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The Ngorongoro Sopa

Right on the crater rim, you can wake with the African sun...

The Ngorongoro Sopa - Main Lodge
The Ngorongoro Sopa - Main Lodge

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Review

In the debate of whether to stay on the rim or in the Ngorongoro Highlands, the Ngorongoro Sopa is probably the place that we would opt for for those that don't have the budget to stay in the Crater Lodge. Located on the eastern side of the rim, the Sopa, while not overly luxurious really benefits from having its own access road. As the number of lodges around the crater has increased over the years, so the access from the western side (the Serena/Crater Lodge side) has become more and more blocked.

Location

This factor alone is enough to sell it in our book as, should you decide to get up early and make the effort, entering from the Sopa side will give you the crater floor practically to yourself for the first hour or so of the morning...something that can definitely not be said for accessing from the other side.

Layout

The lodge itself could certainly benefit from a bit of a refurbishment, but it is pleasant enough and for one or two nights is no problem at all. The basic layout is such that the communal areas are made up of two circular rooms, one being the lounge and the other being the dining area. Both rooms have floor to ceiling windows and are blessed with stunning views to the crater floor (benefitting from the sun rise in the mornings)

Rooms

The rooms are similarly well thought out with all of them facing the crater and so allowing for great morning views to the floor below. The interiors themselves are fairly basic with small baths and muted colours on the walls, but they are comfortable enough and, as mentioned, are ok for a couple of nights.

All in all, it is not a bad choice for those looking to be able to wake up with the views or to get that extra half hour or so on the crater floor.

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Great location with private access

Basic and big, expect buffet breakfasts!

Our rating: 
4
User rating: 
4
Price: 
3

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