...The review

Sosian Lodge

In the folds of the Laikipia plateau, Sosian Lodge seamlessly blends a luxurious safari experience with a beautiful working cattle ranch.

“The lodge is classic Kenyan safari in style, a colonial ranchers farmstead with vast verandas looking out over the Laikipia wilderness. Huge stone fireplaces, antique floorboards furnished with handwoven rugs, furnishings with an Argentinian twist and bottomless armchairs to sink into after a day of exploring the huge conservancy”.

Things to do

First and foremost, Sosian is a safari destination with an inexhaustible list of activities to experience in their 24,000 acre wildlife ranch. This feels like nature’s  playground where you can see big game up close on foot, from horseback or from a trusty Land Rover.

The horses play a key part of Sosian opening up parts of the reserve where vehicles simply can’t reach and with well-schooled horses they can cater for beginners in the school right up to the very experienced who want to canter alongside giraffe.

There are rivers to float down, waterfalls to bravely dive from, camels to ride, fly camping to explore, walking safaris to embark upon as well as sleep-outs under the stars on the treehouse platform overlooking the lake.

Sosian is simply as adventurous as you want it to be and absolutely nothing is ever a problem for the very cheerful, engaging team. This makes it ideal for families of all ages.

Back at the lodge, the lazy pool, overbrimming at the edges is part of the intangible attraction to Sosian. At first glance, unusual, and then on reflection, this has been achieved on purpose to allow the birds and butterflies a place to drink and it is this simplistic playfulness which is so attractive. Again in the main lodge a billiards room might be considered out of place and colonial but here the buffalo mount which looks down on the play has absurdly wonky horns and a wry grin.

Sleeping

The rooms at Sosian overlook the lawns which give way to the wilderness beyond. Each room is simply furnished, unfussy but where every piece of furniture is more comfortable than the last and has been thoughtfully selected. Kenyan quirkiness mixes heavy wooden frame beds with cool fabrics and artwork. There are rooms for families with extra bedrooms as well as a more private ‘Italian’ cottage, all in a similar vernacular with verandas mimicking the style from the main lodge building giving you a place to relax overlooking the gardens.

Food & Drink

Being so far from civilisation, Sosian strives to produce as much of it’s own organic produce as possible, the kitchens then create exceptional dining experiences- be that in the main dining room, by the pool or out under the shade of a fig tree for breakfast whilst on a morning safari drive. Sosian has a homely atmosphere where the chef isn’t surprised to see guests strolling through the kitchen to ask questions or say hello. Chickens root about behind the vegetable gardens whilst you have afternoon tea and carrot cake – homemade of course. Lunch could be phad thai noodles and light salads by the pool and dinner may be the finest sirloin: the chefs really know how to impress.

What We Think

Sosian has achieved what so many strive for, a truly relaxed charming ambience with an exceptional range of activities. This is a lodge steeped in history but very much with its finger on the pulse. It is impossible not to love every moment of your stay.

Best For

The variety of bedrooms means families of all ages are more than welcome but Sosian works just as well for couples and groups of friends.

The horse-riding is exhilarating and all the other activities mean you just can’t get become bored. The wildlife is impressive – especially when the resident wild dog pack is on the hunt, four of the big five are here and easily seen, this is the perfect place to explore in conjunction with time on the Masai Mara.,

The Verdict

Combining wildlife with ranching, impeccable horses, a variety of activities, old school charm, a lot of laughter and excellent service, this might just be one of our favourite places to stay in Kenya.

Ben Oxley-Brown

Personal Travel Designer

01488 689700 Read Ben’s profile
Ben Oxley-Brown

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