There are 4 lodges on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. We recommend incorporating 1 or 2 nights on the rim of the Crater in every safari itinerary. The top lodge on the Crater is undoubtedly the luxurious Crater Lodge (5-star). The Sopa Lodge (4-star) is recommended for the serious wildlife enthusiast as it has a private and convenient access road to the Crater floor, which can save 1.5-hours off a round trip game drive. The Serena Lodge (4-star) offers the best deluxe accommodations while the Wildlife Lodge (3-star) is recommended for budget itineraries or as an alternate property should the other lodges be full.