Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge

Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge stands on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, well away from the cluster of lodges on the opposite side, and it has its own access road down to the crater floor. That means you can be among the crater’s lions, buffalo, elephants and great herds of wildebeest and zebra early in the day, before most other vehicles arrive. Game drives on the crater floor are daytime only, so guests typically set off early and return for a relaxed evening. The lodge has 92 rooms, each with a glass-fronted veranda looking straight across the crater, and every room has both a bath and a shower. A glass-fronted atrium faces the crater too, and the lounge and restaurant have open fires, welcome on cool highland evenings. There is a swimming pool, although the altitude keeps temperatures fresh, and short walks around the lodge can be arranged. The lodge suits travellers wanting a comfortable base for one or two nights to explore the crater and the highlands, including families and those on a first safari.