7-Day Tanzania Big Five Safari with Serengeti Balloon and Materuni

7 Days Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater on a private Big Five safari
  • 02 Float above the Serengeti at sunrise on a hot air balloon safari
  • 03 Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in wildlife
  • 04 Enjoy a walking safari in Tarangire for a closer perspective on the bush
  • 05 Canoe on Lake Manyara past submerged trees and animals at the water's edge
  • 06 Visit a traditional Maasai boma and discover local culture
  • 07 Join a Materuni coffee tour in the lush foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro
  • 08 Walk to the 70-meter Materuni Waterfalls through green farmlands and forest paths

Experience a private Big Five safari through Tanzania's top wildlife destinations, including Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti. This journey combines classic game drives with a walking safari, a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Serengeti, canoeing on Lake Manyara, and a cultural coffee tour in Materuni. Stay in carefully selected lodges and tented camps while exploring diverse landscapes, from baobab-dotted plains to crater floors and the lush foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is an unforgettable blend of wildlife, scenery, comfort, and authentic local experiences.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park
Languages English, French, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival Safari in Tarangire Among Giants and Baobabs

Your safari begins right after arrival with a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its ancient baobab trees and iconic elephant herds. This park offers a spectacular welcome to Tanzania's wildlife, far from the crowds. On your first game drive, you may encounter majestic elephants, elegant giraffes, and even lions resting in the grasslands.

In the late afternoon, you'll settle into Tarangire Safari Lodge, uniquely located inside the park, offering panoramic views over the savannah and the Tarangire River. Watching wildlife from your veranda as the sun sets is an experience few travelers ever forget. Dinner and overnight.

Tarangire Safari Lodge

  • Mid-range tented camp located inside Tarangire NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Walking Safari and Game Drive in Tarangire

The day begins with a walking safari, an unforgettable experience guided by an expert ranger. On foot, you'll trace animal tracks through the savannah, explore hidden corners of the bush, and get astonishingly close to giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. It's a deep, sensory connection to the wild.

Afterward, you'll continue your exploration with a classic game drive. Tarangire's varied landscape promises more wildlife encounters, from playful elephant herds to the possibility of spotting big cats. This combination of walking and driving offers an immersive, layered experience of the African wilderness. Dinner and overnight.

Tarangire National Park Accommodation: Kankari Lodge

  • Mid-range lodge located 1-2hr drive from Tarangire NP

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • All drinks (except spirits/liquor)
3
Day 03

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Transfer to Serengeti

You'll begin your day with a thrilling game drive inside the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a vast natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers unmatched chances to see elephants, lions, and the elusive black rhino. The towering crater walls surround lush grasslands and shimmering lakes, creating a stunning setting for unforgettable wildlife encounters and photography.

After an inspiring morning, you'll travel into the legendary Serengeti, where endless plains stretch as far as the eye can see. Along the way, you will visit a traditional Maasai boma to experience authentic local culture. By sunset, you'll arrive at your luxury lodge or tented camp, immersed in the sights and sounds of the African wilderness. Dinner and overnight.

Tukaone Weavers Camp

  • Mid-range tented camp located inside Central Serengeti NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Full-Day Serengeti Wildlife Adventure

You'll explore the vast Serengeti plains on a full-day game drive, renowned for its incredible diversity of wildlife. You'll witness large herds of wildebeest and zebras grazing alongside predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Your expert guide will lead you to the best spots for unforgettable sightings and share fascinating insights about the ecosystem.

You will enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature before continuing your safari adventure, soaking in the breathtaking landscapes of Africa's iconic wilderness. Dinner and overnight.

Tukaone Weavers Camp

  • Mid-range tented camp located inside Central Serengeti NP

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • All drinks (except spirits/liquor)
5
Day 05

Sunrise Serengeti Balloon Safari and Transfer to Karatu

You'll begin your day with an early morning hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti, floating gently above endless savannahs as the sun rises. This once-in-a-lifetime experience offers spectacular views of wildlife and landscapes from a unique vantage point.

