If you’re looking for a safari lodge that blends spacious comfort, accessibility, and affordability with a strong sense of local heritage, Samburu Sopa Lodge might just be the right pick. I stayed there for three nights during a trip through northern Kenya, and while it’s not the ultra-luxury type like Saruni or Sasaab, it delivers some things that they don’t—especially for families, groups, or first-time safari-goers.
📍 Location: Elevated Views and Ease of Access
Samburu Sopa Lodge sits on a hill overlooking the Samburu National Reserve, just outside the main reserve area. The views are expansive, and on a clear evening, you can spot elephants and giraffes down in the valley below. It’s not on the riverfront like Elephant Bedroom Camp, but the sunsets here are phenomenal, and the elevation makes it feel breezier, especially in the dry heat of Samburu.
The lodge is accessible by road, which is great if you’re doing a circuit through Kenya without flying. It’s also located inside a conservancy buffer zone, so you still get the safari experience without needing to be deep in the reserve at all times.
Access:
- By Air: The lodge is accessible via scheduled flights from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Samburu Oryx Airstrip, followed by a 25–30-minute road transfer through the reserve.
- By Road: Approximately a 6-hour drive from Nairobi. The route passes through Nanyuki, Isiolo, and Archer’s Post, providing scenic vistas and glimpses of Kenya’s highland and semi-arid terrain.
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.
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.
🎯 What Stood Out to Me
- Value for money: For under $200 per person per night (full board), it’s incredibly well-priced considering the setting, quality, and service.
- Family and group friendly: Larger rooms, a pool, and flexibility make it ideal for bigger groups or those traveling with kids.
- Cultural connection: The lodge architecture, Samburu staff uniforms, and nightly storytelling gave it an authentic local feel without being over-commercialized.
- Big skies and open space: The elevated location gives you wide horizons—a different kind of drama compared to riverfront intimacy.
Samburu Sopa Lodge features 60 spacious rooms spread across 30 two-room cottages. The structures are inspired by traditional Samburu huts, complete with high ceilings, thatched roofs, and private verandas.
Room Types:
- Standard Twin/Double Rooms: Each fitted with two queen-sized beds, ideal for families or couples.
- Triple Rooms: Some rooms have an extra bed added upon request.
- Family/Quad Rooms: Available for families traveling with children.
- Accessible Rooms: Two specially designed rooms cater to guests with physical challenges.
In-Room Amenities:
- En-suite bathrooms with hot showers
- Mosquito nets over each bed
- Private veranda with sitting area
- Reading desk and wardrobe
- Daily housekeeping and turn-down service
- Laundry service available upon request
💵 Rates (Full Board Per Room Per Night)
| Season | Single | Double | Triple | Quad |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Season | $193 | $295 | $406 | $445 |
| High Season | $180 | $270 | $371 | $405 |
| Low Season | $153 | $215 | $296 | $325 |
Full Board includes accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and taxes. Rates exclude park entry fees.
Holiday Supplements:
- Christmas/New Year (Dec 24–26, 31, Jan 1): $40 per person per day
- Easter Weekend: $20 per person per day
👨👩👧 Family Policy
- Children under 3 years: Free of charge
- Children 3–16 years:
- Sharing with adults: 50% of adult rate
- Own room: 75% of adult double rate
🍽️ Dining & Cuisine
The lodge’s elevated main restaurant overlooks the waterhole and offers both indoor and open-air dining options.
Dining Highlights:
- Buffet-style meals featuring African, continental, and vegetarian dishes
- Live cooking stations at select meal times
- Barbecues and theme nights with Samburu music and dancing (on request)
- Special dietary needs accommodated with prior notice
Bar & Lounge:
- Main Bar: Serves local and international drinks, cocktails, and wines
- Poolside Bar: Sunken bar with shaded loungers, perfect for mid-day refreshments
🌿 Amenities & Facilities
- Swimming Pool: Large free-form pool with kids’ section and sundeck
- Wi-Fi: Available in public areas
- Gift Shop: Handcrafted Samburu jewelry, textiles, and safari souvenirs
- Laundry: Same-day laundry service available
- Conference Facilities: Small meeting spaces available on request
- Parking & Security: Ample on-site parking and 24/7 security
🚙 Safari Activities
Samburu is home to unique wildlife, including the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and reticulated giraffe.
Activities Include:
- Morning and afternoon game drives
- Birdwatching tours (350+ species recorded in the region)
- Nature walks led by armed rangers
- Cultural visits to a local Samburu village (optional)
- Sundowners and bush breakfasts or dinners (on request)
🗣️ Guest Reviews – What Visitors Say
✅ What Guests Loved:
- “The views from the restaurant deck are something else—elephants visited the waterhole while we had lunch!”
- “Comfortable rooms, excellent food, and incredibly friendly staff.”
- “Our guide was fantastic and we saw lions, elephants, and the elusive Grevy’s zebra.”
- “A great choice for families—kids loved the pool and game drives were well paced.”
❌ Minor Criticisms:
- “Wi-Fi can be slow at peak times.”
- “No air conditioning, but rooms stay cool due to the elevation and breeze.”
- “Could use more variety in evening entertainment, but the peace and quiet was appreciated.”
📅 Best Time to Visit
- June to October: Dry season; best for game viewing as animals gather around rivers and waterholes. Kambu Campers offers group and private tours at this time.
- December to March: Warm and sunny; ideal for birding and predator sightings
- April–May: Green season; fewer tourists and lush scenery, though short rains are common
🕓 Check-in / Check-out
- Check-in: 12:00 PM
- Check-out: 10:00 AM
- Early check-in or late check-out possible on request and availability
🌟 Why Choose Samburu Sopa Lodge?
✔️ Affordable and family-friendly rates
✔️ Panoramic views and wildlife right at your doorstep
✔️ Cultural design that celebrates Samburu heritage
✔️ Well-positioned for exploring the northern circuit
✔️ Warm hospitality and attentive service
✔️ Excellent base for photographers and birdwatchersPost
⚖️ How It Compares
| Feature | Samburu Sopa Lodge | Elephant Bedroom Camp | Saruni Samburu | Sasaab Lodge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Level | Mid-range comfort | High-end tented luxury | Ultra-luxury boutique | Top-tier ultra-luxury |
| Wildlife Access | Good (requires drive into reserve) | Excellent (wildlife in camp) | Very good (private conservancy) | Excellent (conservancy + reserve) |
| Best For | Families, groups, first-time safaris | Couples, close-up wildlife fans | Privacy seekers, repeat travelers | Honeymooners, wellness travelers |
| Room Type | Permanent buildings | Canvas tents with plunge pools | Villas with panoramic views | Moroccan-style luxury suites |
| Cost (Approx. PP/Night) | $150–$250 | $450–$750 | $700–$1,000+ | $850–$1,200+ |
| Pool | Yes (shared) | Yes (private in each tent) | No | Yes (private & infinity) |
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.