...on the eastern rim of the crater, is the last of the lodges. This is the stunningly beautiful Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge. If any lodge in Tanzania deserves an international design award for imagination and environmental sensitivity, it's this one. Built to resemble an African village, at least in layout, it consists of an interlocking series of stone-walled and shingle-roofed suites, each with it's own verandah overlooking the crater, and with palatial interiors. The vast reception, dinning and bar areas are equally courageous and the landscaping excellent. There's also a swimming pool.