After landing, you'll enjoy a celebratory champagne breakfast before departing for your transfer game drive to the peaceful Country Lodge Karatu. You'll relax and unwind in comfort, reflecting on the magic of your Kiliclimb adventure. Dinner and overnight.

Country Lodge Karatu

  • Mid-range lodge located in Karatu (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • All drinks (except spirits/liquor)
6
Day 06

Lake Manyara Safari and Canoeing Adventure

Lake Manyara National Park impresses with its diverse landscapes, from lush groundwater forests to open plains and dramatic escarpments. During the game drive, you may encounter elephants, tree-climbing lions, baboons, and a wide range of bird species. Due to rising water levels, flamingos have become rare visitors, yet the park remains a peaceful oasis full of natural beauty.

A canoeing excursion on the lake offers a unique and tranquil perspective, gliding past submerged trees and watching animals come to the water's edge.

After this varied day in the park, you will continue your journey toward Arusha, where your lodge awaits you for a relaxing evening.

Arusha Planet Lodge

  • Mid-range lodge located in Arusha (City)

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • All drinks (except spirits/liquor)

Dinner and overnight.

7
Day 07

Materuni Coffee Tour and Waterfalls Finale

After your safari, you'll enjoy a refreshing change of pace with a scenic drive to the lush foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Here, you'll visit the village of Materuni, home to the Chagga people, for an authentic coffee tour. You'll learn how coffee is grown, harvested, and roasted using traditional methods, and join in the joyful ritual of grinding beans and brewing your own cup.

Afterward, you'll have a guided walk that takes you through green farmlands and forest paths to the stunning Materuni Waterfalls. Surrounded by tropical vegetation, this 70-meter cascade offers a serene setting and a chance to cool your feet in the fresh mountain waters, an ideal finale to your Tanzanian adventure.

Depending on your departure time, your driver will transfer you to either Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey, bringing with you unforgettable memories of Tanzania's wildlife, landscapes, and local culture.

No accommodation.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
6 cities · 7 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 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$20.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

  • Passport
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa (if required)
  • Lightweight safari clothing
  • Long-sleeved shirts
  • Long trousers
  • Warm jacket or fleece
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sandals
  • Hat or cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Swimsuit (optional)
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm
  • Insect repellent
  • Personal medications
  • Toiletries
  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Mobile phone
  • Phone charger
  • Power bank
  • Extra camera batteries
  • Memory cards
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Small daypack
  • Cash for personal expenses and tips
  • Warm clothing for the early morning balloon safari
  • Closed-toe shoes for the balloon safari
  • Good mood and sense of adventure
  • Luggage recommendation: soft-sided duffel bag, maximum 15-20 kg (33-44 lbs).

Know before you go

  • Carry your passport and travel documents at all times.
  • Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your travel date.
  • Check visa requirements before traveling to Tanzania.
  • Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
  • Pack light and use a soft-sided bag whenever possible.
  • Wear neutral-colored clothing such as khaki, brown, green, or beige.
  • Mornings and evenings can be cool, so bring a warm jacket.
  • Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
  • Use insect repellent, especially during the evening.
  • Follow your guide's instructions at all times for your safety.
  • Do not feed, approach, or disturb wildlife.
  • Keep noise levels low during game drives to avoid disturbing animals.
  • Stay inside the safari vehicle unless your guide advises otherwise.
  • Bring cash for drinks, souvenirs, and staff gratuities.
  • Electricity in lodges may be limited in some remote areas.
  • Mobile network coverage and Wi-Fi may be limited in national parks.
  • Respect local cultures and traditions.
  • The hot air balloon safari starts before sunrise, so be prepared for an early wake-up.
  • Carry a camera and binoculars to make the most of your wildlife experience.
  • Tanzania uses the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but US Dollars are widely accepted.
  • Prepare for unforgettable wildlife encounters and spectacular African landscapes.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Arusha, Tanzania
End of the journey

Your 7 days finish where they began.

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