Sosa Cottages

Sosa Cottages

Everything is possible
Traveler (11)
Well manicured African stylistic garden
Room & Suite (4)

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About

#1 of 1 cottage in Gisambai
Location
3.8
Rooms
3.8
Value
3.4
Cleanliness
3.8
Service
3.3
Sleep Quality
3.1
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Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Mid-range
Charming
Languages Spoken
English, Swahili
Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
Pool
Bar / lounge
Darts
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Airport transportation
Hot tub
Outdoor pool
Restaurant
Special diet menus
Shuttle bus service
Car hire
Business Center with Internet Access
Meeting rooms
Hammam
BBQ facilities
Concierge
Newspaper
Non-smoking hotel
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
Private check-in / check-out
Ironing service
Shoeshine
Room features
Soundproof rooms
Housekeeping
Room service
Safe
VIP room facilities
Room types
Bridal suite

Location

Majengo Hamisi Road, Gisambai 50304 Kenya
Getting there
Kisumu Airport
Kakamega Airport
15.3 mi
See all flights
1 Attraction
within 5 miles
Traveler rating
  • 11
  • 14
  • 3
  • 3
  • 4
Time of year
Traveler type
Language
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Detailed Reviews
Angela L wrote a review Sep 2021
New York City, New York
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Absolutely serene. I had a great 4 days stay here with my family.
Plenty of space in the quiet cottage. The pool and gym looked great although I didn't try them out. Spent mornings on the porch warming in the sunshine.
The staff were super helpful and welcoming. I look forward to my next visit.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2021
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ondiso L wrote a review Dec 2011
South Africa
4.0 of 5 bubbles
I've been to Sosa many times, each time what strikes me is the beauty of the place. First thing that appealed to me was the colors. From the minute you enter you're affronted by the kaleidoscope of colors from the multitude of flowers lining the paths in gregarious bunches, the architecture with its maroon, cream, and charcoal stature; the perennial dashing omniscience of green, green grass.
More than that- yes there's more- the character of the cottages suggests is serenity, it's as if all weights compromising the comfort of the shoulders of the modern day working man or woman is lifted by the quiet, the colour, the serenity.
I was there last Christmas and among others I love Sosa unreservedly; there was a local live band! Under the cover of night, fires were lit in the garden under the trees, I cheat you not, the band filled the night with the sound and texture of The village It was beautiful.
A word of advise for future visitors, the nights can get chilly for outdoor activities so carry a warm jumper and cosy socks. :-)
I may have gotten carried away with my words, but it's all true, Sosa is serenity.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2011
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
3.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled solo
Room Tip: Choose the cottage facing Lake Victoria for the obvious reason - the view.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol O wrote a review Dec 2014
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Tucked away in western kenya is the biggest secret yet. Sosa is a well maintained facility with all basics well catered for (tvs in rooms too). Can do for singles and families. Should you want to get away to a quite country setting, for self reflection and bonding this is the place to be. The well manicured gardens are great. The pool is now fully operational and a gym is in the offing. The prices are amazingly affordable and really pocket friendly. Check it out and enjoy if single carry your book or music.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2014Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnneLisToft wrote a review Feb 2013
Aarhus, Denmark
1.0 of 5 bubbles
For Christmas 2012 we truly needed to get away from the rural area where we live, so we had booked 4 days at Sosa Cottage after our Kenyan landlord had highly recommended it to us. 2 days before christmas and 2 days after christmas - however we ended up leaving after one night!

First of all the driveway up to the hotel, on the inside of the cottages gate is terrible as a Kenyan road! There are holes as deep as craters and nobody seems to care.
On top of that, the manager told us that we could not use our KCB creditcard (Kenyan Commercial Bank) as there was not balance on it - when we left the next day we went straight to a KCB bank to sort out the problem, which we were told was on Sosa Cottages side, as we had plenty of money on the card! So after a long debate with the manager we had to pay cash.

