Amboseli Sopa Lodge is a charming safari retreat nestled within 200 acres of private woodland at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro — Africa’s highest mountain and one of the most photographed landmarks on the continent. Designed to blend naturally with its environment, the lodge offers spectacular views of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak and provides a peaceful setting for exploring Amboseli National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and classic savannah scenery. With its warm hospitality, spacious rooms, and well-kept gardens, Amboseli Sopa Lodge is a welcoming base for families, groups, and couples looking to enjoy an authentic and comfortable safari experience.
Access & Location
The lodge is located just outside Amboseli National Park, about 250 km southeast of Nairobi — roughly a 4-hour drive via the Nairobi–Namanga–Emali route. Scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport land at Amboseli Airstrip, followed by a scenic 45-minute transfer through the park. Amboseli Sopa Lodge sits in a prime position surrounded by acacia trees and open plains, offering guests front-row seats to Amboseli’s breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Accommodation & Facilities
Amboseli Sopa Lodge features 83 well-appointed guest rooms housed in charming, circular cottages inspired by traditional Maasai architecture. Each room is spacious, featuring a private veranda, comfortable seating area, and large windows that open to views of Mount Kilimanjaro or the lodge’s landscaped gardens. Interiors are decorated with warm, earthy tones, handcrafted wooden furnishings, and local artwork that reflects the region’s cultural heritage.
Room amenities include:
- En-suite bathrooms with showers and modern fittings
- Mosquito nets over queen-sized or twin beds
- A writing desk and dressing area
- Private verandas with outdoor furniture
- Interconnecting rooms available for families
Lodge facilities include:
- A large outdoor swimming pool and sundeck
- A poolside bar and snack service
- A main restaurant offering buffet and à la carte dining
- A cozy bar and lounge area with a fireplace
- A gift shop and a cultural display area
- Conference and meeting facilities for up to 120 guests
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas
In the evenings, the lodge’s friendly staff often organize cultural performances, giving guests a glimpse into the vibrant traditions of the local Maasai community.
Activities
Amboseli Sopa Lodge provides a perfect base for discovering Amboseli’s natural beauty and wildlife diversity. Guests can enjoy:
- Game Drives: Explore Amboseli National Park on morning and afternoon drives in search of elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and buffaloes. The park’s open terrain makes for incredible photography, especially with Kilimanjaro as a backdrop.
- Birdwatching: Amboseli is home to over 400 species of birds, including pelicans, kingfishers, eagles, and flamingos (seasonally).
- Cultural Visits: Engage with the local Maasai community to learn about their traditions, dances, and daily life.
- Nature Walks: Guided walks around the lodge’s grounds, perfect for spotting smaller wildlife and learning about the native flora.
- Sundowners: Enjoy breathtaking sunsets with a refreshing drink, as the fading light bathes Kilimanjaro in golden hues.
- Excursions: Day trips to nearby attractions such as the Observation Hill for panoramic park views or visits to Maasai homesteads.
At Amboseli Sopa Lodge, each day unfolds with the rhythm of nature — from waking to the sight of Kilimanjaro’s summit at dawn to evenings spent under star-studded skies.
