Masai Mara - Sopa Lodges

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Throughout time, the haunting image of the East African landscape has
The location of every guest room has been carefully chosen to
captured the hearts and souls of many. It is perhaps one of the few
promise the best views over the parkland while offering cool and
places left on earth where adventure still awaits. This evocative land
elegant surroundings.
of rolling savannas, dense forests, mighty mountains, rivers, lakes and
unrivalled wildlife provides a unique backdrop for a truly memorable
The high standard of accommodation is matched by the attention
experience.
given to each guest. Staff are carefully selected for their dedication
to personal service combined with a genuine friendliness which
Kenya and Tanzania claim some of the world’s most beautiful National
ensures that all guests experience an unrivalled level of hospitality.
Parks, teeming with game - large and small. Nestling within them,
complementing the magnificent surroundings, Sopa Lodges will be
Dining is given great importance within Sopa Lodges, with menus
found. The seven lodges which make up the Sopa portfolio have been
drawing from the classical African, European, and Asian origins,
individually designed to compliment their environments while reflecting
fused with modern eclectic themes and influences.
the themes and influences of culture and custom within.
Wherever possible, produce is sourced locally from the rich
farmland areas nearby, allowing Sopa Lodges to continue with
Large open-plan areas and rondavel-style guest rooms represent both
support and commitment to local communities.
the local landscape and the inhabitants who make up the rich tapestry
of Kenya and Tanzania
www.sopalodges.com
Amboseli
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At the foot of mighty Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest
and most famous mountain lies Amboseli Sopa
Lodge - on the edge of Amboseli National Park within 200 acres of private land, a stone’s throw
from the place which in the early 1930’s, inspired
Ernest Hemingway’s unforgettable story “The
Snows of Kilimanjaro.”
Home to the Masai tribe, the park is also host to
over 400 species of breeding birds and teems
with rare and wonderful wildlife.
The rustic charm of the lodge lends itself not only
to safari but also to those adventurers wishing
to conquer the mountain’s snow-capped peaks.
An idyllic venue for weddings, a wide variety
of activities can be arranged in and around the
lodge, as well as in the park.
Lake Naivasha
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Situated on the southern shores of Lake
Naivasha, second largest of only two freshwater
lakes in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley,
Naivasha Sopa Lodge is an impressive property
with a dramatic back-drop. The lake is the stage
of some magnificent storms and was named Nai
Pasha (rough water) by the Masai tribes.
An ornothologist’s paradise, the lake is home
to 400 species of wonderful birdlife and an
abundance of fish and the water life.
The surrounding landscape is host to a variety of
game including giraffe, buffalo, the elusive blackfaced colobus monkey and, in the lake itself,
schools of hippos that can also be seen grazing
within the lodge grounds. Activities that can
be arranged at Naivasha Sopa Lodge include
horse-riding, bird-watching, fishing, watersports,
cycling, lake trips and nature trails.
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Masai Mara
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Probably one of the most well-known parks,
Masai Mara, which borders Tanzania’s equally
famous Serengeti, is also the home of Masai
Mara Sopa Lodge. Traditionally African in style
the lodge is situated on the park’s eastern border
overlooking some of the most prime gameviewing land on the continent.
Almost all of the most coveted game can be
viewed in the Mara, including the “Big Five”, lion,
leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. Each year
the annual migration of game from the Serengeti
into the Masai Mara is one of nature’s most aweinspiring sights when many of the two million
wildebeest and zebra in search of grazing and
drinking water reach the Masai Mara and remain
there until they make their long and arduous trek
back “home”.
Many activities can be arranged within the park
from Masai Mara Sopa Lodge, including hot air
ballooning, a wonderful way to begin a day’s
safari, drifting over the plains as the sun rises.
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Samburu
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Located inside the Samburu National Reserve
in Northern Kenya, Samburu Sopa Lodge is the
only lodge in the Reserve with a waterhole on site.
This enhances opportunities for game viewing
from the comfort of the bedroom verandah or
the public areas without interruption.
The lodge is built atop high ground allowing
panaromic views of the vastness of Samburu
shrub land and the hills beyond. The Reserve is
home to rare animals species like the gerenuk,
grevy’s zebra and baisa oryx in addition to all
others including the big five and birds.
The lodge is built to reflect the architectural
heritage of the local communities whose sons
and daughters make up the majority of the work
force at the lodge. Fifteen cottages, each with
two bedrooms are built in an arch formation on
either side of the public areas to surround the
waterhole but leaving a wide gap to allow the
animals free movement to the water.
Meals are served in an open sided restaurant
adjacent to the bar and swimming pool, all
facing the waterhole. The sunset is a sight to
behold and the star-studded African night sets
in fast, the only interruption being the occasional
lion roar, laughter of the hyena or the sweet flute
melody courtesy of Samburu Warriors.
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Located on the edge of the
escarpment overlooking the
plains of the south-western
Serengeti National Park,
home to many thousands
of wild and rare animals,
Serengeti Sopa Lodge
lies within an area of outstanding natural beauty.
An oasis of cool relaxation
from the equatorial sun.
The lodge allows its guests to
experience
magnificent sights and enjoy
interaction with the land and animals difficult to
find elsewhere, whilst at the same time enjoying
the highest level of cuisine and hospitality.
The best of East Africa’s game can be seen in
the park and, with its high number of resident
carnivores, the opportunity to find lion, cheetah
and leopard is unparalleled. That, combined with
two million wildebeest making their journey to
the Masai Mara every year less than a kilometre
from the lodge, makes the encounter “The
Greatest Wildlife Show On Earth”.
