With the best views of any of the lodges on the Crater rim and a good price too, the Sopa is a good bet for the more budget traveler or clients who just want to use the hotel as a base to explore the Crater and surrounding highlands. Don’t expect super luxury. Expect a 4 star hotel, best used as a base! But what a view.
Ngorongoro Sopa - The Facts
large hotel with 97 rooms
best view of the Ngorongoro itself
quiet entrance point to the crater
somewhat dated but good value
Ngorongoro Sopa - The Detail
The Ngorongoro Sopa is an elderly and once lavishly decorated establishment on the eastern aspect of the Ngorongoro Crater. With the best views of any of the lodges on the Crater rim and a good price too, the Sopa is a good bet for the more budget traveler or clients who just want to use the hotel as a base to explore the Crater and surrounding highlands.
The Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge is based around an impressive glass-fronted central atrium that overlooks the swimming pool (although few are prepared to brave the highland chill and actually swim in it). To the left and right are located the lounge and the restaurant, vast, yet inviting, rooms focused around raging fires, which, after a chilly evening drive, can be the perfect way to relax.
The restaurant has a good reputation and excellent atmosphere when the central open fires are burning, and guests make the most of the necessity of retiring from safari early when the crater closes by enjoying long and leisurely meals. The views are excellent, and the element of kitsch can be fun.
Each of the 92 rooms is well presented, spacious and warm, and they all have a glass-fronted veranda from which to enjoy crater views. They also have the added attraction of both bathtubs and showers.
