Mara Sopa Lodge Masai Mara, Kenya

Mara Sopa Lodge is located on the eastern boundary of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, perched on the slopes of the Oloolaimutia Hills just outside the Oloolaimutia gate. Thought to be among the first safari lodges built in the Mara, it sits within lush, mature gardens and forested slopes that enhance its tranquil, immersive setting. The property’s architecture draws heavily on traditional Maasai design, featuring round thatched rondavel buildings that extend along the hillside with spacious public areas at the centre, including a swimming pool.

Accommodation consists of 99 cottage style rooms, including suites and a honeymoon suite, spread across two wings flanking the main lodge. Each cottage houses two rooms equipped with queen or king beds, mosquito nets, electronic safes, en suite bathrooms, dressing tables, and private verandas offering views over the gardens and the reserve. The honeymoon suite is exceptionally spacious, with indoor and outdoor seating areas and a luxurious bathroom with both shower and sunken tub.

Dining takes place in a circular lounge style dining room built around a central fireplace and decorated with pastel hues and Maasai cultural art. Meals include buffet tables of fresh salads, main courses, live cooking stations, desserts, and cheeses, with outdoor timber deck dining under umbrellas for themed evenings. There are multiple bars including the Jumbo Bar beneath the dining area, the swimming pool bar set under a garden canopy, and the Ol Murrani Bar adjacent to an open air campfire deck. At the Ol Murrani Bar, guests can observe nocturnal wildlife such as hyenas, mongooses, and honey badgers visiting nightly feeding spots while enjoying drinks and billiards.

Facilities include a freshwater freeform swimming pool overlooking the valley, complimentary WiFi in public areas, a gift shop, laundry services, and a conference room that accommodates up to 70 people in theatre style.

Activities on offer include guided game drives in the Masai Mara Reserve, walking safaris, bird watching, hot air balloon safaris, guided nature walks, archery, cultural visits to local Maasai villages, and bush breakfasts or dinners as special experiences.

The lodge is accessible via a roughly four to five hour drive or a one hour flight from Nairobi to Keekorok or nearby airstrips followed by a short transfer. It lies approximately 206 to 250 kilometres from Nairobi depending on routing, offering convenient access to the reserve entrance.