But back to the beginning, we arrive and can't pay - ends up paying in cash and are just really happy to know that we got 4 nice days ahead of us! When we arrive at our cottage the entire lawn outside is covered in trash! Not just a little but a lot - like someone kenyan had have a huge party and just thrown everything from strawpapers to empty bottles on the ground. We were told that the trash would be removed right away - when we left the next morning it was still there!
The room itself were semi clean, meaning the floor was clean in the bedroom where we enter and the windows were newly polished but the bathroom was not only covered in mould (see pictures) in the shower, the sink were leaking water as was the toilet - when we tried to take a shower my boyfriend got electrocuted because the electricity were not propper installed and the wires were in direct contact with the water - this is seriously dangerous and it could have gone so SO wrong!!!!!

At this time we were ready to leave again, but it had turned dark so we decided that we just got a bad start and that dinner would help after a long day travelling on Kenyan roads. So we went to the dinning area, where the tv was turned on so loud that the waiter had to shout at us, out of the entire menu only 5 things were available.

We ordered some beef menu, but the beef were so tough that we could't even eat it, my boyfriend got a piece stucked in his teeth that we could't get out before we bought dental floss the next day!!!

The dining area is dark, noisy, dirty (with mould on the walls) and without any trace of cosyness. It is NOT suitable for human beings at all!

Back to the room, we found that the bed is broken and that everytime we turn around the Crib slats (the bottom of the bed) is making serious noise and by morning I'm laying halfway down the side of the bed.

The WiFi that the staff keeps saying is working is NOT working - my boyfriend is a computer genius and do nothing but working with computers, so one of our criteria for choosing a place to stay is that there must be WiFi - it never worked while we stayed there and I truly doubt that it has ever worked or will work!!

We get up, pack our stuff and are ready to leave after breakfast - it is around 7.30 when we leave and the breakfast is not ready for another two hours as the chef is not around. We leave after yet another debate with the manager about us not staying for the entire 4 days and us not being willingly to pay for the crappy food last night.

We then drive the 20 something km to Impala Eco Lodge in Kisumu - like coming from Hell to Heaven!!!

Bottom line, DO NOT STAY HERE FOR ANY CAUSE!! IT IS NOT WORTH THE DIRTH IT IS BUILD ON!!!
Read more
Date of stay: December 2012
1.0 of 5 bubblesValue
1.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
1.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
1.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
1.0 of 5 bubblesService
1.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SynergyStar wrote a review Feb 2011
Palmer, Alaska
1.0 of 5 bubbles
I just read a review that described a situation similar to my own. If I were to be informed that one of my family or friends were staying at this place, I would call for an emergency evacuation by my embassy...allow me to explain, please:

