UTALII WETU : NGORONGORO SOPA LODGE SCOOPS THE WORLD'S BEST HOTEL IN 2014

By ADAM IHUCHA -- The Profile of Tanzania’s hospitality industry has raised a rung higher, thanks to Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge for being voted as the best hotel in the world.

The Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge on the secluded Lemala hill, the uppermost eastern rim of Ngorongoro Crater, was announced by the prestigious global Travel + Leisure Magazine as the ‘World’s Best Hotel Service Award winner’ for 2014.

The United States of America based influential magazine’s annual award serves to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence of hotels and lodges, across the world, among others.

In its 19^th annual poll, Travel + Leisure asked its discerning readers across the globe to cast their votes for their favorite hotels, airlines cruise lines, cities, island and others that define the very best in travel. 
 “Bravo! Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge is a 2014 Travel + Leisure World’s best award winner. Your brand represents one of the greatest travel experiences to be had around the globe,” reads a recognition letter to Sopa Lodge signed by the magazine’s Publisher, Mr. Jay Meyer.

The letter dated August 4^th, 2014 to Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge General Manager, Hashim Mohamed, Mr. Meyer wrote; “Our readers – the ultimate global citizens – have spoken. Now its your turn to share this news with the world”.

Commenting, Mr. Mohamed said: “We are delighted and honored by this award that is a mark of confidence by our satisfied customers, indeed its gratifying and will reinforce our commitment to hospitality excellence”.

While the guests come to the lodge for its prime location and wildlife viewing, they stay for its impeccable service experience.

In recognition of excellence, the lodge has also won several other international awards such as Certificate of excellence from Trip Advisor for the last consecutive three years, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

In additional, the lodge also has been awarded, the studiosus Quality award 2011 for outstanding level of customers satisfaction, Zoover award 2013, for being one of the highly recommended hotel by Zoovers visitors, Holidaycheck Quality award 2014 for one of the best rated hotels in the world.

“This is as a result of concerted efforts by all staff in providing exceptional hospitality that compliments our great location,” Mr. Mohamed explained.

According to him, the greatest secret behind the success story is regular staff trainings, employee recognition programs, empowerment and working as a team.

“Its our responsibility to provide our guests with the exceptional experience that is memorable and as a result share their positive experience with the world” he noted.

Facing the always magnificent sunsets to the west, and located at the highest point on Ngorongoro crater’s entire rim, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge stands well over half a kilometre above the crater floor and offers unparalleled views across this enormous caldera.

Themed around traditionally circular African houses with conical roofs, and decorated with examples of Africa’s rich tapestry of artistic traditions by way of rich woodcarvings and sculptures, the lodge harmonizes perfectly with its dramatic surroundings. 

But the drama does not just stop with the great outdoors: it also flows through the split level interiors of the main building which all offer an unsurpassed generosity of space while somehow managing to combine an almost magically welcoming ambience of both warmth and coziness.

Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) CEO, Mr. Sirili Akko applauded Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge for flying Tanzania as a prime tourism destination high by providing quality service to the globe tourists.