Serengeti Sopa Lodge is also the perfect base for
exciting bush events, including hot air ballooning
over the plains at sunrise, or dining in the bush
under Africa’s star-studded night-sky.
Tarangire
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Built to blend in with the vastness of its
surroundings, Tarangire Sopa Lodge lies hidden
among the kopjes, ancient baobab and grasses
of the Tarangire National Park. Home to the
greatest concentration of elephant in Africa.
Many can be seen around the lodge, allowing
visitors a close encounter. The park is also home
to most other game including the elusive leopard
and over 400 bird species.
In an area of constant water, the landscape
provides the wonderful comparison of burnt
ground with lush greenery nearby. Staying close
to the water, concentrations of game, including
elephant, buffalo, zebra, lion and leopard can
often be seen from the lodge balconies.
Situated approximately 140 kilometres from the
town of Arusha, Tarangire Sopa Lodge provides a
perfect location for short safaris or corporate and
conference events, the perfect start or end to
any safari, a place to relax in the sun, witness the
day-to-day events of the resident animals and
experience a level of attention to detail, guest
comfort and service not to be found anywhere
for miles around.
Ngorongoro
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A World Heritage site,
and often referred to as
the Eighth Wonder of the
World, Ngorongoro Crater,
in the volcanic highlands of
Tanzania, covers an area of
some 240 square kilometres
and is host to over 20,000
large animals.
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge itself is
an architectural marvel built on the rim
of the collapsed volcano that can boast the most
magnificent views over the crater floor, home to
vast herds of buffalo, wildebeest and zebra, the rare
and endangered black rhino, mighty bull elephant,
cheetah, leopard, lion and herds of gazelle and
hartebeest. Most of the wildlife is found on the
crater floor, a short drive from the lodge. High on
the crater rim it can be a little chilly in the lodge
in the evenings and, during the colder times of the
year, log fires blaze gloriously in the restaurant and
bar and central heating and hot water bottles in the
bedrooms ensure a cosy stay.
A popular venue for conferences, due to its
incomparable location, easy accessibility, size and
facilities, the lodge has a very romantic setting,
ideal for weddings and special occasions, with the
crater floor providing a very special experience for
bush breakfasts, picnics and lunches.
Within an area which has been inhabited by man
and beast for over three million years, Ngorongoro
Sopa Lodge offers calm and tranquility, allowing
its guests to enjoy the sensations of viewing the
spectacular whilst enjoying the highest levels of
service and attention.
Corporate Incentives
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As a destination for any incentive, conference or private event, the
* Bush breakfasts / Lunches / Dinners
Sopa Lodges of Kenya and Tanzania offer unrivalled experience in
Quite possibly one of the most magical experiences is to dine
corporate hospitality.
right out in the bush reflecting the fashion of old colonial days.
Our dedicated team will tailor make a programme to your
* African Gala Dinners
requirements and with our wealth of experience in event organising
A private dinner within the lodge. African - themed with authentic
you can be assured that Sopa Lodges will make your event truly
cuisine and gifts of traditional costumes.
unique.
* Masai Ambush
Each lodge whether in Kenya or Tanzania, can play host to a
Quite possibly one of the most famous tribes in the world who will
variety of themes and activities both in and around the lodge and
add another dimension to a cocktail party when they “ambush”
within the National Parks.
guests in true warrior style before performing a number of
dances.
Working closely with you, and based on your requirements, we
will design an event that incorporates as much of the aesthetic
* Balloon Safari
environment as you wish.
The opportunity to view the game from the basket of a hot air
balloon is available in a few of the parks. An early morning safari
Below are just a few of the activities and themes in which we have
is completed with a bush breakfast upon landing.
expertise. This is by no means exhaustive, but gives a ”taste” of
what could be incorporated into the programme.
* Photographic Game Hunting
A twist on the traditional game drive. Guests, split in to groups,
have to photograph certain animals in order to gain points, with
the winning team receiving prizes.
Tanzania
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Sopa Lodges
99 Serengeti Road, Sopa Plaza,
P O Box 1823, Arusha, Tanzania
Tel: +255-27-2500630 / 1 - 9
Samburu
National
Reserve
KISUMU
Samburu
Sopa Lodge
Meru
National Park
NAKURU
Masai Mara
Game Reserve
Lake Naivasha
Sopa Resort
Peponi Plaza, Peponi Road,
P O Box 72630, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya
NAIROBI
Masai Mara
Sopa Lodge
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Tel: +254-20-3616000
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Fax: +254-20-3751507
Email: info@sopalodges.co.ke
Serengeti
Sopa Lodge
Amboseli
National
Park
Serengeti
National Park
MWANZA
Kenya
Kora
National
Park
North Kitui
National Reserve
L. VICTORIA
Lake
Naivasha
Fax: +255-27-2508245
Email: info@sopalodges.com
WORLD HERITAGE
SITE
Oldvai George
Ngorongoro
Conservation
Area
Ngorongoro
Crater
Lake
Manyara
National
Park
ARUSHA
United States of America
Amboseli
Sopa Lodge
Walden Garland International Inc.
MALINDI
MOSHI
Sarasota FL 34239, USA
Ngorongro
Sopa Lodge
Tel: +1-941-951-6611
MOMBASA
Tarangire
Sopa Lodge
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+1-800-806-9565
Fax: +1-941-951-7744
Tarangire
National
Park
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The Lyle House, 2027 South Orange Avenue,
Email: walden@comcast.net
United Kingdom
P E M B A
Africa-Reps
6a High Street, Shepperton
Z A N Z I B A R
Middlesex TW17 9AW, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1932 260618
Fax: +44 (0) 1932 269839
Email: sopalodges@africa-reps.com
photo credits © stevebloom - front & back cover