Reviews of Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
23 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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83% success
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25% success
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"Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge review"
We were the only guests of the lodge, giving us a deep sense of privilege to be there.
The road to get there is really awful after the rains and especially after having arrived from an international flight.
My advice is not to get there directly after arrival on day one." See all these reviews: 5n in Tanzania
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Perfect location for Ngorongoro"
Buffalo
8 sightings
Elephant
2 sightings
Hippo
5 sightings
Lion
5 sightings
Spotted Hyena
2 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Wonderful views when the mist clears"
The crater is quite amazing in its size and the amount of big game and birds that are there, the view from the hotel on the crater edge is spectacular when the early morning mist burns off.
We managed to see our first leopard standing in the mist beside the track as we left on our last day." See all these reviews: 17n in Kenya; 9n in Zimbabwe; 6n in Tanzania; 5n in Botswana; 5n in Zambia
Black Rhino
5 sightings
Buffalo
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
10 sightings
Spotted Hyena
10 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Perfect "
Arriving early evening, time to settle in, have dinner and then an early start the next morning to go down to the Crater.
Spend most of the day in the amazing Crater with picnic breakfast and picnic lunch; then late afternoon visit a nearby Masai village before returning to the Lodge for dinner." See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Eland
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Great view - too big"
However the rooms are hotel like, so if you need a break from the tents it is a good option.
Food was a big average buffet. Staff was mixed. Rooms were big and nice.
The ride to the lodge is long and bumpy, however worth the trip since the crater is unbelievable." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania
Black Rhino
Multiple sightings
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Leopard
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge review"
Quick access to the crater was a big plus. The game drives were fantastic.
We saw lions attempt to catch a water buffalo.
The hippos pools were outstanding." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar
Buffalo
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Lion
10 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge review"
"Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge Review"
1) it's got the best access into the crater on the only two-way road, so getting to the crater floor at the crack of dawn is possible.
2) We knew that the lodge was the largest on the crater, and hence the most impersonal, but had great views and was quite decent.
And it was all of the above. Rooms were large, showers (hot water only during certain hours - not a problem) were also large, each room had its own little sunroom, the common outdoor areas were spacious and perfect for amazing sunset views. There is a pool for those brave enough for the slightly chilly temps. The elevation is over 8,000' so don't be surprised if you find yourself slightly out of breath after hopping upstairs. Take advantage of the guards after dark on the walk back and forth to the dining room. Two large water buck were hanging outside our room! Breakfast and dinner were buffet style with many options and lunch was a la carte. The food was perfectly fine but not the highlight.
However, the experience on the crater floor and being literally the first car there in the morning, was remarkable and for that reason alone I would stay in Sopa again. However, the road along the crater rim to arrive at the camp - wow - and hour plus of really bad road. but this seems to be the case throughout the crater." See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar
"Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge review"
A cross between a circa 1975 East German mountain retreat for Honecker's top politburo people.....meets Romanian orphanage.
Between the limited rationed hot water and the cigarette burn holes in my WW2 era scout blanket....the common area only wifi -- I was not happy to say the least.
However, in spite of the dismal interior with no terrace or balcony... the view of the crater was stunning and the staff could not have been more proactive or eager to satisfy. The food in the main dining room was surprisingly good, especially the curries." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 4n in Kenya
"East Africa Manager"
"A taste of luxury"
Really enjoyable entertainment on Christmas Eve by an acrobatic group and a performance from the staff choir. A nice touch that each room received a Christmas gift. Great atmosphere. Excellent food and service. Opened for breakfast especially early so that we could get an early start to the day's game drive.
The rooms were so incredibly spacious that we could have easily made do with one room instead of 2 (each room had two double beds). Might be worth giving families this option." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar
Holiday styles & special interests in Tanzania
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Tanzania.
Other lodges in Ngorongoro Crater
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Plantation Lodge
A relaxed base between Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara, Plantation Lodge has lush grounds and offers good value and high standards.
Gibbs Farm
Located not far from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Gibb's Farm has comfy rooms, homegrown food and strong community links
Lemala Ngorongoro
Lemala Ngorongoro is a small, comfortable tented camp on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater with lovely walking in the vicinity.
Entamanu Ngorongoro
Opened in 2016, Entamanu Ngorongoro is a small camp high on the Crater rim with views towards the crater and the plains of the Serengeti.
Crater Lodge
The ultra-luxurious Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is perched in a spectacular location on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater.
The Highlands
The Highlands is a unique camp near Olmoti Crater, north of Ngorongoro, offering drives, walks and cultural visits from a beautiful remote setting.
Rhino Lodge
Rhino Lodge is a simple, good-value lodge with a great location near the crater rim, in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Farmhouse Lodge
Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge is set on a 750-acres working farm. Close to the NCA gate, it makes a great base for exploring the Crater.
Rhotia Valley Ttd. Lodge
Rhotia Valley is a simple lodge with a strong commitment to the local community, including a children's home, which guests may visit.
Ngorongoro Serena
The large, hotel-like Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge sits on the western rim of Ngorongoro Crater and has stunning views of the caldera.
Bougainvillea Lodge
Bougainvillea Safari Lodge provides an economical base from which to visit Lake Manyara or the Ngorongoro Crater.
The Manor
The Manor is a smart, family-friendly Cape-Dutch-style lodge, offering high-quality service and food in very comfortable surroundings.
Neptune Ngorongoro
Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge is a smart hilltop lodge with log-style cottages set close to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Wildlife Lodge
Stay at the Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge while on road safari in Northern Tanzania's spectacular Ngorongoro Crater area.
Crater's Edge
Craters Edge is an intimate luxury property on the north-eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp
A small tented camp, located on the eastern side of the Ngorongoro Crater rim, with a five minute drive to crater descent gate.
Lion's Paw
Located on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, this camp has stunning panoramic views down onto the crater floor. A five minute drive to the nearest descent gate allows for early access into the crater, maximising on avoiding the large crowds
Ngorongoro Fly-Camp
Explore the remote northern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater on a two-day hike and spend the night in this small fly-camp.
Country Lodge
Country Lodge is conveniently located on the edge of Karatu and provides a comfortable base for exploring Ngorongoro Crater or Lake Manyara.
