Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge is a large, resort-style hotel perched on the eastern rim of Ngorongoro Crater, standing well over half a kilometre (1,600 feet) above the crater floor at an altitude of 7,800 feet above sea level. The lodge opened in 1992 and offers unparalleled views across this enormous UNESCO World Heritage caldera, often referred to as the "eighth wonder of the world." It is the only property on the eastern rim of this World Heritage Site, enjoying stunning views of the crater plains below and presenting unmatched continuous views of the beautiful setting sun.
Rooms
The lodge features 92-98 spacious en-suite suites (sources vary), accommodating up to 186 guests in large rooms with private verandahs offering breathtaking views of the Crater. Most suites have floor-to-ceiling windows facing the setting sun, centrally controlled heating radiators, in-room dining, carpets, bathrooms with bidet and hand washing basins, writing tables, and in-room dining areas. The lodge's design consists of a large glass-roofed central dome surrounded by thatched rondavels serving as guest rooms, creating an impressive sight that pays happy respect to one of the world's greatest natural masterpieces.
General facilities
Facilities include a large swimming pool surrounded by manicured green grass in front of the main building, where guests can unwind while watching Ngorongoro Crater wildlife. The lodge has a restaurant with views, bar, lounge, and private road to the crater floor – the quietest access route seeing very little traffic compared to the western side. The pool, along with Sopa's size and easy atmosphere, makes it popular with families. The lodge provides fantastic scenery right from the dining area with mind-boggling views.
About
The lodge overlooks the crater floor home to vast herds of buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, rare and endangered black rhino, elephant, cheetah, leopard, lion, and herds of gazelle. Ngorongoro Crater is the most magnificent wildlife sanctuary worldwide, with the lodge's ideal eastern position allowing spectacular sunset views. The crater is a 100 square-mile, animal-thronged caldera of the once-fiery, now sublimely peaceful volcano, and the lodge sits on the rim's highest point looking down to this Lost World of Ngorongoro.
The lodge is located 170 km from Arusha (approximately 4 hours drive and 40 minutes by air, with another 45 minutes transfer from the airstrip). Your stay is enhanced by the outstanding service of well-trained, welcoming staff. The lodge embraces the vast Lost World of Ngorongoro Crater with deep appreciation, featuring famous floor-to-ceiling windows that face the setting sun within the volcanic highlands of Northern Tanzania on Lemala hill.
Destination
Tanzania Safaris
Style
Lodge
