Newsletter

We are delighted to celebrate a remarkable achievement at the Eco Warrior Awards 2026, where our lodges received three outstanding accolades across six categories in the Accommodation Facilities Awards. Guided by our sustainability arm, Land & Life Foundation, this achievement highlights our commitment to making a meaningful difference through responsible tourism, sustainable hospitality and a positive impact on the people and places that make our destinations unique.

Our lodges were recognised for their dedication to creating meaningful workplace experiences and memorable guest journeys. Masai Mara Sopa Lodge emerged as the Overall Winner in Decent Work Practices, while Amboseli Sopa Lodge secured 2nd Runner Up in the same category. Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort was named 2nd Runner Up in Enhancing Guest Experiences.

These recognitions go beyond the awards. They reflect the values that guide our operations every day: fostering dignified and inclusive workplaces, prioritising employee well-being, empowering local communities, conserving the natural environment and creating exceptional experiences that leave our guests with lasting memories. They also affirm our belief that the future of tourism lies in balancing outstanding hospitality with a deep sense of responsibility towards our people, communities and the planet.

This achievement is significant as we celebrate 40 years of Safari excellence. For four decades, we have been dedicated to sharing the beauty of Africa with the world while nurturing the landscapes, wildlife and communities that give our destinations their distinctive character. These accolades are a reminder of how far we have come and a renewed inspiration to keep building a more sustainable and inclusive future for tourism. 

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our incredible teams across the lodges, Land & Life Foundation and all our partners and stakeholders whose passion and shared purpose continue to drive this journey. Every contribution matters and these awards are a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together towards a common vision

Every great hospitality journey is built on a willingness to serve, the courage to overcome challenges and the determination to make a difference. For Walter Muriithi, our Lodge Manager at Samburu Sopa Lodge, his journey with us has been a testament to these values. From delivering exceptional guest experiences while overseeing Front Office operations at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge to embracing a broader vision of leadership, innovation and community impact at Samburu.

Walter joined Sopa Lodges on 16th October 2019, bringing with him 15 years of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry. His journey began at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge as Front Office Manager, where he quickly recognised that memorable hospitality goes beyond meeting expectations; it is about building trust, nurturing relationships and making every guest feel valued.

During his five years in Mara, Walter championed a culture of service excellence that led to an increase in the lodge’s Guest Satisfaction Index. His commitment to enhancing the guest experience extended to introducing massage services as a new revenue stream, alongside numerous other initiatives aimed at improving employee welfare. In 2024, his efforts earned him the distinction of Manager of the Year, the first time the award was presented at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge.

In June 2025, Walter began an exciting new chapter as Lodge Manager at Samburu Sopa Lodge, taking on a unique opportunity to develop Astro-tourism. By embracing this innovative offering, which combines guided stargazing with immersive planetarium experiences, he has positioned the lodge as a destination where the magic of a traditional safari meets the wonder of the night sky.

Through collaboration with our sustainability arm, Land & Life Foundation, he supports initiatives that create opportunities for neighbouring communities including local enterprise through a community gift shop, medical services, menstrual health programmes, school feeding initiatives, training and employment opportunities.

At Sopa Lodges, we believe lasting change begins with empowered communities. In 2025, through the Land & Life Foundation, we partnered with PadMad Kenya to launch a Menstrual and Reproductive Health Campaign at Kiltamany Comprehensive School and in the wider Kiltamany community in Samburu County.

The initiative promotes menstrual health education, provides access to reusable sanitary towels and helps ensure that periods do not stand in the way of girls’ education.

A recent assessment found that absenteeism dropped from 20% to 5%, while 98% of families surveyed reported saving money through reduced reliance on disposable pads. Disposable pad use also declined by an estimated 67%, with a potential of preventing 9,000 pads from becoming waste each year.

Beyond these measurable gains, the programme is empowering girls to share their knowledge and support one another, helping build a community where menstrual health is understood and period dignity is upheld.

This is the change we strive to nurture: girls who are informed, confident and empowered to learn, lead and thrive. Through our partnership with PadMad Kenya, we remain committed to advancing menstrual health, protecting period dignity and creating opportunities for every girl to reach her full potential.

Look up this October for the Orionid Meteor Shower, peaking on 21st October. The shower occurs as Earth passes through debris left behind by Comet Halley, creating bright streaks of light across the night sky.

The Orionids will be active from 2nd October to 7th November, with the best viewing time on 21st October from 11:23PM to 5:00AM EAT. A beautiful reminder that there is always something happening in the skies above us.

Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort has something for everyone. Enjoy a 15% discount on all paid activities, including e-bike rides, boat rides, archery, horse riding and more. In addition, enjoy complimentary accommodation for one child aged 12 years and below when sharing a room with two adults.

Bring the family, make new memories and experience more of what Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort has to offer.

Transform your next conference into an unforgettable experience with our exclusive offer that combines productive meetings with the natural beauty of Tarangire National Park.

This special offer includes discounted accommodation rates starting from USD 105 for single occupancy on half board basis and a full day conference package starting from USD 35 per person. The package is tailor made to cater for groups of up to 10 guests and is applicable to new bookings only. This great deal is available for East African Corporates only and is not combinable with any other special offer.