Samburu Sopa Lodge & Land and Life Foundation: Empowering Communities Through the PadMad Initiative

PadMad

Samburu Sopa Lodge, in collaboration with Land and Life Foundation, our sustainability arm and PadMad, launched yet another transformative Menstrual and Reproductive Health Awareness Campaign in May 2025, empowering the Kiltamany community in Samburu. The initiative trained 10 lodge staff members and 2 community members as menstrual health ambassadors, who will lead ongoing education and mentorship. The workshop reached 251 community members (including 44 men) and 131 students, distributing reusable sanitary kits and breaking cultural taboos. The lodge also donated 260 clipboards to Kiltamany comprehensive school, blending conservation with social impact. From interactive training to heartfelt speeches, the project underscored tourism’s power to drive health equity and education in wildlife-adjacent communities.

Our project partner, PadMad Kenya, a social enterprise dedicated to period dignity, plays an instrumental role in this initiative. PadMad Kenya specializes in providing free Menstrual Health Management and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Workshops. They also produce reusable, biodegradable pads certified by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and create employment opportunities for marginalized women.

 

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.

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