9 Days Serengeti Balloon Safari
Places You'll See
Tour Overview
This 9-day safari takes you through Tanzania’s top wildlife destinations, from the elephant-rich Tarangire to the lush Ngorongoro Crater and the endless plains of the Serengeti. A highlight of the trip is the Serengeti balloon safari, offering a unique view of the Great Migration from the sky. The journey begins in Arusha and includes a domestic flight to southern Serengeti to maximize time in the heart of the migration.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a Leviva Travel and Tours guide will be waiting. A short drive leads to your lodge in Arusha, where you can rest after your journey. If time allows, a city tour can be arranged.
Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park, home to large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. The Tarangire River attracts wildlife throughout the year, making it a great spot for game viewing. Lions, leopards, and a variety of antelopes roam the park. Spend the day exploring before heading to your lodge or tented camp for the night.
Day 3: Tarangire – Lake Manyara National Park
A short drive takes you to Lake Manyara National Park, known for tree-climbing lions and large flocks of flamingos. The park’s mix of forest, savanna, and the alkaline lake creates a diverse habitat for wildlife. Watch for elephants moving through the trees, hippos wallowing in the water, and baboons in the forest. After a full day, settle in at your lodge near the Rift Valley escarpment.
Day 4: Lake Manyara – Ngorongoro Crater
Head toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stopping at viewpoints overlooking the crater. Descend into the caldera, a natural enclosure packed with wildlife, including the Big Five. Lions rest in the grasslands, rhinos graze in the open, and hippos cool off in the pools. After a day in this remarkable setting, drive to your accommodation on the crater rim or nearby.
Day 5: Ngorongoro – Serengeti National Park (Fly to Southern Serengeti)
An early transfer to the airstrip for a flight to the southern Serengeti. This region is a key part of the Great Migration, with thousands of wildebeests and zebras spread across the plains. Upon landing, a game drive offers a chance to see predators like cheetahs and lions following the herds. Spend the night at a lodge or tented camp in the heart of the migration.
Day 6: Serengeti National Park – Serengeti Balloon Safari
Before sunrise, head to the launch site for the Serengeti balloon safari. Float above the plains as the sun rises, watching the migration from a new perspective. Wildebeests move in massive numbers, while giraffes and elephants wander below. After landing, celebrate with a bush breakfast before continuing with game drives in the Serengeti. Return to your camp or lodge in the evening.
Day 7: Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti
Spend the day exploring different areas of the Serengeti, following migration routes and tracking predators. The central and southern regions are prime spots for lion sightings, and open plains offer a chance to see cheetahs in action. With endless landscapes and abundant wildlife, each game drive is unique. Overnight in the Serengeti.
Day 8: Serengeti – Flight to Arusha
A final morning game drive before heading to the airstrip for a flight back to Arusha. Upon arrival, transfer to your lodge for a relaxing afternoon. Depending on your schedule, explore local markets or enjoy the lodge’s surroundings.
Day 9: Departure
Depending on your flight time, there may be time for a leisurely breakfast or last-minute shopping. Transfer to the airport for your departure, bringing an end to the safari.
Tour Price Inclusion and Exclusion
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks