Serengeti Sopa Lodge

Set on top of a hill in the Nyarboro Hills in southwestern Serengeti, this large lodge consists of 69 standard rooms and four double-storey suites. The rooms are spread out on either side of the main lodge, all with views across the game filled Serengeti plains.

The standard rooms are large. Each has two queen size beds with mosquito nets, a small entrance hall and an en-suite bathroom with shower. Hot water only on tap between 06:00 and 09:00 and 18:00 and 21:00. The rooms are glass-fronted with a small patio or balcony from which to admire the incredible view. Eight of the standard rooms are interleading and ideal for families or friends travelling together.

The suites are double-storey, with an entrance hall and lounge on the ground floor and a spiral staircase leading up to the large bedroom with king size platform beds and en-suite bathrooms. They are comfortably furnished with big sofas, a veranda on the ground floor and a balcony upstairs. The bathroom has a huge bathtub facing the plains and there is an outside, open-air shower.

Main lodge area

Unlike many other lodges in the area, this one is not thatched but flat-roofed. Private parties and sundowners can be enjoyed on the roof with its incredible views. The main lodge is bright and airy, with a reception area, comfortable lobby, dining room with outdoor terrace, bar and curio shop. There is a gym and TV room, too.

The main lodge is well designed with floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise the views. In the garden, a large pool and sun loungers are the perfect spot to relax at and cool down after a hot day's game viewing. There's a poolside bar to quench your thirst.

Dining at Serengeti Sopa Lodge

Breakfast is always a buffet and packed lunches can be provided if you're going to be out exploring for the day. Depending on how many guests are staying, lunch can either be buffet or plated with a choice for each course. Dinners are mainly à la carte and sometimes themed buffet dinners are served.

Game viewing activities

Visitors to Serengeti Sopa bring their own guide and 4x4s. Daily game drives are recommended to see all the Serengeti has to offer. Ideally, these should take place early in the morning and late afternoon, with a break in the heat of the middle of the day for lunch and a nap as the animals do.

Expect to see the Big Five and many more of Africa's beautiful game; zebra, giraffe, a wide range of antelope, warthog and more call Serengeti home. Around May, depending on the weather, you may be lucky enough to see the Great Migration of wildebeest, zebra, antelope and their predators as they make their way up to cross the Grumeti River.

Things to do at Serengeti Sopa Lodge

First and foremost, game drives through the beautiful Serengeti with its abundance of wildlife.

If you need a day off to relax, you can sit on the veranda of the main lodge and read a book or just gaze across the vast plains. Alternatively, take a dip in the pool, lounge on one of the sundecks or enjoy a refreshing drink from the pool bar. Want to keep up your fitness regime? No problem. You can visit the gym which also has beautiful views across the plains.

Hot air balloon flights can be booked for a once in a lifetime experience, floating quietly above the Serengeti plains, with a birdseye view of all the animals.

Getting there

By car - Serengeti Sopa Lodge is 319 km from Arusha, a trip which takes about 7½ to eight hours by car, travelling past Lake Manyara and through Ngorongoro.

By air - Daily flights are offered during high season by various local airlines to Seronera Airstrip, a 50-minute flight from Arusha. The airstrip is a 45-minute drive from Serengeti Sopa Lodge.

Our take on Serengeti Sopa Lodge

Bright and airy, with large rooms and beautiful views across the plains of the Serengeti, this lodge is a great option for those looking for more of a hotel type base for their safari. Serengeti Sopa Lodge is reasonably priced and comfortable, with great service from the staff.