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| Samburu Sopa Lodge |
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The lodge is located on elevated grounds, presenting breathtaking views that stretch across the vast Samburu shrubland and the captivating hills beyond.
This exquisite facility has a lot to offer, from spectacular Sundowners to amazing game drives and cultural experiences, plus captivating bush breakfast and dinner.
I took a trip from Nairobi to Samburu by road just to experience what the facility has to offer, and let me tell you, Maina, it was Magical!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.
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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.”
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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.”
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