Newsletter

We are excited to announce the winner of our last Trivia Triumph, where participants had the chance to win a two-night stay for two at Samburu Sopa Lodge on a full-board basis.

The challenge was to answer the question: Long before Masai Mara Sopa Lodge stretched across the horizon,only one wing stood to welcome the first light of dawn. Do you know which wing was the original heartbeat of our lodge when we first opened our doors on the 8th of August, 1986? The first correct answer wins…

Congratulations, Sophia Kamau from Intrepid East Africa.The correct answer is, only the East/ Right wing was operational.

As we celebrate 40 years of excellence, we not only look at the milestones that shaped our journey but also honour the people whose memories and experiences helped build the story we tell today. Among those voices is Ms.Minka Ramji, a cherished member of the extended Wissanji family, who graciously shared vivid recollections of the early days of our properties in Maasai Mara, Amboseli and Tanzania.

Her memories offer a rare and personal glimpse into the founding spirit of Sopa Lodges, from the opening of Masai Mara Sopa Lodge to the growth of our East African portfolio. These stories reveal to us that Sopa Lodges was not just built as a hospitality brand; but as a community. In her recollections, Ms. Minka paints a picture of the early years with warmth and humour. The long walks between rooms, the stewards carrying heavy suitcases, the first gardens planted by hand and the unforgettable encounters with wildlife that defined life in the Maasai Mara.

Masai Mara Sopa Lodge officially welcomed its very first guests on the 8th of August,1986; with only the right wing of the lodge operational. She recalls the team work that emerged from daily operations, the closeness shared among neighbouring properties and the role of Sopa lodges as a training ground for many who went on to shape the wider hospitality industry.

The team placed great importance not only on personally welcoming guests upon arrival, but also on seeing them off at departure. It was this latter gesture that our founding chairman took particular pride in, as it reflected his gracious nature and the warmth with which he hosted guests in what he considered his own home.

These are more than just stories about a lodge. They are stories of the people, the destination and the shared vision that flourished through the hard work, dedication and unwavering belief of those who were there from the very beginning. Every guest was welcomed with genuine warmth, every challenge was met with creativity and resilience and every success was achieved through teamwork and a shared commitment to excellence.

Ms.Minka’s memories offer a fascinating glimpse into how much has changed over the years,from the days of travellers’ cheques and radio calls to the modern, seamless hospitality experience we proudly offer across our properties today. Yet, as we celebrate 40 years, one thing has remained constant: our unwavering commitment to warm hospitality and unforgettable experiences.In the Maasai language, Sopa means “Hello” or “Welcome”. For four decades, that simple greeting has embodied our promise to welcome every guest with genuine warmth, heartfelt care and a true sense of belonging. It is a promise that has defined who we are from the very beginning and continues to guide us into the future.

Most successful business trips no longer end when the meeting adjourns. Organisations now prefer a balance of business and leisure, they choose destinations where productive conferences seamlessly blend with adventure and relaxation.

Our conference facilities in both Kenya and Tanzania offer exactly that. Set against some of East Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes, they provide the perfect balance of business and nature, creating inspiring spaces where productivity meets tranquillity. Whether hosting a board meeting, conference, or corporate retreat, delegates can enjoy modern facilities complemented by the beauty, serenity and unique experiences of our exceptional destinations.

At Amboseli Sopa Lodge, delegates can transition from productive conference sessions to breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and wildlife encounters. Equally captivating is the experience at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge, where meetings are complemented by the lodge's stunning surroundings, where resident zebras often graze nearby, creating a unique backdrop for corporate retreats and team bonding experiences.

Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort offers a tranquil lakeside retreat nestled among acacia trees and free roaming wildlife. After a productive day of meetings, delegates can unwind with a scenic boat ride on Lake Naivasha, enjoy peaceful nature walks, or simply relax in the serene surroundings. It is the perfect setting to recharge and connect with nature.

