OFFICIAL CATEGORY (Ministry of Tourism classification): 04****

Sopa means, "Welcome" in Maasai language. The lodge is built as an interpretation of a traditional Masai Manyatta village with domed huts, set on a saddle of a hill with spectacular view of the Mara Triangle one of the worlds richest wildlife sanctuaries, where the annual migration of the wildebeeste takes place. Set in the Oloolaimutia valley the lodge blends in perfetly with its surrounding hillside landscape. The accent here is on the Masai people and the fabulous wealth of wildlife, birdlife, and natural flora to be found in the fabled Masai Mara Game Reserve. Mara Sopa has earned a well-deserved reputation for the friendliness and care offered to guests by the staff. This is one of the most important aspects of the style and service offered by each and every SOPA destination.

Location

The lodge is located 206 km south of the Equator on the eastern boundary of the Masai Mara Game Reserve in southwestern Kenya, 2km from the Oloolaimutia Gate... The Reserve, the best known game area in East Africa, is 1,120 sq. kms of prime wildlife-viewing territory bordering on the Serengeti National Park. The distance is about 250 Kms (5 hours) by road from Nairobi and 45 minutes by air to Siana airstrip served by scheduled flights twice per day from Nairobi and once per day from Nanyuki and Samburu. The alternative is a one hour scheduled or chartered flight from Nairobi to Keekorok airstrip from where transfers to the lodge can be arranged with prior notice.

Climate

The lodge has an altitude of 2,104 meters (6,400 feet) above sea level and, because of the cool breezes through the valley it is sited in, enjoys warm days and cool evenings. The April / June, October / November rainy seasons ensure that the Reserve is verdant almost throughout the year. Only the lightest of clothes are recommended although a light sweater might be needed for early mornings and evenings. More formal attire might be advisable for cocktails and theme evenings while swimwear is a must by the pool.