Maasai Mara Sopa Lodge

There is a different kind of pleasure in going back to the protected veranda after having spent the day exploring the Mara; the pace slows, the gardens give the chance for quiet, and the evening then becomes a time for sharing the discoveries of the day.

The Sopa Lodge in the Maasai Mara region has a traditional safari atmosphere on the Oloolaimutia Hills, its circular buildings featuring conical roofs, well-developed gardens and big communal areas that give the lodge its distinctive character. Located at the centre of the property is a swimming pool that provides a comfortable spot for relaxing between safaris.

Choose one of our Kenya safari packages, which include a stay at this hillside lodge, and choose a journey that's tailored to your interests.

Location and Setting

The lodge is located on the eastern side of the Maasai Mara; according to Sopa's page dedicated to the lodge, it is approximately one kilometer outside the reserve and is accessible through either the Oloolaimutia or Sekenani gates.

Accommodation and Room Options

The guest rooms are in cottages situated in two wings adjacent to the main public areas and have queen- or king-sized beds, mosquito nets, electronic safes, en-suite bathrooms and verandas with shelter which provide views of the gardens and the wider landscape.

The information provided about the lodge indicates that it has 99 rooms, four of which are rooms that connect to one another, twelve suites and one honeymoon suite; the suites feature bigger bedrooms and bathrooms as well as indoor and outdoor seating areas.

The honeymoon suite includes a king-size bed, a sitting area, a shower and a sunken bath.

What Your Stay May Include

Your programme will cover accommodation, the meals as stated, transport, an English-speaking driver-guide, the scheduled game drives and the fees for entering the reserve. The quotation will clearly list the inclusions.

Our tailor-made Kenya safaris bring these arrangements together, helping you review the complete trip before booking.

Facilities and Amenities

The lodge has a swimming pool, a restaurant, bars, a lounge, a gift shop and outdoor dining areas and provides Wi-Fi in the public areas as well as offering laundry facilities and board games for the convenience of guests on longer visits.

Dining at Maasai Mara Sopa Lodge

The principal dining room offers buffet service, includes areas where food is being prepared live, and has an outdoor deck. Sopa says that the menu consists of salads, main courses, desserts and themed African dining evenings.

You should confirm the meal plan which is part of your package and indicate your dietary needs in advance, making special provision for any allergies and the children's preferences.

For a full-day safari we will organise a packed lunch.

If you do want bush meals, sundowners or private arrangements, we will make them.

Activities and Experiences

Game Drives

The game drives are central to the experience; depending on the package and your personal interests, your guide will be able to organize either shorter trips or one lasting all day with facilities for picnics.

Balloon Safaris

A balloon safari is an option if you want to see the Mara landscape. You should verify the operator, the launch site, the transfer time, the passenger restrictions and the weather policy.

Cultural Visits and Birdwatching

We will arrange a trip to a local Maasai community, which will allow you to find out about their traditions, beadwork and everyday lives from the community members themselves. The details regarding the visit and any extra charges will be given to you in advance. Birdwatching and photography provide an extra aspect to your safari, giving you the chance to watch the birdlife and take photographs of the Mara landscape as it changes.

Wildlife and the Mara Safari Experience

The Maasai Mara is well known for the wildlife that inhabits its plains and for the range of habitats it provides; lions in particular are very attractive, and on a safari you have the opportunity to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and other predators as well.

The Great Migration does do something to give the area a seasonal attraction, but the Mara remains a wildlife destination outside of the migration period. Sopa states that the usual migration time is from July or August to October. The exact movements and the river crossings cannot be predicted.

How to Get There

By Road

If you are travelling from Nairobi, the normal route is through Narok to the Mara; Sopa states that the distance is approximately 250 kilometres, even though the driving times listed by them are different. Plan on spending about five to six hours, allowing for traffic, stops and the state of the roads.

By Air

The description of the lodge refers to the Keekorok airstrip, located approximately one hour's flight from Wilson Airport and requiring a further transfer by road. Upon booking, could I please have confirmation of the airstrip you have selected and of the distance of the road transfer?

Best Time to Stay

The drier months are usually the ones preferred for watching wildlife, and demand goes up during the migration period, so it is best to book as early as possible once the dates have been fixed. Rainy periods may lead to more green landscapes, but there could be the need to alter road conditions and excursion plans. Whether or not the opportunity to see wildlife occurs still depends on the daily conditions.

Choose dates around your complete holiday rather than a single expected sighting. Explore our Kenya safari itineraries to compare seasonal options, accommodation availability and suitable trip lengths.

Who the Lodge Is Suitable For

Couples could combine their wildlife tours with a bit of more relaxed time at the lodge, and families may find the availability of interconnected rooms useful, while groups will appreciate the communal meals and the shared leisure areas.

Family and Child Information

When you are asking for the rates, please provide the ages of your children so that the occupancy and the charges can be checked. Moreover, you should make separate arrangements to confirm any babysitting arrangements and activity restrictions.

Family trips will be more comfortable if they involve shorter journeys, stops to eat and also a bit of free time. Before balloon flights are carried out, checks which are appropriate for the operator must be carried out. If children are close to the pool you should keep an eye on them and also obey the staff's instructions concerning the wildlife and the movement around the premises.

Sustainability and Conservation

People can achieve responsible travel by keeping an appropriate distance when viewing sights, by not leaving any litter behind, and by following the instructions given by their guide. Visits to the community should be organised with respect and include clear arrangements.

Nearby Attractions

The community's arrangements can give some cultural background because the nearby conservancies are under different agreements and so just having access to the reserve does not mean that you can carry out activities there.

Suggested Length of Stay

It is possible to have a Mara experience over two nights, particularly if you arrive and are able to go on the trip in the afternoon.

Over three nights you will have more time to carry out a full-day safari, shorter drives, and the chance to relax at the lodge; whereas with four nights it may be better for photographers or people who are particularly interested in migration.

Combine the Mara with Other Destinations

If you would like to visit the lakes for lake-related activities then combine with Lake Naivasha, but if you prefer different wildlife and scenery then combine with Lake Nakuru.

You can choose holiday destinations such as Amboseli, Samburu or Laikipia and end your trip along the coast at Diani or Watamu, with arrangements made for onward travel.

Explore our multi-destination Kenya safaris for routes balancing exploration with manageable travel days.

What to Know Before Booking

Ensure that the room category, the meals, the reservation fee, the transport arrangements and the cancellation terms have been confirmed, and find out if the game drives are private or shared.

Plan Your Stay with Halo Safaris & DMC.

Explore our Kenya safari packages and ask us about the Maasai Mara Sopa Lodge. We will be able to check the availability and put together a personalised itinerary that includes accommodation, wildlife excursions and onward travel.