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Ubuntu and Sopa Lodge

May 16, 2025

 

Olivia Roccia and Cole Hashemi

 

This morning, our team set off on an enriching journey to Naivasha for an overnight stay packed with meaningful experiences and breathtaking natural beauty. Along the way, we paused at a scenic lookout point over the Kenyan Rift Valley, an inspiring start to our day, offering panoramic views of Kenya’s stunning landscape.

 

Our first stop was the Ubuntu Life Foundation, a remarkable organization dedicated to empowering mothers of children with special needs through sustainable employment opportunities. Ubuntu Life not only provides critical care and support for these children, but also works to dismantle the stigma surrounding special needs in Kenya. We had the privilege of touring their entire facility, including the factory, therapy rooms, school, and hospital. We connected with both staff and children during our visit. It was a humbling and uplifting experience, and we were honored to contribute donations in support of their impactful work.

In the afternoon, we embarked on a water safari on Lake Naivasha, where we had the chance to see hippos! After the boat ride, we walked through Crescent Island, encountering giraffes, zebras, and antelopes up close, which was a surreal experience seeing Kenya’s wildlife. This visit ignited most of our senses; seeing magnificent wildlife and landscapes, feeling the warm sun and the mist of Lake Naivasha on the boat, touching the wildflowers and grass, hearing the sound of birds, and breathing in the fresh air along the way. Paying attention to what we experience during these special moments helps ground us in the beauty of nature and understand why Kenyans prioritize and value sustainability in business.

 

We concluded our day at the Sopa Lodge, a serene retreat nestled along the shores of Lake Naivasha. After settling in, we toured the lodge’s expansive grounds, where more wildlife, including hippos, monkeys, and donkeys, roamed freely. We also had a valuable discussion with the lodge's Guest Relations Manager, who shared insights into hospitality management, sustainability practices, and the evolving landscape of tourism in the region.

 

Our day in Naivasha was a meaningful blend of community, nature, and learning. From the inspiring work at Ubuntu Life Foundation to the wildlife encounters and insights on sustainable tourism at Sopa Lodge, it was a powerful reminder of the diverse experiences and perspectives that travel can offer.


 

 

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