Serengeti Sopa Lodge: Our full report

Approaching the Serengeti Sopa Lodge from the front gives you the impression that this is rather an uninspiring hotel. The front of the hotel is a slightly gaudy brick red, and sprawls out along the top of a hill. However, its location is stunning with spectacular views across the Serengeti and the hotel itself is good value, spotlessly clean and friendly.

The Serengeti Sopa Lodge is part of the Sopa chain which also includes the Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge and Tarangire Sopa Lodge. With over 70 bedrooms this is a relatively large hotel, and has all of the facilities you may expect from a place of this size. The main areas include a lounge, dining area and bar – all looking out over the Serengeti. In front is a large swimming pool, around which are sun loungers, tables and chairs. There is even an outside gym, TV room and shop.

These main areas of the Serengeti Sopa Lodge are decorated in bright colours, with tiled floors and heavy wooden furniture. The décor is arguably a little dated, however almost the entire front is glass and so these areas feel bright and spacious. They are also meticulously maintained by the staff and so are always spotlessly clean.

There are two different standard of bedroom at the Serengeti Sopa Lodge; the majority of the rooms are standard rooms though there are also a few suites.

These rooms are very similar in style – with the same bright colours used as the main areas. The rooms have a slightly rustic feel to them and are fronted with huge glass windows so that you can make the most of the views. The rooms are quite simple and functional and slightly lacking in African character – but they are spacious and comfortable.

The standard rooms have two double beds with mosquito netting, hanging space for cloths, a mini bar and hairdryer and a balcony. They also have ensuite bathrooms with a flush toilet and hot shower.

The suites are much larger and spread over two levels, with a lounge on the ground floor and the bedroom and bathroom upstairs. These rooms have plenty of space to relax, including numerous sofas and a vast king-sized bed!

As with the standard rooms, the suites have a mini bar, hairdryer and hanging space for clothes, though they also have a standing fan for hot evenings. The ensuite bathroom also has a huge bath and twin shower.

Activities from the lodge include safari drives, which you would do with your own private vehicle and guide. The lodge isn't able to offer any additional activities.

Our View

The Serengeti Sopa Lodge is a rather gaudy safari hotel and not particularly stylish. However it is a very friendly lodge and considering its size it feels really personal. It is also good value and so for those who prefer the idea of staying in a hotel rather than a tented camp – this is a really good alternative.

Geographics

Location: Serengeti Migration Area, Tanzania

Directions: To reach the Serengeti Sopa Lodge, it is a one hour drive from the Serengeti park gate and about 40 minutes from Seronera airstrip.

Key personnel

Owner: Property Chain – Sopa Lodges

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Food quality: The food at the Serengeti Sopa Lodge is usually served in a buffet style and is of a reasonable standard. It isn't particularly fancy however it is always tasty and very hearty. You also have the option to eat in the hotel or take a boxed meal out with you so you can spend the full day exploring the Serengeti National Park.

The breakfast is always a vast buffet with cereals, fruits, yogurts and breads. There is also a selection if cooked breakfast items such as bacon, sausage, baked beans, tomatoes and eggs.

Lunch is then a three course meal, with a few choices for each course. When we were last at the Serengeti Sopa Lodge we had choice of chicken wings with a sweet chili dip or soup for a starter. Then the main course was a choice of chicken supreme, fish, a beef burger or tomato pasta. For desert we could opt for either a chocolate mouse or a fruit platter.

Dinner is then usually a la carte and served to the table. Though they do also occasionally put on special nights. When we were there we had a really tasty 'Africa buffet' night which included Ethiopian beef stew, chapati, ugali (thick corn porridge) and kachumbari (tomato and onion salad).

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor Dining

Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included

Drinks included: Drinks are not included at the Serengeti Sopa Lodge, but you can expect to pay about US$2 for a beer or US$30 – 40 for a bottle of wine.

Children

Attitude towards children: Serengeti Sopa Lodge welcomes children of all ages

Equipment: The Serengeti Sopa Lodge has cots and baby chairs and can assist with babysitting from the housekeeping. Though parents should note that housekeeping staff are not specially trained in child care. The Serengeti Sopa Lodge can also do special meals for kids.

Generally recommended for children: Yes

Notes: The Serengeti Sopa Lodge is very friendly and welcoming towards families, it also has a great pool which children will really enjoy.

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

Communications: There is cell phone reception at the Serengeti Sopa Lodge and an internet café which charge US$10 for half an hour

TV & radio: The Serengeti Sopa Lodge has a TV room with satellite television

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: The Serengeti Sopa Lodge has a doctor on site which is free of charge. They also have links to flying doctors.

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Security measures: There are 12 askaris (Africa guards) dotted around the property and guests are escorted to their rooms at night in case of wildlife.

Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers dotted around the main areas and between rooms. There is also an evacuation card in all the rooms with an assembly point indicated.

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: Laundry is an extra charge.

Money: The Serengeti Sopa Lodge can exchange small amounts of cash and can also give you cash back from your card.