Planning Tanzanian safari in June. 2 nights at the N crater. Can anyone advise please as which will provide the best view of the crater from balconies, (I know it sort of depends upon which room you have), is it the Serena lodge or the Sopa lodge. I am sure it is the Crater lodge but too expensive. Hope someone can help

www.ifilm.com/video/2807091

Don't know about the Sopa, but you can see the view & inside of my room at the Serena.

You can also see our day in the Crater.

Considering the fact that the Sopa is on the eastern rim of the Crater you get the true sunset in the west. As I recall, I was able to see into the crater from everywhere while staying at the Serena, and believe it was likewise at the Sopa. But, since you return to the lodge at dusk, there isn't much to see after dark. If you have an afternoon of leisure, there's a pool at the Sopa, or opt for a walk around the crater rim with a naturalist if staying at the Serena. If at the Sopa you can arrange a trek to Olmoti Crater. Lots to do.

Waynehazle,

fantastic film of buffalos seeing off the pride of lions. Hope I encounter something just as exciting. The Serena looks good and view of crater will keep one occupied during afternoon

Many thanks for the film

If you end up at the Serena, be sure to ask for a room on the upper level -- some of the lower level rooms have obstructed views (you can look across to the far side of the crater, but cannot look down into the crater).