Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort — Hotel in Olkaria ward

I had the absolute pleasure of staying at Sopa Lake Naivasha Resort, and I can confidently say it was one of the most magical experiences of my life. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm smiles and exceptional hospitality, setting the tone for an unforgettable stay.

The resort itself is a gem, perfectly nestled amidst lush gardens with breathtaking views of the iconic Lake Naivasha. Watching the shimmering waters of the lake as the sun rose every morning felt like a dream come true. But the real stars of the show were the wildlife—graceful giraffes, elegant waterbucks, and playful zebras casually roaming the expansive grounds. It felt like stepping into a real-life safari paradise right from the comfort of the resort!

The accommodations were equally impressive. Our room was spacious, tastefully decorated, and impeccably clean, with large windows that offered uninterrupted views of the lake and wildlife. Waking up to the sight of giraffes grazing just a few feet away was surreal. The beds were incredibly comfortable, and the room amenities ensured we had everything we needed for a luxurious stay.

The dining experience was another highlight. The restaurant serves a wide variety of dishes, catering to all tastes, from local Kenyan delicacies to international cuisines. Every meal was prepared with care, and the freshness of the ingredients was evident in every bite. Dining al fresco, overlooking the lake, while zebras grazed nearby was an experience I’ll never forget.

The resort staff deserve a special mention for their attentiveness and friendliness. They went out of their way to ensure our stay was perfect, always ready with a smile and eager to assist. Whether it was arranging a guided boat ride on Lake Naivasha or sharing fascinating insights about the local wildlife, they truly made us feel at home.

One of the most memorable moments was a serene evening stroll through the grounds, where we encountered a family of waterbucks and watched a fiery orange sunset reflect off the lake’s calm waters. The resort also offers plenty of activities, from birdwatching to boat rides, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

Overall, Sopa Lake Naivasha Resort is more than just a place to stay; it’s a sanctuary where nature, luxury, and exceptional service come together seamlessly. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or simply a peaceful retreat, this resort will exceed your expectations.

I highly recommend this slice of paradise to anyone visiting Naivasha. I can’t wait to return and create even more...

Rooms & Location|We stayed in rooms 83 & 84, located the farthest from dining and reception. While a bit of a walk, the paths are wide and well-maintained. This is by far the most handicap-accessible property we stayed at in Kenya during our safari.|Arrival & First Impressions|Check-in was warm and welcoming. Driving in the gate was surreal with giraffes and zebras. We were greeted by staff with eucalyptus-scented towels, fresh juice, and even chocolate on a stick.|Atmosphere|Sopa Naivasha caters to large number of safari groups and runs at high occupancy (our stay was 100%). It’s a busy hotel, often hosting conferences and events, so expect a lively atmosphere rather than a quiet retreat.|Tip: it’s fun to enjoy the bar with fireplace or hang by the chiminea with a glass of wine. They serve popcorn and nuts.|Wildlife & Activities|The biggest draw is the chance to see wild animals roaming the property – zebras, giraffes, and more. It’s magical, though we did see some guests getting far too close without staff intervening. This could end badly if stupid.|On-site and nearby activities include:|• E-bikes: $15/hr|• Crescent Island boat tours: ~$40 (worth it for the birdlife and hippos; check Lake Naivasha Resort nearby for better prices)|• Horse rides: $25/hr|• Fishing: For about $8/week, you can get a fishing license and enjoy a day out on the lake (wish we knew this earlier!).|• Large pool with a swim-up bar adds to the leisure options.|Dining|The dining hall has a rustic “Wyoming Lodge” feel with big beams, leather seating, and a slightly dated style. A pianist played in the lobby bar at night, which was delightful and set a calming tone.|The buffet setup is U-shaped but poorly designed for large crowds. Tip: Go early – food gets picked over quickly and presentation suffers. The selection is broad, so everyone can find something.|We booked full board thru Spirit of Kenya Safari:|• Breakfast includes juice.|• Lunch and dinner only include tea or coffee (no juice).|• Bottled water is $4 USD.|Service was fine but focused heavily on upselling drinks.|Nearby Excursions|• First evening: Hell’s Gate National Park – fantastic scenery.|• Second day: Crescent Island + floral tour – highly recommended.|Overall|Sopa Naivasha is a busy, group-focused lodge with excellent accessibility, friendly check-in, and unforgettable wildlife roaming freely on the grounds. Dining and service could improve, but the combination of activities, pool, and location make it a solid choice, especially for those wanting comfort...

A Paradise on Earth: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort

We recently had the pleasure of staying at the Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort with our 2-year-old, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, we knew we were in for a treat. The resort's stunning surroundings, teeming with wildlife, set the tone for an incredible stay.

Wildlife Galore

Giraffes, zebras, monkeys, water bucks, and donkeys roamed freely around the resort, providing endless entertainment for both kids and adults. Our little one was absolutely delighted by the rabbits and tortoises available for the kids to interact with. One of the highlights was watching the group of hippos that would come right up to the fence. Seeing them up close, out of the water, was truly awesome!

Culinary Delights

The buffet spread was nothing short of incredible, with a vast array of delicious dishes to suit every palate. We thoroughly enjoyed every meal, and the service was always top-notch.

Exceptional Service

The staff at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort were warm, friendly, and went above and beyond to ensure our stay was seamless. Their dedication to providing excellent service is truly commendable.

Boat Ride on Lake Naivasha

The boat ride on the lake was a must-do. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights about the various bird species and hippos that call the lake home. It was an unforgettable experience.

Bar

The resort's bar was a pleasant surprise, offering an impressive selection of gins and other cocktails.

Overall Experience

Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort is a true gem, and we can't wait to return. The resort's pride in their property is evident in every aspect of their operations, from the beautifully maintained grounds to the exceptional service. We highly recommend this resort to anyone looking for a relaxing and unforgettable getaway.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

We will...