I had brought my group here on a recommendation of a friend. When I arrived, I found the grounds to be very well manicured and the rooms were clean and relatively peaceful and private, with the exception of the many roosters crowing from the farm next door and the farmers themselves peering over the fence into my window. The large bar area is nice and has a nice sitting area.The carpentry and tiling is of relatively high quality and good craftsmanship. We had started out having a good experience, relative to what we may have had within a 30-40km sq radius. That was until we sat down for dinner. The food here is nowhere near good, with tough chicken being one of two choices (each day they ask if you would like "beef or chicken" prepared in only one way. The breakfast is the typical Kenya low-grade eggs drowned in grease, dry bread and brown fruit served by a woman who drops it on your table with a side of resentment. Most of the staff stare at you while they pick there noses, oblivious to the uncomfortable situation they're creating while you slide the eggs down or try to swallow the dry chicken or rubber-like beef. OK, so you get it: the staff are creepy and the food is terrible, but, that's not where the real problem was, the one that scared the heck out of us. During our stay, the staff would take our key for the purpose of cleaning the room whilst we were at the conference room holding our meetings. All seemed fine until the final day when one key was missing...just the key from my room. No one could find the key for thirty minutes after I had requested it. Then, the key reappeared from a source presently unidentified. I went to the locked room to retrieve Ksh60,000 ($750) to pay the bill. It had all been STOLEN, I suspect by whomever it was that had hidden the key from me for those thirty minutes!! I was livid! We demanded that the local police come in and investigate. Instead, some non-uniformed men, called by the management, came in to talk with a few staff, never taking a statement from us, and left, for what we were told (this is almost laughable), to go and get their uniforms and badges. They never returned. What a joke. We had been dropped at the resort by public means and myself and one other from our team had been promised a ride back in the Resort van. They refused to let us leave for our homes, locking everyone of us inside until we paid! They actually instructed the guard to keep the gate closed!! This was now a hostage situation. We were not given real police to speak to and the mode of investigation included searching through everything in my room and on my person, as if I was a suspect! I had stayed here twice before, mind you, each time paying in full. My continuous demands to see real police officers with ID's, uniforms and badges was brushed aside until the sun was getting low in the sky and we were facing the dangers of travelling at night down the Kakamega road to Kisumu, a narrow and treacherous road, not recommended for travel by anyone with little experience driving in Kenya. We were held at Sosa Cottages until a friend of mine who had flown all the way from Mombasa (on the Kenya coast) hired a vehicle and arrived with cans of mace, parking the car in the gate so he could not be shut in and bravely packed up all of our things while he argued with the staff and management about the number and severity of crimes they were committing, even to the point of being shoved around by the manager!! We were shocked and appalled! We rushed out of there as fast as we could. I've never seen someone drive so fast down such a dangerous road. We made it to safety in Kisumu where I broke down and cried (even the other men involved had cried). The worst thing that came out of this situation is that, for the most part, with a few exceptions, I no longer trust Kenyans. Now I see angry, resentful, hateful and untrustworthy faces of people whereas before I would see the beautiful, loving, big-hearted and joyful spirit shining through those same eyes and smiles. This trauma will take some time and some healing to get through, but I'm grateful for my friend who bravely rescued us and for having made it out before dark and possibly experiencing the threats play out (by the management and Director), threats of being "connected with President Kibaki", develop into something more terrible than what we had already experienced in being held against our will by a combative staff that had stolen from us and locked us inside. Our only remaining option would have been to call our local embassy for a military-like evacuation.

I pray that anyone considering a visit to Sosa Cottages reads this warning first and takes it seriously. I urge you to avoid this place at all costs, for the safety of you and yours.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2010
1.0 of 5 bubblesValue
2.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
1.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
3.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
1.0 of 5 bubblesService
1.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
enjoyyourself50 wrote a review Mar 2010
Louisville, Kentucky
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We visited the Gisambe area in 2006 and stayed at the MBale hotel. 2/3 of our group got sick, had items stolen from their rooms, couldn't sleep because of the noise surrounding the hotel. Fast forward to 2010 -- thank you Sosa! Sosa Cottages are lovely cottages, with 2-3 rooms per cottage. Every room has a private bathroom. The beds are comfortable, the rooms are cleaned daily, the staff is extremely helpful, delightful,and honest (the gal who cleans found my watch which I'd misplaced in the room and gave it to me!), the food is good. The landscaping is lovely, so the Sosa Cottage compound seems like a haven. There are two good conference rooms. The compound has a fence and security is tight. No one in our group got sick. My one complaint is that the walls between rooms are thin so it's possible to hear your neighbors. Take earplugs.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2010
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
echo_painter wrote a review Mar 2011
Nairobi, Kenya
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I went to Sosa Cottages last year to enjoy some time away with my family over the Christmas Break. I have to say, this place was amazing and great for the whole family. The food was good - even the kids had no problem. We didn't have any terrible experiences, and it was so nice to leave the hustle and bustle of the city for a short time. But it was also great to know that Kisumu was only a drive away if we needed amenities larger than Gisambai could offer (although we never did!).

The children especially enjoyed the playground and the bike rides, and they made fast friends with the staff. My whole family enjoyed the week, and we were a group of several different age groups and interests. There were lots of activities including tours of the caves and of Kakamega Rainforest which is amaaazing, and we were never bored once.

I have read the reviews below and definitely concur with the first two, this place is fabulous and we will definitely visit it again. To the two very negative reviews, it seems to me that you let one experience cloud your judgement of the whole place. Certainly you might choose to never visit again, but to rate it down for everything even while acknowledging the beautiful grounds and rooms is disingenuous. Also for what it’s worth, I am Kenyan and though I live in the capital I come down to Mbale and Gisambai often enough. I have never heard of what you are talking about happen.

