Standing over half a kilometre above the crater floor
Themed around traditional circular African houses, with stone walls and conical roofs
Location: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge is dramatically perched on the eastern rim of Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater, at the highest point along the rim - roughly 500-600 metres above the crater floor. It provides exceptional panoramic views over the vast caldera below, especially during spectacular sunset hours. Despite being off the more crowded western rim, it enjoys direct access via a private descent road, offering both seclusion and convenience for crater-bound trips.
Rooms: The lodge comprises 97 spacious en-suite rooms, including 91 doubles, 6 single rooms, among which 5 are inter-connecting (ideal for families) and one wheelchair-accessible room. All rooms are house in two-storey rondavels that echo traditional conical African huts, each with glass-fronted solarium or balcony offer exquisite crater views. Central heating, hot water bottles at turndown, queen-size beds, private safe, minibar, and a writing desk ensure comfort at altitude.
Amenities: Public areas centre around a stylish glass-fronted atrium with lounge and restaurant spaces overlooking the crater. Guests can lounge by the outdoor swimming pool, enjoy sundowners or teas in the bear by an inviting fireplace, or browse the on-site gift shop. Additional conveniences include laundry, room service, babysitting on request, Wi-Fi in public areas, business/conference facilities, and central-heating-enhanced cosy interiors.
Activities: The lodge offers exclusive early access to the crater via its private access road, allowing guests to be among the first vehicle down at dawn. Game drives traverse the sheltered crater floor, which hosts resident rhino, lion, buffalo, and dense wildlife during all seasons. Additional experiences include guided walks along the crater rim, Maasai cultural visits, excursions to Olduvai Gorge and Empakaai or Olmoti Craters, as well as arranged bush breakfasts or crater-edge sundowner dinners.
Sustainability: While information on eco-systems is more limited, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge demonstrates environmental consciousness through local sourcing, integration into the Conservation Area regulations, and sensitive architectural design that blends with the rim's natural vegetation. The lodge's operations support the conservation of this UNESCO-listed crater, and staff engagement in hospitality reflects responsible tourism ethos.
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When to visit Tanzania
Find out the best time to visit Tanzania with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is mixed when it comes to weather, temperatures rise whilst the chance of rain and humidity increases. It is still a good time to go, as the rates are lower yet the game viewing is still excellent.
- During this time migratory herds are in the Serengeti for calving season, meaning the Ndutu plains are busy.
February
The weather remains hot with a chance of rain in February.
- Meanwhile in the Ndutu Plains the migration is still occurring.
March
March is the calm before the storm, before heavy rains and humidity builds. Visitors can take great advantage of lower rates during the low season.
- Migrating herds start to leave Ndutu, heading West towards Grumeti.
April
April experiences continued periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.
May
During may there is periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.
June
June heralds the wet season, bringing lush green vegetation which can make spotting game more difficult. It is a particularly great time for birders as parks become populated by migratory birds especially in the South.
- Migration is still in the Grumeti area, heading north.
July
July is the start of peak season, temperatures reach up to 30 degrees and the surrounding land becomes drier and spotting game is becoming easier.
- The migration is in the Northern Serengeti moving towards Kenya.
August
August is peak season, with bush land drying out game spotting becomes much easier. If you want to experience Tanzania game at its best, August is the time to travel.
- The migration still remains in the north.
September
Peak season continues in September, the Northern circuit can be very busy, if you want to avoid crowds it's best to visit the southern parks.
- The end of the migration is still in the north with herds on both side of the Kenyan and Tanzanian borders.
October
Peak season continues into October with good game viewing in the Serengeti and southern parks.
- The migration has now crossed over into Kenya.
November
November is the start of the rainy season, the rains tend to be overnight so it is still a popular time to travel. During this month you can take advantage of low season rates.
- Migration crossing over into the Serengeti can be seen a the Tanzania and Kenya border.
December
Rains continue in December, whilst the temperature and humidity start to build. Venturing out on safari is generally good, with large game still easily spotted.
- Migrating herds in the north travel south back to Ndutu.
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