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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 while on safari.