Masai Mara Sopa Lodge is one of the most well-established safari lodges in Masai Mara, offering a blend of comfort, affordability, and authentic African charm. Situated in the Oloolaimutia Hills on the eastern edge of Masai Mara National Reserve, the lodge provides stunning panoramic views, excellent game viewing opportunities, and a relaxing retreat after a day of adventure in the African wilderness.
If you’re considering a stay at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge, this detailed guide will cover everything you need to know, including location, accommodation, dining, amenities, safari experiences, pricing, accessibility, and expert tips to help you make the most of your stay.
1. Overview of Masai Mara Sopa Lodge
Lodge Name: Masai Mara Sopa Lodge
Location: Oloolaimutia Hills, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
GPS Coordinates: 1°34’33.6″S 35°22’58.8″E
Lodge Category: Mid-Range Safari Lodge
Number of Rooms: 99
Closest Gate: Oloolaimutia Gate (5 minutes away)
Nearest Airstrip: Keekorok Airstrip (45 minutes drive)
What Makes Masai Mara Sopa Lodge Special?
- Affordable comfort with an authentic safari lodge atmosphere
- Close to prime game viewing areas in Masai Mara National Reserve
- Panoramic hilltop views overlooking the savannah
- Spacious, Maasai-inspired cottages with private verandas
- Swimming pool, a rare feature in mid-range Masai Mara lodges
- Buffet-style dining with international and local cuisine
- Easy access to Oloolaimutia Gate, making it convenient for game drives
Expert Tip: If you’re looking for a comfortable, budget-friendly safari lodge with great amenities and excellent wildlife access, Masai Mara Sopa Lodge is one of the best choices in the reserve.
2. Location and Accessibility
Where is Masai Mara Sopa Lodge Located?
Masai Mara Sopa Lodge is positioned on the eastern side of Masai Mara National Reserve, nestled in the Oloolaimutia Hills. Its elevated location provides stunning views of the savannah below, making it a picturesque retreat after a long day of game drives.
How to Get to Masai Mara Sopa Lodge
By Air (Fastest and Most Convenient)
- Nearest Airstrip: Keekorok Airstrip (45-minute drive to the lodge)
- Flight Duration from Nairobi: Approximately one hour
- Airlines Serving Masai Mara: SafariLink, AirKenya, Governors’ Aviation
- Transfers: The lodge provides airport pick-ups from Keekorok Airstrip at an additional cost
By Road (More Scenic and Budget-Friendly)
- Distance from Nairobi: 250 km (approximately six hours drive)
- Route: Nairobi → Narok → Sekenani Gate → Oloolaimutia Gate → Masai Mara Sopa Lodge
- Road Conditions: Paved up to Narok, followed by a bumpy dirt road for the last 90 minutes
Expert Tip: If you’re visiting for a short stay of two to three days, flying is the best option to maximize game viewing time. For longer safaris of four or more days, driving allows for a more scenic and immersive experience.
3. Accommodation at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge
Masai Mara Sopa Lodge has 99 rooms, designed to blend traditional Maasai culture with modern safari comfort.
Room Types and Features
| Room Type | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Rooms | Two queen-sized beds, en-suite bathroom, mosquito nets, private balcony | Couples, solo travelers |
| Family Suites | One king-sized bed plus two twin beds, separate lounge, spacious bathroom | Families with kids |
| Honeymoon Suite | King-sized bed, sunken bath, private balcony, champagne on arrival | Honeymooners, romantic getaways |
What to Expect in Your Room
- Spacious interiors with Maasai-themed decor
- Private balcony or veranda with stunning views
- En-suite bathrooms with hot showers
- Mosquito nets for comfort
- Desk and seating area
- 24-hour electricity with solar and generator backup
Expert Tip: Request a room with a sunset view for breathtaking evening photography opportunities.
4. Dining and Cuisine
Masai Mara Sopa Lodge offers buffet-style dining, with a mix of international, African, and vegetarian-friendly options.
Restaurant and Dining Options
- Main Dining Room: Buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Outdoor Dining: Bush breakfasts and sundowner dinners (on request)
- Bar and Lounge: Serves local and international drinks, including Kenyan wines
Sample Menu
- Breakfast: Fresh tropical fruits, omelets, Kenyan coffee, pastries
- Lunch: Grilled meats, vegetarian dishes, salads, soups
- Dinner: Roast lamb, Swahili-style fish, Ugali, fresh chapati
Expert Tip: Try the traditional Nyama Choma (grilled meat), one of Kenya’s most famous dishes.
5. Safari Experiences at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge
Staying at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge gives you access to world-class safari experiences, including game drives, cultural visits, and unique activities.
Safari Activities Offered
- Game Drives (Morning and Evening) – Spot the Big Five and Great Migration
- Full-Day Safari (with Picnic Lunch) – Explore deeper into Masai Mara
- Hot Air Balloon Safari – Breathtaking aerial view of the savannah
- Night Game Drives (in Conservancies) – Experience nocturnal wildlife
- Walking Safari – Guided by Maasai warriors (available in private conservancies)
- Maasai Cultural Visits – Interact with Maasai tribes and learn about their traditions
Expert Tip: Visit between July and October for the Great Migration and between January and March for calving season when predators are most active.
