Sopa Lodge Ngorongoro Crater Review – Exquisite Sunsets On Your Doorstep

Situated at 2,400m above sea level, the Sopa Lodge Ngorongoro Crater is set on the highest point of the entire rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Perched at a dizzying height of over 500 m above the crater floor, the lodge boasts some of the best views in Tanzania. 

I stayed at the Sopa Lodge and it was a relaxing and luxurious safari experience. With the entire establishment built to face west, the sunsets I experienced from my hotel terrace were truly something to behold.

In this article, I will share my honest review of the Sopa Lodge and everything guests can expect during their stay in this marvelous location. 

Let's begin. 

Sopa Lodge Ngorongoro Crater Review

Even though the crater is one of Tanzania’s most popular tourist destinations, the lodge maintains a wonderful sense of remoteness. While guests revel in the rarified air of the Tanzanian bush, the lodge oozes class and has shirked on none of the comforts one expects from a luxury facility, making it one of many world-class Ngorongoro hotels. The staff provide exceptional hospitality to make guests feel like part of the family.

The main building is designed with split level interiors to create a sense of spaciousness. At the same time, the way the rich tapestry of African artistic traditions ordains the walls maintains an extraordinary sense of warmth.

The luxurious sense of spaciousness is the golden thread in this establishment and the rooms carry on from where the main building leaves off. Two queen size beds are available in each magnificently appointed suite with a private balcony overlooking the ancient acacia forest and crater floor below. 

Location of Sopa Lodge Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge is built high up on the Eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, only around 190 kilometres from the nearest major city of Arusha  (approximately a four-hour drive). The lodge is a 90-minute drive from the Manyara Airstrip (a 30-minute flight gets you from Arusha to the airfield).

Rooms at Sopa Lodge Ngorongoro Crater

Starting at about $650 per person, a standout for guests is the size of the rooms at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, which are more like suites. The guest rooms lead onto the swimming pool via paved pathways lined with brightly coloured flora.

The room designs take inspiration from the traditional circular African huts with distinctive conical roofs. Adorned inside with traditional African décor, the rooms combine beautiful cultural ornaments with a distinct style of luxurious leisure. 

With the lodge positioned at such a high altitude, temperatures can drop significantly. As an added touch, the rooms are fitted with central heating and hot water bottles are tucked into the bedsheets each night to combat the cold. An advantage of the cooler evening weather is that there are mosquitoes to contend with. See more in our guide on the best time to visit Tanzania. 

The lodge offers a total of 97 rooms for bookings, five of which are interconnecting rooms. There is also one room that is accessible to wheelchairs. Room amenities include complimentary coffee and tea each morning as well as wake up calls. 

All the rooms also have spacious en-suite bathrooms with blissfully large showers.  

They are also all west facing, which means guests can soak in the afternoon sun from their private balconies. The Crater’s dramatic sunsets can also be witnessed through the magnificent French windows.

Amenities at Sopa Lodge Ngorongoro Crater

Guests at Sopa Lodge Ngorongoro Crater have access to the following amenities: 

• TV in the conference room.
• Out-door dining.
• Swimming pool.
• Gift and curio shop.
• WiFi in public areas.
• Theater style conference room, accommodating 80 people.
• Restaurant.
• Lounge and bar area.

Dining Options at Sopa Lodge Ngorongoro Crater

For those brisk winter evenings, there is the Crater View Bar. Fitted with an elegant fireplace and carvings of Maasai warriors on the pillars, guests will find their spirits revitalized after an evening spent sampling the award-winning local beers.

The grandly decorated lobby and lounge area are inviting places to enjoy a soothing cup of tea from the Tanzanian highlands after a long game drive.

The lodge serves a selection of both continental and local cuisine at the Lemala Hill Restaurant. Guests can enjoy an expansive buffet meal while feasting their eyes on the panoramic views of the crater through the impressive ceiling to floor glass walls.

For an immersive wildlife dining experience, the lodge also caters for a bush lunch amongst the roaming animals and local vegetation.

Activities at Sopa Lodge Ngorongoro Crater

There's something for everyone to do at Sopa Lodge Ngorongoro Crater with their immense array of specialised and family-friendly activities. 

• Game drives are available along the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater. Teeming with wildlife, the national park is home to over 25,000 big mammals and is known for being the area with the highest density of lions in the world. The lodge provides packed breakfasts and lunches for those setting out on excursions.
• Nature walks with a trained naturalist are also available. These are incredibly informative and allow guests the chance to get up close and personal with some of the more curious animals in the park.   
• Family activities such as card games are available via prior arrangement.
• One of the highly trained rangers gives a presentation each night, enlightening guests to some of the more intricate facets of the national park.

Conclusion

And that's a wrap of my Sopa Lodge Ngorongoro Crater Review! I hope this article encourages you to enjoy a stay at this luxurious lodge in the heart of the illustrious Ngorongoro Conservation Area.