Access & Location
Ngorongoro Explorer is located on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Guests usually arrive by light aircraft at Lake Manyara Airstrip, and from there it’s a 90-minute drive to the lodge.
Ngorongoro Explorer
A contemporary safari lodge on the highest point of the Ngorongoro Crater edge
Lounge, bar, terraces, observation deck, cinema, wine cellar, coffee shop, boutique, wellness centre, and gym
Total of 84 safari rooms and suites, some interconnecting, all with spectacular glass-fronted views
Game drives, photographic studio, and wellness experiences
Our Yellow Zebra Opinion
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Great value for quality
We’re looking forward to the opening of the contemporary total rebuild of the old Sopa Lodge in 2027. The location and crater views are hard to beat!
Activities
Game viewing in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the main draw at Ngorongoro Explorer, but the lodge offers plenty of reasons to stay on-site.
Game drives
Photographic studio
Wellness experiences
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Game drives in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area take you down into the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera. The wildlife viewing here is indescribable, not least because you have a genuine chance at seeing all Big Five species in varying habitats, including the rare black rhino. You can also opt for a full-day experience, stopping at a scenic spot for a picnic bush lunch.
Ngorongoro Explorer has its own studio with a resident photographer on hand to help you hone your skills. Learn how to compose, capture, and edit wildlife photography, guided by an expert.
Private yoga and fitness sessions can be arranged through the wellness centre, or you might just like to re-energise at the fully equipped gym. Then treat yourself to a soothing massage or beauty treatment from their extensive menu.
Make an enquiryFacilities
Ngorongoro Explorer is built around panoramic terraces, open-fire lounges, and an observation deck where you can admire uninterrupted views across the crater.
Photography studio
Wellness centre
Cinema room
The main restaurant features two dining wings and a central buffet, and the lodge has a dedicated coffee shop, a wine cellar, and an expert resident photographer to assist with wildlife photography and editing. There’s also the option to enjoy a freshly prepared bush lunch inside the open-sided canvas dining tent. Active guests can book in for a yoga or fitness training session at the wellness centre, or choose a massage or beauty treatment for a spot of pampering. Evening entertainment includes a private lodge cinema where you can watch a curated selection of films, a lounge bar, and a rooftop bar.
Amenities
Ngorongoro Explorer features 84 rooms and suites, all designed to maximise views across the crater rim.
Of these, 78 are for double or twin occupancy, with crisp, light-filled interiors that represent a departure from traditional safari style. The remaining accommodations include six spacious suites and four wheelchair-accessible rooms with wide doorways and step-free entrances. Contemporary and tech-forward, all rooms have high-speed Wi-Fi and plenty of charging points for phones, cameras, and laptops. All modern en-suite bathrooms include a hot-water rain shower, and the private balconies offer stunning vantage points.
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