🌍 Introduction
Samburu Sopa Lodge is a warm, family-friendly safari lodge perched on elevated terrain within the untamed beauty of Samburu National Reserve. Known for its rich cultural heritage, stark landscapes, and wildlife found nowhere else in Kenya, this lodge offers a balance of rustic charm, sweeping views, and authentic northern Kenya hospitality.
Designed in traditional Samburu style, the lodge’s circular cottages and thatched roofs reflect the local architecture, while the interiors are fitted with all the amenities one would expect from a comfortable safari base. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to explore the Samburu Special Five, this lodge delivers on both value and experience.
📍 Location & How to Get There
Setting:
Samburu Sopa Lodge sits on raised ground within Samburu National Reserve, offering uninterrupted views over the vast plains and foothills of the surrounding escarpment. Its elevated location provides natural cooling breezes and stunning sunsets.
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.
🏕️ Accommodation
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 birdwatchers