Further North, Samburu Sopa Lodge offers a refreshing change of pace. After a full day of meetings, delegates can trade boardroom discussions for the wonders of the night sky through our lodge’s unique planetarium and astro-tourism experiences. From guided stargazing sessions and private dinners beneath a blanket of stars to captivating bonfire storytelling under the Samburu sky.

Tarangire Sopa Lodge in Tanzania equally offers an exceptional experience, guests can easily switch from a board room to a night game drive experiencing the nocturnal animals. This makes the experience worthwhile and memorable.

What sets our properties apart is the opportunity to extend conversations beyond the conference room. Networking sessions become sunset moments overlooking the wilderness, while team building experiences are enriched by the beauty and adventure that surround each property.

The arrival of the high season brings a special kind of excitement, one that inspires travelers to explore and create unforgettable memories. The thought of early morning views over Lake Naivasha, evenings filled with laughter, and days spent exploring one of Kenya's most beautiful destinations becomes even more inviting.

Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort is making that experience even more special by introducing new guest experiences that go beyond a traditional stay. From moments of adventure to opportunities for relaxation and connection, every experience has been curated to help our guests create memories worth telling.

Curated Guest Experiences

• Best of Vasha in a Day: A once-in-a-lifetime journey blending a scenic lake boat safari, a winery tour, and an exquisite wine-and-dinner pairing curated to reveal the very best of Naivasha in one day.
• Date Night: A perfectly curated romantic affair designed for honeymoons, anniversaries, or proposals. It features a lakeside picnic breakfast, a serene boat escape, rose petal room decor, a horse-drawn chariot ride, and a secluded candlelit dinner under the stars.
• Aqua Gastronomy: An unforgettable, fish-inspired adventure. The day begins with a boat safari and guided fishing expedition, followed by a visit to a fish farm. You will learn to cook your catch with our chefs and conclude the evening with a spectacular outdoor fish and wine pairing dinner, accompanied by night hippo viewing.
• Nature Adventure Odyssey: A chance to fully experience the outdoors. This package combines boat rides, horseback trips, and electric bike rides along nature trails, allowing you to explore the wild in its simplest and most exciting form.

More Ways to Explore
Beyond our curated packages, guests can enjoy a rich selection of outdoor adventures, including:

• Guided nature walks and bird watching.
• Quad biking adventures.
• Crescent Island excursions for hiking and wildlife sightings.
• Relaxing horse-drawn chariot rides.

Elevated Dining Experiences
Our dining goes beyond the meal—it’s about the atmosphere. Join us for:

• Lakeside Breakfasts: Start your morning with a glass of bubbly by the water.
• Farm-to-Table: Fresh, locally sourced meals served right on the shores.
• Open-Air Barbecues: Dinner under the stars.
• Private Dining: Cozy, candlelit dinners with the ambient sounds of nature and nearby hippos.

Wellness & Relaxation
When it’s time to wind down, our spa treatments bring relaxation straight to you:

• Sopa Signature: Full-body massage using soothing herbal oils.
• African Rungu Warrior Massage: Inspired by traditional Maasai techniques for deep muscle relief.
• Targeted Relief: Gentle aromatherapy, revitalizing foot treatments, and focused head, shoulder, and back massages designed to ease travel fatigue.

Whether you're seeking adventure, romance, or relaxation, Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort is the perfect place to be this high season. Come create memories worth cherishing.

Every great journey has a beginning. Masai Mara Sopa Lodge started with a much smaller footprint.Can you guess how many rooms it had when it first opened its doors?

The first correct answer wins…

Happy 40th Anniversary to us, and good luck to you!

How to participate:
Send your answer to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. on or before 6th of August 2026. Multiple submissions are allowed, but only one per email address. The winner will be contacted on email.

Terms and Conditions

• The first closest answer wins.
• The voucher is valid for six months from the date of issue, excluding all public holidays, high-season dates and festive periods.
• This voucher may not, under any circumstances, be used for any form of advertising, including but not limited to online/digital advertising, pre-printed material or any general form of promotion.
• Room bookings are subject to availability.
• All participants must consent to the publication of their images on our website by signing the consent form.

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