Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge — Hotel in Arusha

So I selected this lodge over the tour operator's choice. Wish I had listened to the tour operator. First and foremost: they ban the driver-guides from dining with the guests. Horrible! This is a great time to talk with the guide and get to know them and plan out the day. I hated not having my fabulous driver-guide around. Second, it was cold at night, but they are too cheap to turn the heat on; instead, they give you hot water bottles. But only for one of the beds! We had four people in two beds, and half are to freeze to death? Oh and it is coldest in the morning ... when the hot water bottles are no longer hot. I did enjoy a friendly staff; the food was decidedly Indian in flavor, but luckily the buffet had a few other choices. The views from the main lodge/pool are good of the crater. Sunrise and sunset are not superb due to location of the sun (at least in June). Did not have a view of crater from room, but did have a waterbuck hanging out in front of it. Next time, I skip this one and listen to my tour operator (EarthLife Expeditions) on their lodging options. All the ones they chose...

Very nice accommodations but all 6 of us are senior citizens and we were placed in bungalows 81 thru 83 which was 31 to 33 bungalows away from the lodge. Going to our room was all downhill which meant walking back to the lodge for dinner was all uphill. Had to stop and rest to catch my breath twice. Also shocked to find out they don't supply any beverages at our prepaid dinner, not even water. Would have brought my own water bottle if I had known. At those prices, they should include at least 1 glass of water! Dining room was so crowded I couldn't pull out my chair far enough to easily get in it without contorting myself. The noise level because of so many people made conversation impossible. I can deal with that and with remembering to bring my own water to dinner next time but if I can't be guaranteed a bungalow closer to the main lodge, I won't be returning here. The only "pros" were the view from the back of the lodge and the distance of the lodge to the crater entrance. Otherwise, much...

We have stayed in a lot of lodges across India, Kenya, South Africa and Tanzania. I have no doubt that Sopa Ngorongoro is the best lodge we have stayed at.||The location is fantastic, on the ridge of the Ngorongoro crater, with excellent views. One can while away time sitting in the lobby or the pool area just gazing at the views. The rooms are massive with a separate box room and huge bathrooms. All rooms have french windows with panoramic views.||The food at the restaurant is top class, as is the service. Dinner is typically a sit down 5 course meal with entertainment by the staff. Breakfast starts early, so that you can proceed for your safari quickly. The lodge packs lunch, so you do not have to drive back. The wifi is quite strong in the lobby.||The hotel oozes class and luxury in it’s construction and decor, it feels like something out of an Alan Quatermain story !!||I would highly recommend the place to anyone who is interested in exploring...