formation around a central waterhole, allowing guests to observe wildlife from the comfort of their verandas. Each room is equipped with two queen-sized beds, en-suite bathrooms, and private verandas offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Dining and Facilities
The on-site restaurant serves a variety of dishes, blending international cuisine with local flavors, all prepared with fresh ingredients. Guests can enjoy meals in the open-air dining area, which overlooks the waterhole, enhancing the dining experience with potential wildlife sightings. The lodge also features a bar and lounge area, a gift shop, and a swimming pool with a sunken bar, providing a refreshing retreat after a day of exploration.
Activities
Samburu Sopa Lodge offers a range of activities to enrich the safari experience:
- Game Drives: Guided drives through the Samburu National Reserve provide opportunities to encounter unique wildlife species, including the “Samburu Special Five“: Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx.
- Bird Watching: The reserve is home to nearly 400 bird species, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts.
- Cultural Visits: Engage with the local Samburu community to learn about their traditions and way of life.
- Nature Walks: Explore the surrounding landscape on foot with knowledgeable guides, gaining insights into the flora and fauna of the region.
Rates
Samburu Sopa Lodge offers accommodation rates that vary by season and room type. For a single room, rates are $193 during peak season (July 1 to September 30 and December 24 to January 1), $180 in high season (January 2 to March 31 and October 1 to December 23), and $153 in low season (April 1 to June 30). Double rooms are priced at $295, $270, and $215 for peak, high, and low seasons, respectively.
Triple rooms cost $406 in peak season, $371 in high season, and $296 in low season. Quad rooms are available at $445 during peak season, $405 in high season, and $325 in low season. These rates are per room, per night, on a full-board basis, inclusive of applicable government taxes and service charges. Please note that park entry fees and concession fees are not included in these rates.
Samburu Sopa Lodge Accommodation Rates (US Dollars)
| Season | Dates | Single Room | Double Room | Triple Room | Quad Room |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Season | 01 Jul – 30 Sep / 24 Dec – 01 Jan | $193 | $295 | $406 | $445 |
| High Season | 02 Jan – 31 Mar / 01 Oct – 23 Dec | $180 | $270 | $371 | $405 |
| Low Season | 01 Apr – 30 Jun | $153 | $215 | $296 | $325 |
Notes:
- Rates are based on Full Board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included).
- All prices are nett in U.S. Dollars per room, per night.
- Rates include applicable Government taxes and Service Charges.
- Park entry fees and Concession Fees (if applicable) are not included.
For the most up-to-date rates or promotional offers, please contact Samburu Sopa Lodge directly or visit their official website.
Accessibility
The lodge is approximately 350 kilometers from Nairobi, accessible via a six-hour drive or a 50-minute flight from Wilson Airport to the Samburu Oryx airstrip, followed by a 10-minute transfer to the lodge.
Guest Reviews
Guests frequently praise the lodge for its strategic location, attentive staff, and comfortable accommodations. The proximity to the waterhole allows for unique wildlife viewing experiences directly from the lodge. Some reviews mention that certain facilities may require maintenance, but overall, the lodge provides a memorable safari experience.
Pros:
- Spacious and Clean Rooms: Guests frequently praise the lodge’s large, well-maintained rooms, which offer a comfortable and relaxing environment.
- Friendly and Attentive Staff: The staff is often highlighted for their warmth, professionalism, and attentiveness, which enhances the overall guest experience.
- Varied and Quality Food: The buffet-style meals provide a wide range of options, catering to diverse dietary preferences and ensuring a satisfying dining experience.
- Scenic Location: The lodge is situated within Samburu National Reserve, offering guests direct access to stunning wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
- Refreshing Pool Area: The swimming pool is a popular feature, offering guests a refreshing way to unwind after safari excursions.
Cons:
- Limited Electricity Hours: Electricity is available only during specific hours, which can inconvenience guests who need power at other times.
- Inconsistent Wi-Fi Connectivity: Internet access is primarily available in common areas and can sometimes be slow or unreliable.
- Aging Facilities: Some guests have mentioned that certain areas of the lodge would benefit from updates or renovations to maintain modern standards.
- Limited Mosquito Netting: Not all rooms are equipped with mosquito nets, which could be a concern for some visitors, especially in a safari setting.
- Potential for Noise: Depending on the room’s location, noise from common areas or wildlife may affect light sleepers.
Overall, Samburu Sopa Lodge is a well-regarded safari destination, offering a comfortable and scenic stay with excellent staff and amenities. While there are some minor drawbacks, the overall experience is highly positive, making it a favorite among many visitors to Samburu National Reserve.
Conclusion
Samburu Sopa Lodge offers an authentic and enriching safari experience, combining traditional Samburu architecture with modern comforts. Its prime location within the Samburu National Reserve makes it an ideal choice for travelers seeking to explore Kenya’s diverse wildlife and cultural heritage.