After enjoying a long leisurely game drive between herds of wild animals and along miles of Africa?s seemingly endless roads you come over a slight rise and the lodge appears almost immediately below you Built to blend in with the vastness of its surroundings Tarangire Sopa Lodge lies hidden among the kopjes ancient baobab and grasses of the Tarangire National Park - home to the greatest concentration of elephants in Africa Many can be seen around the lodge allowing visitors a close encounter Built on different levels the main public area building offers an extremely cool respite from the outdoor heat as soon as you step into the reception With a perfumed towel and a chilled welcome drink in hand you suddenly become aware of the sheer size of the lobby with its glistening marble floors colourful hand-woven carpets and an incredibly high roof From here a short flight of steps takes you up a level and into the lounge and bar with floor to ceiling windows an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy an evening sundowner and later perhaps a game of pool in the area behind the bar