Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge is a tranquil lakeside retreat set in 150 acres of lush grounds filled with acacia trees, expansive lawns, and resident wildlife. Located along the shores of Kenya’s highest Rift Valley lake, the lodge provides a serene escape just a short drive from Nairobi. The property is a haven for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and safari travelers exploring the Great Rift Valley circuit. Known for its comfort, spacious rooms, and beautiful gardens frequented by giraffes, waterbuck, and hippos at night, Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge offers a peaceful base for exploring Lake Naivasha, Hell’s Gate National Park, and Mount Longonot.
Access & Location
The lodge is located approximately 100 km northwest of Nairobi — about a 1.5-hour drive via the Nairobi–Naivasha Highway. It sits on the southern shore of Lake Naivasha, surrounded by acacia woodland and open grassland. The lodge is also easily accessible by air, with daily flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Naivasha Airstrip, followed by a short transfer to the property. Its prime position in the heart of the Rift Valley makes it an excellent stopover between Amboseli, Nakuru, and the Maasai Mara.
Accommodation & Facilities
Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge features 84 rooms housed in two-story cottages designed to blend with the natural surroundings. Each room is spacious, airy, and elegantly furnished, with private balconies or ground-floor verandas offering views of the gardens and the lake. The interiors feature warm, earthy tones, large four-poster beds with mosquito nets, and en-suite bathrooms with both bathtub and shower.
Facilities at the lodge include:
- A large swimming pool with a children’s section
- A poolside snack bar and sun terrace
- A main restaurant serving buffet-style meals with international and African cuisine
- Two cozy bars, including a sundowner terrace overlooking the lake
- A lounge area with fireplaces and comfortable seating
- Conference and event facilities for up to 120 guests
- A well-stocked gift shop featuring local crafts
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas
The lodge is family-friendly, offering interconnecting rooms, children’s menus, and baby-sitting services upon request.
Activities
Guests at Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge can enjoy a mix of relaxing and adventure-filled activities that make the most of the lake’s natural beauty and the surrounding attractions:
- Boat Safaris:Â Explore Lake Naivasha by boat to spot hippos, fish eagles, and a wide array of water birds.
- Crescent Island Walks:Â A guided walking safari on the nearby Crescent Island Sanctuary, where you can walk among giraffes, zebras, and antelopes in a predator-free environment.
- Hell’s Gate National Park Excursions: Discover dramatic cliffs, geothermal activity, and cycling safaris in one of Kenya’s most unique parks.
- Birdwatching:Â Lake Naivasha is home to over 400 bird species, including kingfishers, herons, and pelicans.
- Nature Walks: Explore the lodge’s grounds with a resident naturalist to observe resident wildlife and indigenous flora.
- Horseback Riding and Fishing:Â Optional activities available nearby on request.
In the evenings, guests can enjoy sundowners on the terrace, watch hippos grazing on the lawns, and dine under the stars surrounded by the sounds of the African night.
