Celebrating Over 38 Years of Exceptional Service at the Masai Mara Sopa Lodge

masaimara sopa zebra and rooms

Unforgettable Guest Experience

Our Lodge has long been an example of hospitality, where every guest is met with unmatched warmth and a commitment to excellence. From the moment you arrive, Masai Mara Sopa Lodge offers an experience that remains in your memory. Our culinary offerings are designed to delight, featuring a range of exquisite dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients. Our accommodation reflects our dedication to cleanliness and comfort, ensuring a restful stay amidst the magnificence of the Mara.

Warmth and Hospitality

Our reputation for warmth and hospitality is not just a promise, it is a trademark of our service. Whether you are dining under the stars in our outdoor spaces, enjoying a private dinner at our boma, or partaking in a bush breakfast or sundowner, our Team is dedicated to creating memorable moments.

A Venue for Unique Experiences

We take pride in our versatile outdoor dining venues, perfect for a romantic dinner or a celebratory event. Our bush breakfasts, boma dinners and sundowners offer a unique opportunity to experience the Mara's natural beauty while enjoying a delicious meal.

Commitment to Community and Sustainability

Our commitment extends beyond our guests to the community and environment. We support Oloolaimutia Primary School through material donations and teacher sponsorships, and contribute to menstrual health initiatives through our sustainability arm – Land and Life Foundation, providing reusable sanitary kits to ensure that girls in Oloolaimutia can attend school with dignity. We also support Maasai women by providing market space and economic opportunities, and foster local economic development by creating jobs within our Lodge.
In harmony with nature, our Lodge is home to a resident zebra family, baboons, vervet monkeys, and dik diks. Our scenic location offers stunning views of Emboo Valley, the rolling Ngama and Lenganishu hills, surrounded by the unspoilt nature and indigenous trees like the black bark acacias and wild olive.

Architectural and Cultural Richness

Our Lodge’s design of round huts and conical roofs is a tribute to the rich Maasai culture, seamlessly integrating traditional aesthetics with modern comfort. Cultural experiences are at the heart of our offerings, from immersive walks to the Manyatta villages to lively Maasai dance performances that enrich our guest’s stay.

Environmental Stewardship

Environmental sustainability is a core value. We collaborate with local Maasai guides for environmental clean-ups and tree planting initiatives, champion eco-friendly sanitary products, and practice waste reduction and recycling, including the harvest of used cooking oil for renewable energy.

Organic Garden

Our commitment to health and sustainability is reflected in our organic garden, where we cultivate a variety of vegetables and herbs without artificial inputs, promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Awards and Recognition

Our dedication has been recognized with numerous accolades:

  • Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) Gold Mark Award, June 2024
  • Silver Award for Ecorating, 2024
  • Booking.com Review Traveller Awards, 2024
  • TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards, 2023 and 2024
  • Conde Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Award, 2023
  • Silver Award for Ecorating, 2021
  • Eco Warrior Awards nominees, 2024

As we celebrate nearly 40 years of exceptional service, we look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence and innovation, welcoming guests to experience the magic of Maasai Mara Sopa Lodge. Thank you for being a part of our journey.

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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