On the southern shore of Lake Naivasha, Sopa Lodge enjoys the best of views, surveying a scene of fish eagles and pelicans in flight, snorting hippos, and wildlife grazing on the banks. The lodge was built to invite nature inside and the expansive windows, high ceilings and central garden in the lobby do exactly that. Cottages are hidden amongst a forest of Euphorbia cacti and on a walk through the grounds, you're likely to spot giraffe, waterbuck and colobus monkeys, which more than whet your appetite for the boat rides, game drives and bush walks that await...
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Sopa is well-equipped for all tastes. The main restaurant boasts a live cooking station and buffet, plus a range of Continental, Swahili and Mediterranean dishes made with garden-fresh ingredients and served on the deck when the weather's particularly lovely. There's also a snack kitchen for simpler fare. There are two pools (including a kid's zone) with a bar next door as well as a more intimate space warmed by copper fireplaces for evening drinks. You'll also find a tennis court, gym and gift shop.
The cottages have a storybook design with roofs that curve towards the lake, colourful brickwork, and giant windows. Pathways lead through the garden to the cottages, which house 82 rooms in total (four in each). The rooms on the upper floor have a king-sized bed and private balcony while downstairs, the rooms have two queen beds and sunken living room that opens out to the garden. The decor has an old-fashioned feel but modern amenities include a TV, tea and coffee facilities and minibar.
If you choose to stay a day or two longer at Sopa, you'll find plenty to do. Set sail for the predator-free Crescent Island to spot buffalo, impalas and a plethora of birdlife - and look out for the lake's famous flamingos as you go. Explore the area on foot or on a game drive, or choose to explore nearby Hell's Gate for the day and experience the steamy, stark landscape for yourself. Then again, you may prefer to find a shady spot to recline, read, and watch the resident wildlife amble by.
The grounds are a haven for giraffe, zebra, waterbuck and monkeys, which you'll often pass on your way to and from your room.
The lodge is a stopover on the way to the Masai Mara, but linger a little to take advantage of the many activities.
The lodge is large (not everyone's cup of tea) and some of the areas could do with a spruce, but the pretty surrounds make up for it.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Kenya trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Kenya trips featuring Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge or get advice and suggestions from one of our Kenya specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge start from around $220, or US$220, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
A vast, sunlit lake where easy-going days are spent boating, driving and walking.
