09 September 2024

• Samburu Sopa Lodge ticks all the right boxes when it comes to visiting a stunning destination in Africa.

• Established in the heart of a national reserve, Samburu Sopa Lodge is inspired by the traditional homestead of the Samburu people.

Maybe you have heard the quote that says “Paris is always a good idea”. Yes, I concur, but have you tried exploring the magnificent Samburu Sopa Lodge found inside the Samburu National Reserve?

If your answer is no, then this piece is tailored just for you. And if your answer is yes, then feel free to join the bandwagon making noise about the unforgettable experience this facility has to offer.

Established in the heart of a national reserve, Samburu Sopa Lodge is inspired by the traditional homestead of the Samburu people.

It’s been built to reflect the architectural heritage of the local communities, whose sons and daughters make up the majority of the workforce at the lodge.

For those asking, it’s only a six- to seven-hour drive from Nairobi to the lodge. On the other hand, it will take you only 50 minutes to fly to Samburu Kalama Airstrip via a plane from Wilson Airport in Nairobi. Thereafter, it’s another 45-minute transfer from the airstrip to the lodge.

The lodge has 60 rooms, two of which are interconnecting rooms with the ability to accommodate physically challenged persons (wheelchair accessible).

Apart from that, Sopa Lodge also has the following amenities that make your stay comfortable: a swimming pool, main restaurant, lounge, bar, gift shop as well as outdoor dining.

They say people who like to eat are always the best. Yes, I'm one of those people. I love food and not just food but delicious food prepared with love.

My taste buds were put to the test, and every time the food on my plate received a positive review. The food in this facility is out of this world, prepared by one of the best chefs in the world – Paul Ng’oda, who is the group executive chef for Sopa Lodges.

A one-of-kind experience while at the Samburu Sopa Lodge is purposing to have champagne breakfast or dinner in the bush. This experience is just unique and fulfilling to the soul.

Samburu Sopa Lodge ticks all the right boxes when it comes to visiting a stunning destination in Africa.

Arrival at the Lodge

Upon arrival at this facility, you will meet friendly staff, who welcome you with a warm smile and a glass of cold juice to cool off the heat.

While at this facility, I got the chance to speak to the general manager, Sospeter Karanja, who offered insights on why Samburu Sopa Lodge should be on the list of your next safari destination.

We began the conversation, with the GM explaining how long he has been with Sopa Lodge.

“I've been with the company for 20 years and I've worked in other units, but for this specific facility, I have been here since January. I was also here from 2014 to 2018, then went to another unit,’ the GM said.

I wanted to find out what the most iconic thing about the Samburu Sopa Lodge is, and the GM was kind enough to explain.

“This is quite a unique property that always surpasses our guest’s expectations. Most of the time, people don’t expect this kind of facility in the middle of nowhere because as they come in, the environment doesn't prepare them for a property that is this complete, comfortable, and offers a lot,” Karanja said.

“They find it a luxury in the middle of nowhere. The rooms are among the most spacious in any category of accommodation.”

One On One with Samburu Sopa Lodge General Manager Sospeter Karanja

He said the facility has an extraordinary design, which links the main restaurant and bar area to nature.

Moreover, the Samburu National Reserve that hosts the lodge has a rich and diverse collection of wildlife with an abundance of the Samburu "Special Five".

These are the Grevy's zebra, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk and the Beisa Oryx.

“You can’t find this kind of wild animals anywhere else; they are unique to this property. And having this unique animal is one of the reasons why one should visit Samburu,” he said.

The Samburu culture is also an aspect that the general manager banks on as a tourist attraction.

“The culture here is very unique. Also, this part is very accessible with good roads — only 20km from Archer’s Post,” Karanja said.

“We have 60 rooms and each room is equipped with two queen-size beds, meaning we can have 120 guests without adding any extra beds. 120 beds, 60 rooms.”

The general manager is a hands-on person, and I wanted to find out why he has embraced this type of work ethic instead of just giving orders to his juniors.

“First is the passion for my work. We’re in an industry where being desk-bound is not very favourable to the desired results,” Karanja said.

“You are dealing with people who are alive with different needs and wants. For it to work, you have to be where the action is, and that’s with the people.”

One of the things that Samburu Sopa Lodge has mastered is preparing good food. This aspect has many pillars that its success is premised on, the general manager said.

“The raw materials we use that end up as the food on your table are sourced locally and from very credible suppliers,” Karanja said.

“Most of the materials are from Meru, which is not far from here, and we ensure that it is as fresh as possible.

“We also have very well-trained staff, who process those wholesome materials through a process that will give us good and delicious food.”

The general manager also commended the staff at Sopa Lodge for their professionalism.

“There is nothing for guests to like about you if they don’t feel welcomed and wanted,” he said.

“The staff here are very friendly. We have very heartwarming staff, and this has always added value to the guest experience.”

What is your favourite meal on the menu at Sopa?

Ugali, spinach, and short ribs.

What is your favourite drink?

“Top on the list is water (room temperature), but a glass of wine now and then when not working. But my all-time favourite is a very cold beer, to be precise Tusker, when I’m not working,” he said.

Why should Nairobians and Kenyans at large choose to spend the night at Sopa Lodge?

“It makes a lot of difference to come here and unwind because most places are currently very cold. But for Samburu, we have very warm weather.

“To experience the unique culture and sight of the unique wildlife animals found here,” Karanja said.

“It is a very affordable destination. The rate does vary depending on the time of the year. There is a time a single room will go for Sh11,000, and there is a time it will go for Sh15,000. A double would go for Sh14,000, and at times Sh20,000, depending on the season.”

The accommodation fee is not inclusive of park fees as the Samburu National Reserve is a different entity from Sopa.

“There is a rate for local tourists and international visitors,” the general manager said.

The presence of Sopa Lodge in Samburu has created employment for locals.

“Close to 50 percent of our staff are from the local community, and that is something substantial to talk about as a benefit to the local community,” Karanja said.

Security concerns always arise whenever Samburu County is mentioned, but the general manager was reassuring.

“Unfortunately, this is an aspect that has been blown out of proportion, giving very negative intonations that have affected business,” he said.

“But I want to say, for tourists coming to Samburu Sopa Lodge, it's as safe as any other destination of any similar nature.

“The conflict at border points Samburu shares with Pokot and Turkana has always been publicised wrongly and termed as insecurity in Samburu, which is not true.”

The misconception about Samburu and its safety, he said, should be countered by facts for businesses in the region to thrive.

“It has affected how people perceive Samburu in general. But the situation is improving because of technology as news can now travel to any part of the world,” he said.

“What is required now is serious counter information that informs people that it's actually very safe to visit Samburu.

“The best cure would be having as many people as possible visit Samburu from areas that had perceived it unsafe.”

As his parting shot, the Samburu Sopa Lodge GM appealed to potential clients to consider visiting his facility.

“I would like anybody listening to me to make it a point to that for their next outing, whether long or short-stay, they include Samburu Sopa Lodge. We will make sure that you have a memorable experience,” Karanja said.

My visit confirmed that it lives up to expectations when it comes to visiting a wonderful destination.

So book your stay today.