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Commence on an unforgettable journey with the ‘Heart of the Wild’ exclusive ground package to Amboseli Sopa Lodge, designed for both mid and green seasons. The package includes accommodation on full board basis with daily morning and/or afternoon shared game drives. In addition, guests will enjoy a hot meal at Rocky Hill, located inside Amboseli National Park, as well as a soft drink during meals. The package includes the convenience of return transfers from Amboseli airstrip. With mid and green season dates available, seize the opportunity to witness the wonders of Amboseli.

Mid-Season dates: 02/01 - 31/03/2024 01/06 - 30/06/2024 01/11 - 21/12/2024
Green season dates: 01/04 - 31/05/2024

INTERNATIONAL GUESTS - PER NIGHT (US$)

EAST AFRICAN RESIDENTS - PER NIGHT (KSH)

Rate commissionable at 10% to travel agents

In light of the recent heavy rains and floods across Kenya, concerns about accessibility and guest safety naturally arise. We want to assure our valued trade partners and our guests that our properties remain fully operational and accessible.

We are strategically located on elevated grounds ensuring both accessibility and safety. In addition, proactive measures have been implemented to negate any challenges posed by adverse weather conditions.

Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or a peaceful retreat in the wild, we invite you to experience the magic of Kenya with us.

Come rain or shine, your unforgettable getaway await at Sopa Lodges.

We are thrilled to announce that five of our units have been honoured with the prestigious Traveller's Choice Awards for the year 2024. Among these exceptional properties are Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort, Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Masai Mara Sopa Lodge, Amboseli Sopa Lodge, and Tarangire Sopa Lodge.

This accolade highlights our commitment to excellence, service, and guest satisfaction, which define every Sopa Lodge experience, reaffirming our status as a premium destination for travellers seeking adventure and tranquility in the heart of the wilderness.

Ludi, your tenure at Sopa Lodges is impressive. How long have you worked within the group, and what are some of the key highlights of your journey?

My journey at Sopa Lodges has been nothing short of remarkable. March 2024 marked 18 fruitful years within the Sopa Lodges family. From my humble beginnings as a Front Office Manager in Naivasha to my current role as General Manager, I have navigated through three distinct units, each presenting its own set of challenges and learning opportunities. Through unwavering determination and resilience, I have not only mastered the intricacies of each unit but have consistently delivered exceptional results, earning compliments along the way.

Beyond the confines of the lodges, I have actively engaged with the community, particularly in empowering Maasai women through small and microfinance enterprises. Steering Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, I have commemorated significant calendar events with relevant activities, emphasizing environmental conservation, and sustainability, leveraging my academic background in Environmental Studies to champion causes aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

At Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort, I laid the groundwork for core systems, clientele expansion, and conference room construction. Similarly, at Amboseli Sopa Lodge, I spearheaded the establishment of Sopa Brand Standards, revitalized conference and corporate business, and enhanced the Hemingways Bar, while supporting Teule Children's Home through CSR initiatives.

Here at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge, I identified Oloolaimutia Primary School as our signature CSR project. We support them with school materials, sponsor one teacher's salary, implement mentorship programmes for the girl child, run a menstrual health programme, conduct cleanups in partnership with Oltepesi Manyatta guides, provide market space within the lodge for Maasai widows to sell their handicrafts, and initiated the After School Training Programme (ASTP) – a 6-month intensive internship programme for parents who cannot afford to send their children to college. This programme serves as our pool of employees, offering employment opportunities with priority given to university graduates who have shown merit, serving as motivation for Maasai parents to invest in their children's education.

As the only female General Manager within the group, what unique approaches do you bring to your role, and how do you believe this diversity benefits the organization?

As a female General Manager, I prioritize emotional intelligence, fostering empathy, understanding and respect for others' perspectives within my team. I am attuned to my team's emotional states, offer material support during difficult times and resolving conflicts in a non-biased manner.

Mentorship is integral to me; I invest time in coaching and guiding staff, ensuring they understand administrative procedures and feel valued. Through mentorship, I cultivate a sense of belonging and facilitate professional growth.

Regular meetings keep me connected with my team, fostering cohesion and providing opportunities for socialization and bonding. I maintain high standards while acknowledging human weaknesses, focusing on strengths and assisting with improvement where needed.

A healthy social welfare programme supports financial needs and promotes unity through sports and inter-departmental competitions, enhancing relationships within the team. Troubleshooting skills and a structured conflict resolution approach mitigate diversity-related conflicts effectively.

I acknowledge and respect diversity in our religious spaces and therefore allow employees the freedom of worship. We have different days of worship for different religious groups.

Active participation in informal events demonstrates my commitment to celebrating achievements and supporting colleagues during both joyful and challenging times. Through my guidance, the Masai Mara Sopa Lodge unit has fostered a family atmosphere, to the admiration of other units.

Transitioning into a leadership position in the hospitality industry can be challenging for anyone. What advice do you have for aspiring women who aspire to become General Managers?

