Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge: 97 Rooms on the Crater Rim

Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge stands on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, built to resemble a cluster of traditional circular African households with conical roofs. Opened in 1992 and renovated in 2013, this all-suite lodge is known for room sizes closer to suites than standard hotel rooms, each opening onto pathways lined with flowering shrubs that lead toward the pool and gardens.

Location and Access

Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge sits on the highest point of the crater’s eastern rim, around 170–190 km (roughly a 4-hour drive) from Arusha, and about 90 minutes from the Lake Manyara airstrip. This puts the lodge on the classic Northern Circuit route, close to Olduvai Gorge and the Empakaai Crater for day-trip options.

Rooms and Suites

There are 97 rooms in total, including a wheelchair-accessible room and five interconnecting rooms, each with two queen-size beds. Every room includes an en-suite bathroom with shower, central heating, tea and coffee facilities, an in-room safe, a minibar, and an enclosed solarium that frames uninterrupted views of the crater floor. French windows in many rooms let guests watch the crater’s dramatic sunsets without leaving their bed.

Dining and Evening Experience

Meals are served at the Lemala Hill Restaurant, blending international and local flavors, while the Crater View Bar — fitted with a fireplace and Maasai carvings — is the spot for an evening drink after a game drive. The lounge and lobby areas invite guests to relax over Tanzanian highland tea between meals.

Safari and On-Site Activities

Game drives head down into the Ngorongoro Crater itself, one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, with resident lion, elephant, buffalo, and rhino populations. From the lodge, guests can also arrange day trips to Olduvai Gorge, the “Cradle of Mankind,” visits to nearby Maasai villages, or an excursion to the flamingo-lined Empakaai Crater lake.

Amenities and Facilities

Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a gift and curio shop, Wi-Fi in public areas, a business center, laundry and dry-cleaning service, babysitting on request, and a 2,500 sq ft conference room that seats up to 80 people. Most Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge stays include all meals and Conservation Area/crater fees, with game drives run by a private driver-guide.

Why Book Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge

For travelers who want spacious, suite-style rooms and a solarium view of the crater from every unit, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge is a strong fit. It suits families and groups who value room size and full-board convenience alongside direct access to the Ngorongoro Crater’s wildlife.

Plan Your Northern Tanzania Safari

This lodge pairs naturally with a wider itinerary. See our guide to Northern Tanzania safari lodges for nearby options such as Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge and Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, or browse our sample safari packages to build a full circuit around a crater-rim stay.

For official rates, room availability, and current property details, visit the Sopa Lodges official Ngorongoro page. For crater entry fees and conservation rules, see the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority website.