A Night at Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge

After a half-hour drive from the Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp (where we docked from our journey at the Crescent Island in Lake Naivasha), we arrived at the Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge. It was our first time staying at a Sopa Lodge accommodation. Before arriving, we knew from our research that Sopa Lodge was a popular hotel chain in Kenya and Tanzania, priced mid-range. Beyond that, we had gathered insights from fellow tourists' travel reviews.

We checked in and prepared to head to our room for the night. The lodge's hut-shaped houses are arranged in an arc, encircling a vast lawn that connects directly to Lake Naivasha. Wildlife animals freely roam around in this lawn area and the vicinity of the resort. Because hippos occasionally come ashore at night and early morning to graze here, and they can be aggressive to humans, this area is secured by layers of wooden and electric fencing, ensuring both guests and the wildlife could coexist safely. 

Our room was located on the second floor, nestled in the middle of the line of huts. As we opened the wooden door, we stepped into a spacious hotel room adorned in African style, featuring deep brown wooden furniture and decor. The bed was outfitted with a mosquito net, and amenities like a TV and hair dryer added a touch of comfort often absent in safari tents. The real highlight was the balcony that offered stunning views of the lawn and the lake beyond.

The balcony allows a wide view of the lawn and Lake Naivasha beyond. Our safari guide joked that we could count the number of hippos in the lawn at night in case we had trouble sleeping.

A Walk Among the Wildlife

As we settled in, we noticed some lodge residents strolling in the lawn. To the right, two young women were capturing photos of grazing zebras from a distance. We gathered our gear and made our way to join them.

From 10 AM to 6 PM, the entrance to the lawn is open, allowing residents to roam freely and often interact with the local wildlife, including zebras and waterbucks. However, hippos occasionally come ashore to graze during, majorly during nighttime, and given their speed—up to 30 mph—it is strictly prohibited to enter the lawn when they are present. Security guards are present all the time to protect the residents as well.

By 5:30 PM, we entered the lawn, making the most of the time we had left. This lodge is one of the few places in Kenya where you can walk close to wild animals and take photos, though we remained cautious and kept a respectful distance to avoid disturbing them.

The zebras freely roamed in the resort area and grazed peacefully.

As the sun began to set, we were escorted out of the enclosure by a security guard. The lodge's surrounding grass plains offered plenty of opportunities to see wildlife. In the distance, we spotted a few giraffes, including two young calves following their parents.

Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge serves as a unique sanctuary to these resident animals. Predators, like lions or leopards are notably absent. The only dangerous mammals are hippos. Although they are aggressive and territorial, they primarily come out at night to avoid the harsh sunlight that can cause their sensitive skin to burn. These hippos pose little threat to the other wildlife, allowing animals like zebras, waterbucks, and giraffes to graze and raise their young in peace.

Two zebras walking lightly, in the background a few grazing waterbucks.

This harmonious coexistence creates a truly remarkable atmosphere for guests. Imagine waking up to the sounds of nature, with animals roaming freely around the lodge. The experience of staying in such a setting, where the beauty of the wild is just steps away, is nothing short of extraordinary.

Towering giraffes are also residents in Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge.

Time for a Buffet Dinner

After an hour of walking and exploring the beautiful surroundings of the lodge, it was time for dinner. We made our way back to the main lodge, which felt like a scene plucked from an epic film set in colonial Africa. The circular structure featured an open-air center, where bushes grew and rabbits scurried about, their little ones peeking out from their burrows. Ground glass lined the walls, providing a clear view of the rabbits inside. The two-story roof, supported by sturdy stone walls, added to the grandeur of the space. Thick, soft rugs cushioned our feet as we walked.

On one side of the hall, a bar exuded a Hemingway-esque charm, complete with a fire-stool at its center. Opposite, the buffet area beckoned with an array of dishes, international in flavor and appealing to the diverse palate of the lodge's guests. Two cooking stations for spaghetti and rice added a lively touch to the culinary offerings.

The bar area in the main hall.

The ambiance was dimly lit, the flickering candlelight on every table enhancing the romantic atmosphere. A pianist serenaded us from atop a short staircase, filling the air with soothing melodies as we prepared to enjoy our meal. 

The dining area offers buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

While the buffet wasn’t extravagant, it offered a satisfying variety of dishes, perfectly suited for weary travelers. As was customary on many evenings, we ordered a Tusker beer, one of Kenya’s most beloved brands. Its rich, barley flavor paired beautifully with the meal.

An Evening Encounter with the Hippos

As we exited the hall, we encountered a staff holding an electric torch, who warmly invited us to see the hippos that had just come ashore to graze. We followed him closely to the fence. The beam of his torch illuminated the hefty creatures just a few meters away. At least five hippos were munching on the grass in the enclosure, one of them a baby closely trailing its mother. 

This rare glimpse was exhilarating. Standing there watching the hippos in their natural habitat was a perfect ending to a day filled with adventure, reminding me of the wild beauty in Lake Naivasha and at Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge.

Facts about Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge

What is the price level of Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge ?

The price level at Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge varies with season and package inclusions. The lodge is considered mid-range. A Standard Room may range from US$300 in the low season, to US$600 per night during the high season of tourism. Rates often include meals, access to lodge amenities, and sometimes guided activities.

Where is Lake Naivasha?

Lake Naivasha is situated in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya, approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles) / 2 hour drive northwest of Nairobi. The nearby town is Naivasha, making it easily accessible via the Nairobi-Nakuru highway. 

What to see at Lake Naivasha?

Lake Naivasha is famous for observing hippos in and around the lake. It is also a famous place for birdwatching, especially seeing fish eagles diving down from the sky to catch fish.

Crescent Island is a famous sanctuary inside the lake where you can do a walking safari among grazing animals like giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.

What animals can we see at Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge ?

You can see a variety of wildlife and birds: Giraffes, zebras, waterbucks are often spotted around the lodge and nearby areas. Hippos can also be spotted, particularly during the early morning or late evening when they come ashore to graze. Birdlife, including pelicans, herons, kingfishers, fish eagle, is also notable in the lodge.