My advice to all women aspiring to be General Managers in the future is to have passion for their work, as it is a mentally, physically, and emotionally demanding job. Exercise patience and be ready to deal with individuals (employees, stakeholders, and customers) from diverse backgrounds, some with limited exposure. Anticipate the needs of customers and manage their expectations, be prepared to work long and irregular hours, avoid emotional reactions and base decisions on facts. Refrain from playing the 'Gender Card' for sympathy; instead, prove yourself through your competencies. To command respect among your team, avoid personal and unhealthy relationships with employees, remain consistent, uphold values, integrity, and principles to serve as a role model.

Every leader has their own workstyle that influences how they lead and manage their team. How would you describe your leadership style, and how do you ensure it fosters a positive and productive work environment at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge?

My leadership style encompasses two approaches:

• Servant leadership: This is where I prioritize the development, support and service of my team members' needs and interests to enhance service quality and customer satisfaction. I strive to connect with each team member, valuing their input no matter how small it may seem.
• Ethical leadership: With Ethical Leadership, I uphold accountability, transparency, and respect, ensuring the protection of employees' rights. To foster a positive work environment, I am meticulous, detail-oriented, and offer open consultation with an open-door policy.

I am aware that no human being is perfect and as such, my call to my team is that we should not deny challenges and setbacks exist but how we respond to them is what really matters.

In the dynamic landscape of the hospitality industry, innovation is key to staying ahead. How do you foster a culture of innovation within your team and encourage creative thinking to address evolving guest expectations?

I encourage my team to embrace continuous learning and technological awareness by making use of the latest technology such as Google Apps, WhatsApp, Telegram, and other social media platforms. We interact with social media platforms and join professional groups to stay abreast of the current world. Additionally, we identify gifts and talents among team members, providing opportunities for them to utilize these talents, such as showcasing art and craft in the recently upgraded ‘Boma’ restaurant and through the formation of the Emirishoi Maasai youth dance troupe. Occasional benchmarking of our competitors provides further learning opportunities.

Given your passion for giving back to the community and your commitment to environmental conservation, can you share some of the sustainability initiatives that Masai Mara Sopa Lodge has undertaken under your leadership?

I engage my staff members and the community in environmental clean-ups, replacing single-use plastics with eco-friendly alternatives like glass bottles and paper straws, promoting recycling and reuse to reduce waste and pollution, supporting vendors with sustainable practices, planting indigenous trees for biodiversity, utilizing local resources such as sisal strands, launching energy-saving campaigns, and implementing water conservation efforts including push taps and alternative energy sources like LPG.

What motivates you to continue contributing to the group?

I am inspired by the fact that our employer values, appreciates, listens to and treats all the employees as her greatest asset.

Dr. Mark Steve – C.E.O. SpotOn Vacations

“As the CEO of SpotOn Vacations, it gives me great pleasure to shed light on our innovative approach to tourism and wellness. In today's fast-paced world, where stress seems to be an unwelcome companion in our daily lives, the need for rejuvenation and relaxation has become paramount. At SpotOn Vacations, we don't just offer travel experiences; we provide transformative journeys that nurture both the body and soul.

Our philosophy is simple yet profound; travel should not only take you to new destinations but also lead you on a path of self-discovery and holistic well-being. In an era where self-care is increasingly prioritized, we have integrated wellness seamlessly into our travel packages, creating a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and personal growth.

One of the hallmarks of SpotOn Vacations is our commitment to curating experiences that cater to the diverse needs of our clientele. Whether you're seeking an adrenaline-fueled escapade amidst nature's wonders or a serene retreat to revitalize your mind, body, and spirit, we have something for everyone.

Our partnerships with top-tier resorts, spas, and wellness retreats ensure that every aspect of your journey is meticulously planned to exceed your expectations. From yoga and meditation sessions in breathtaking locations to personalized nutrition plans crafted by expert dietitians, we leave no stone unturned in ensuring your well-being during your stay with us.

Furthermore, we understand the importance of sustainability in travel. Our eco-conscious initiatives aim to minimize our ecological footprint while simultaneously supporting local communities and preserving the natural beauty of our destinations. By choosing SpotOn Vacations, you not only invest in your own wellness but also contribute to the greater good of our planet.

In conclusion, SpotOn Vacations is not just a travel company; it's a lifestyle. Join us on a journey of self-discovery, relaxation, and adventure, where every moment is an opportunity to create lasting memories and cultivate a healthier, happier you.

~Yours in Wellness and Wanderlust, Dr. Mark Steve”

At the beginning of this month, Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort took a step towards supporting displaced families in Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County, Kenya. The initiative aimed to extend a helping hand to those in dire need after their homes and belongings were swept away by floods, which sadly resulted in casualties.

During the visit, the team provided essential donations to 20 displaced families residing at Ngeya Secondary School, which served as a rescue centre. These donations included basic necessities such as mattresses, bedsheets, towels, pillows, and kitchen items - crucial for ensuring comfort, well-being, and support during challenging times.

We applaud Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort for making a meaningful difference in their lives, fostering a spirit of compassion, solidarity and empowerment within our community. As we remain steadfast in our mission to support those in need, we look forward to continuing our efforts to create positive change and build stronger, more resilient communities for the future.