Serengeti Explorer by Elewana (formerly Serengeti Sopa)

Serengeti Explorer by Elewana — New Era on the Nyaboro Hills

Serengeti Explorer by Elewana opened in January 2025 on the site of the former Serengeti Sopa Lodge, following an extensive refurbishment and rebrand by Elewana Collection — part of the Minor Hotels group. It is the first property in the new "Explorer by Elewana" brand, which targets the mid-market safari guest with a more accessible price point than Elewana's flagship luxury collection, while maintaining the group's strong standards for wildlife experiences, food and activities.

The lodge sits high on the Nyaboro Hills in the central Serengeti, with views stretching for miles across the iconic plains — a position well-suited for watching the Great Migration and benefiting from Seronera's year-round resident wildlife. With 68 rooms and 6 suites, it is one of the larger properties in the central Serengeti, designed to accommodate groups, families, first-time visitors and experienced safari-goers alike.

Accommodation

Sixty-eight well-appointed explorer rooms and six suites, all with private balconies offering unobstructed Serengeti views. Room configurations cater to couples, friends, families and groups, with interconnecting rooms and wheelchair-accessible rooms available. Interiors reflect the vibrant colours of the Tanzanian savannah — bold, festive tones inspired by the mustard, orange and terracotta of African soils. Dining options range from a formal chef's table with an on-site sommelier and extensive wine cellar, to a boma restaurant serving bush-style African dinners. A rooftop bar delivers panoramic cocktail hours at sunset.

Activities

A stargazing deck with a resident astronomy guide provides a galactic night safari under the African sky — a distinctive feature that no other central Serengeti property can match at this scale. Morning and afternoon game drives into the Serengeti. Hot-air balloon safaris. Cultural community excursions. Game drives cover the Seronera Valley's year-round big-cat concentration, the migration herds (April-June northward, November-December southward), and the surrounding central Serengeti ecosystem.

Who Is Serengeti Explorer Best For?

The Explorer is designed for the mid-market safari guest who wants Elewana quality and programming — particularly the stargazing and chef's table — at a price below the Elewana luxury collection. It suits first-time Tanzania visitors, groups (74 rooms accommodates large parties), families with children, and anyone who values a stellar dining and stargazing programme alongside game drives. At $900 per room (not per person) it is competitively priced for what it delivers.