4-Day Serengeti Safari with Hot-Air Balloon and Ngorongoro

4 Days Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater in just 4 days and 3 nights
  • 02 Experience intensive game viewing across three of Tanzania's most iconic safari parks
  • 03 Travel through diverse ecosystems, from elephant-rich landscapes and ancient baobabs to vast plains and a wildlife-dense crater
  • 04 Enjoy excellent chances to encounter the Big Five in Northern Tanzania
  • 05 Take a hot-air balloon safari for a memorable perspective over the Serengeti

This 4-day African safari offers a short yet intense Northern Circuit experience through Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Designed for travellers with limited time, it delivers rewarding wildlife viewing across three of Tanzania's most spectacular safari destinations. Explore diverse landscapes, from Tarangire's elephant-rich terrain to the vast plains of the Serengeti and the wildlife-dense floor of Ngorongoro Crater, with excellent chances to encounter the Big Five and many other species.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park
Languages English, French, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arusha to Ngorongoro Wildlife Viewing and Karatu Overnight

On this day, you will be picked up from your hotel and descend over 600 meters into the crater to view wildlife. Supported by a year-round water supply and fodder, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area supports a vast variety of animals, including herds of wildebeests, zebras, buffaloes, elands, warthogs, hippos, and giant African elephants. Another big drawcard to this picturesque national park is its dense population of predators, including lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, and the ever-elusive leopards, which sometimes require a trained eye to spot. A large number of flamingos, hippos, and other waterbirds can usually be seen here. In the late afternoon, you'll transfer to the campsite for an overnight stay.

Karatu Safari Camp Lodge

  • Budget lodge located 1-2hr drive from Tarangire NP

Meals & Drinks:

  • Lunch & dinner (breakfast not included)
  • All drinks (except for spirits/liquor)
2
Day 02

Transfer to Serengeti and Full-Day Game Drive

The entire day is dedicated to wildlife viewing in Serengeti National Park. After breakfast in the morning, we will transport you to Serengeti National Park, the third-largest national park in Tanzania. The Serengeti is renowned for hosting the Big Five and a variety of other animals. You will enjoy the game drive until lunchtime, allowing you to witness the diverse wildlife present in the park. After lunch, you will continue with a game drive. Afterward, you'll return to the camp for dinner and your overnight stay.

Land of Nature Camp

  • Mid-range tented camp located inside Central Serengeti NP

Meals & Drinks:

  • Meals at own expense
  • Drinks not included
3
Day 03

Early Morning Hot-Air Balloon Safari and Overnight Stay

On this day, you will enjoy an early morning balloon ride in Serengeti African Tours, descending over 600 meters into the crater to view wildlife. Supported by a year-round water supply and fodder, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area supports a vast variety of animals, including herds of wildebeests, zebras, buffaloes, elands, warthogs, hippos, and giant African elephants. Another big drawcard to this picturesque national park is its dense population of predators, including lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, and the ever-elusive leopards, which sometimes require a trained eye to spot. A large number of flamingos, hippos, and other waterbirds can usually be seen here. In the late afternoon, you'll transfer to the accommodation for an overnight stay.

Karatu Safari Camp Lodge

  • Budget lodge located in Karatu (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • All drinks (except for spirits/liquor)
4
Day 04

Ngorongoro Crater Exploration and Return to Arusha

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is in northern Tanzania. It's home to the vast, volcanic Ngorongoro Crater and the Big Five animals: elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino. Huge herds of wildebeests and zebras traverse its plains during their annual migration. Livestock belonging to the semi-nomadic Maasai people graze alongside wild animals. Hominin fossils found in the Olduvai Gorge date back millions of years. In the afternoon, you'll leave the national park and drive back to Arusha town, where our safari ends.

No accommodation (end of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

  • Breakfast & lunch (dinner not included)
  • All drinks (except for spirits/liquor)

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
4 cities · 4 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Park fees (for non-residents)
  • Hot-air balloon safari
  • All activities (unless labeled as optional)
  • All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
  • All taxes/VAT
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinks (as specified in the day-by-day section)

What's Not Included

  • International flights (from/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (tipping guideline: US$15.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • Some meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)

What to bring

  • Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright colors and black)
  • Warm layer for early mornings and evenings (it can get cold, especially in Ngorongoro)
  • Comfortable closed shoes
  • Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
  • Binoculars for better wildlife viewing
  • Camera with extra batteries or a power bank
  • Small day backpack for essentials
  • Personal medications and basic first aid items
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Passport and travel documents (kept secure and dry)

Know before you go

  • Early mornings and late afternoons are best for wildlife viewing; midday is usually slow and hot.
  • Game drives can be long and bumpy; travel times between parks are significant.
  • Wildlife is unpredictable; sightings are not guaranteed but are usually frequent in Northern Tanzania.
  • Weather changes quickly, especially around the Ngorongoro Highlands.
  • Follow guide instructions at all times for safety around wild animals.
  • Network and charging can be limited in remote areas like Serengeti.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Arusha, Tanzania
End of the journey

Your 4 days finish where they began.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

USD 2,245 /person
Book This Tour

When

Travellers

Total