Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Situated on the eastern side of the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, the Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge offers comfortable accommodation with breathtaking views. Watching the sun set over the crater from your private balcony or the welcoming central lodge area is an experience not to be missed. With easy access to the road down to the crater floor and its concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five, this lodge is a great base at Ngorongoro Crater.
Highlights
- Located on the highest point of the crater rim offering views across Ngorongoro
- Easy drive from the lodge to the access road to the crater
- Spectacular game viewing both in the crater and surrounding areas
- Well designed lodge with huge windows in main areas and room balconies
- Opportunities to meet local Maasai
- African design with separate rooms arranged around the lodge
- Beautiful pool with a view for a dip after a safari drive in the African sun
The 92 rooms at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge are arranged in typical African style, around the main lodge, with paths between them leading to the central pool area. Each room contains two queen size beds, an en-suite bathroom with shower and an enclosed, glass-fronted solarium.
The air can get chilly at this altitude, so hot water bottles are placed in the beds when they're turned down in the evenings and there is central heating.
Main lodge area
The main lodge area is inspired by African design, in a circular manner, with split levels and enormous windows to make the most of the breathtaking views over Ngorongoro.
A central lobby, comfortable lounge and curio shop lead out onto the pool area. The restaurant, bar and upstairs conference facilities offer the same spectacular vista.
The Lelama Hill Restaurant serves up culinary delights that fuse continental and local tastes while the Crater View Bar promises the perfect drink to sip on while watching the African sun set over Ngorongoro.
Game viewing activities
Vehicles are only allowed into the crater during the day. An early start and easily accessible one-hour drive from the lodge into the crater via the eastern road ensure an incredible safari experience.
Due to the high concentration of wildlife in the crater bowl, visitors can expect to see vast numbers of animals on their safari day drive, including black rhino, lion, elephant, zebra and various antelope.
Things to do
Ngorongoro Crater is within the vast Ngorongoro Conservation Area which encompasses a number of wonderful places to visit. This includes the fascinating archaeological site at Olduvai Gorge and Ngorongoro Crater's smaller sister crater, Empakaai.
While walking safaris are not allowed on the crater floor, the surrounding areas offer a wide range of activities, from trekking and hiking to mountain biking and meeting with the local people to learn about their culture and traditions.
Getting there
By car - Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge is 220 km from Arusha which takes about four hours by car.
By air - The flight from Arusha to Ngorongoro Airstrip takes about 40 minutes. From there, it is a scenic, two-hour trip to the lodge. Arusha is served by two airports. Arusha Airport has daily flights from domestic destinations and Kilimanjaro International Airport offers daily flights to many local, African and international destinations.
Our take on Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
The major drawcard of this Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge is its proximity to the road leading to the crater floor. This allows for a head start and missing the crowds that often build up at the gate into the crater. With great views, comfortable accommodation and friendly staff, it's a superb base in this spectacular place.
Includes
- Accommodation and all meals
- Government taxes, levies and service charges
Excludes
- Drinks and beverages
- National Park entrance fees
- Tanzania Development Levy
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
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