In summary, this place is definitely worth a visit!! Great place for a getaway, with amazing staff!! Do it - you will not regret it :)
Read more
Date of stay: December 2010
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah L wrote a review Aug 2010
Indianapolis, Indiana
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I was one of 7 women who stayed at the Sosa Cottages 6/23-27/2010 and it was wonderful. Such a peaceful and relaxing place to stay after very busy days on the road. The rooms were great, the food was good, the landscaping was beautiful, and the staff were all friendly and very helpful. We had a couple of special requests while we were there and they were very accomodating for us. I highly recommend Sosa to anyone traveling in the area.
Read more
Date of stay: June 2010
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ambasu2 wrote a review Feb 2011
New York City, New York
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Travellers and conference-goers, do not stay here. The staff is untrustworthy and rude. In my case, a large amount of money was stolen from my locked room while Sosa Cottages staff were in possession of the key for "housekeeping purposes". To add insult to injury, upper level hotel "directors" were extremely rude and lacked any capacity for customer care or relations. Stay at your own risk. (The food is also terrible)
Read more
Date of stay: February 2011
2.0 of 5 bubblesValue
3.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
2.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
3.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
1.0 of 5 bubblesService
2.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
716richard wrote a review May 2015
Proctorville, Ohio
2.0 of 5 bubbles
I stayed here with my family in May. We stayed in one of the cottages. While this is a rural setting, the number of bugs in the rooms was annoying. Seems like the management needs to call pest control to kill all the bugs and insects in the room, including the house lizards!!

Also, the staff in the front office is simply not trained to handle international visitors. They seemed lethargic, unfocused, and LAZY. The staff was rude and unresponsive to questions.

The staff does not respond to emails, and if they do often they provide inaccurate information about taxi fares and room charges. Moreover, the website has non-functioning email contacts and booking online is inactive as well.

Also, the Wi-Fi in the cottages did not work. When I asked for help, I was told the IT guy was coming. He never came!

In summary, unless you have to stay here, hotels in Kisumu are a much better deal. Sosa cottages has a village mentality. They simply do not address the needs of an international visitor.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2015
1.0 of 5 bubblesValue
1.0 of 5 bubblesService
1.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sonny W asked a question Aug 2020
Bungoma, Kenya
How much are you rooms
Answer from Sonny W
Bungoma, Kenya
And Cottages
Agnes W wrote a tip Jul 2018
Kisumu, Kenya16 contributions6 helpful votes
3.0 of 5 bubbles
"Choose the cottages"
Read full review
ronnil617 wrote a tip Aug 2017
Swansea County, United Kingdom1 contribution1 helpful vote
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"best views"
Read full review
burnettkilasi wrote a tip Nov 2016
Nairobi, Kenya5 contributions2 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Ask for the Suites.Lots of privacy.Call Bruce ,the Director for great advice."
Read full review
Merryline A wrote a tip Jan 2016
Nairobi, Kenya11 contributions1 helpful vote
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Cottages are lovely"
Read full review
Angela L wrote a tip Jan 2016
New York City, New York28 contributions8 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"Ask for a room away from the entrance - they are quieter."
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Not the right property for you?
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LOCATION
KenyaWestern ProvinceGisambai
NUMBER OF ROOMS
18
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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SOSA COTTAGES

Frequently Asked Questions about Sosa Cottages
Which popular attractions are close to Sosa Cottages?
Nearby attractions include Maragoli Hills (2.7 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Sosa Cottages?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Sosa Cottages?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant and barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Sosa Cottages?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Sosa Cottages?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and a fitness center during their stay.
Does Sosa Cottages have airport transportation?
Yes, Sosa Cottages offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is Sosa Cottages located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.00 miles away from the center of Gisambai.
Does Sosa Cottages offer any business services?
Yes, guests have access to a business center and meeting rooms during their stay.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Sosa Cottages?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Swahili.