6. Pricing and Booking Information
Estimated Cost Per Night (Per Person, Full Board)
| Season | Standard Room | Family Suite | Honeymoon Suite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Season (April – June) | $180 | $250 | $350 |
| High Season (January – March, November – December) | $250 | $320 | $450 |
| Peak Season (July – October, Holidays) | $350 | $450 | $600 |
Expert Tip: Book at least three to six months in advance if visiting during peak migration season (July – October), as rooms sell out fast.
How to Book
- Website: www.sopalodges.com
- Email: reservations@sopalodges.com
- Phone: +254 20 375 0235
- Safari Booking Platforms: Available on SafariBookings, Booking.com, and Agoda
Final Verdict: Is Masai Mara Sopa Lodge Worth It?
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, families, first-time safari-goers
Pros: Affordable, great location, beautiful views, swimming pool
Cons: Not as exclusive as private conservancies
Common Questions About Masai Mara Sopa Lodge
1. Where is Masai Mara Sopa Lodge located?
Masai Mara Sopa Lodge is situated in the Oloolaimutia Hills on the eastern edge of Masai Mara National Reserve, close to Oloolaimutia Gate. It offers stunning views of the savannah and easy access to prime game viewing areas.
2. How do I get to Masai Mara Sopa Lodge?
You can reach the lodge by air or road:
- By Air: Fly from Nairobi to Keekorok Airstrip (45 minutes from the lodge) via SafariLink or AirKenya.
- By Road: Drive from Nairobi (6 hours), passing through Narok and Oloolaimutia Gate. The last stretch is a bumpy dirt road.
3. What type of accommodation does Masai Mara Sopa Lodge offer?
The lodge has 99 rooms, including:
- Standard Rooms (two queen beds, en-suite, private veranda)
- Family Suites (separate lounge, ideal for families)
- Honeymoon Suites (king bed, sunken bath, champagne on arrival)
4. Is Masai Mara Sopa Lodge inside the national reserve?
No, the lodge is just outside Masai Mara National Reserve, near Oloolaimutia Gate. This location provides quick access to game drives while keeping accommodation costs lower.
5. What wildlife can I see near Masai Mara Sopa Lodge?
Expect to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo), cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest during the Great Migration (July–October). The surrounding area is also great for birdwatching.
6. Does Masai Mara Sopa Lodge offer game drives?
The lodge organizes morning, evening, and full-day game drives, led by experienced safari guides. Private safaris can also be arranged on request.
7. What amenities does Masai Mara Sopa Lodge have?
- Swimming pool (a rare feature in mid-range lodges)
- Buffet-style restaurant and bar
- Lounge with fireplace
- Gift shop
- Wi-Fi in public areas
8. How much does it cost to stay at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge?
Prices vary by season (per person per night, full board):
- Low Season (April – June): From $180
- High Season (January – March, November – December): From $250
- Peak Season (July – October): From $350
9. Does Masai Mara Sopa Lodge offer hot air balloon safaris?
Yes, the lodge can arrange hot air balloon safaris over Masai Mara, usually starting before dawn. The experience includes a one-hour flight and a champagne breakfast in the bush.
10. Is Masai Mara Sopa Lodge good for families?
Yes, the lodge is family-friendly, offering spacious family suites, a swimming pool, and child-friendly meals. It’s a great choice for families looking for a comfortable safari experience.
11. What dining options are available at the lodge?
The lodge serves buffet-style meals featuring international and African cuisine. Guests can also request bush breakfasts, sundowner cocktails, and special dining experiences.
12. Does the lodge have Wi-Fi and mobile network coverage?
Yes, Wi-Fi is available in public areas, but speeds may be slow due to the remote location. Mobile network coverage is decent, but it may fluctuate.
13. What is the best time to visit Masai Mara Sopa Lodge?
The best time to visit depends on your interests:
- July – October: Best for the Great Migration and peak wildlife viewing.
- January – March: Great for Big Five sightings and fewer tourists.
- April – June: Best for budget travelers, with lush landscapes and fewer crowds.
14. Can I book a Maasai cultural experience at the lodge?
Yes, the lodge arranges guided visits to a Maasai village, where guests can learn about Maasai traditions, watch cultural dances, and see traditional homesteads (Manyattas).
15. How do I book a stay at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge?
You can book directly via their website www.sopalodges.com, through a tour operator, or on safari booking platforms like SafariBookings and Booking.com.
Masai Mara Sopa Lodge offers an excellent balance of comfort, affordability, and great wildlife access, making it a top choice for travelers looking for an unforgettable safari experience.
Planning a trip to Masai Mara? Masai Mara Sopa Lodge is one of the best mid-range options, offering comfort, great views, and prime game viewing.