6-Day Luxury Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari with Balloon Experience

6 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Maasai Market and Cultural Heritage
02 Admire panoramic views over the Ngorongoro Crater
03 Soar above the Serengeti plains on a balloon safari
04 Embark on private game drives in Serengeti National Park
05 Witness abundant wildlife in the Ngorongoro Crater
06 Enjoy a hot lunch near a hippo pool in Ngorongoro

Indulge in luxury on this ultimate Serengeti safari, where 5-star accommodations, gourmet dining, private game drives, and exclusive experiences await in the heart of the wild. Witness awe-inspiring wildlife in their natural habitat, soar above the plains on a hot air balloon safari, and explore the iconic landscapes of Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Along the way, enjoy refined comforts, from elegant lodges to spa treatments under the African skies, for a genuinely lavish adventure.

Book this 6-day Luxury Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari with Balloon Experience with Serengeti Wildlife Safaris, a licensed Tanzania tour operator based in Arusha since 2017. Every itinerary can be tailor-made to your travel dates, budget and interests, and combined with Serengeti and Ngorongoro safaris, Kilimanjaro climbs or Zanzibar beach stays.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 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

Languages English, Spanish, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Arusha and Gran Meliá Luxury Stay

Upon your arrival at Arusha/Kilimanjaro International Airport, our dedicated team extends a warm welcome and ushers you into the epitome of luxury at the Gran Meliá Arusha.
After settling in, the afternoon unfolds with options for exploration. Opt for an enriching Arusha City Tour, where you can traverse the lively Maasai Market.
Depending on your arrival time, you will delve into the diverse cultures at the Cultural Heritage Centre and partake in a captivating coffee tour, revealing the secrets behind Tanzanian coffee production. The evening invites you back to the luxury of Gran Meliá Arusha, allowing for leisure amidst its luxurious amenities.
You will indulge in a welcome dinner that seamlessly blends international and local flavours, marking the commencement of your extraordinary safari experience.

Day 02

Journey to Serengeti Through Maasai Land

On the second day of your adventure, you will enjoy a leisurely pickup from the opulent Gran Meliá Arusha, where our professional safari guide awaits.
As you leave Arusha, the journey to Serengeti unfolds through Maasai land, offering cultural glimpses and traversing the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You will pause at the viewpoint overlooking the grandeur of the Ngorongoro Crater.
The road then winds to Serengeti National Park, with a picturesque stop at Nabi Hill Picnic Site for a delightful lunch. In the late evening, you will arrive at the luxurious Four Seasons Lodge, surrounded by the untamed beauty of the Serengeti.
After check-in, you will savour a sumptuous dinner and retire to the comfort of your well-appointed accommodations.

Day 03

Balloon Safari and Game Drive in the Serengeti

On the third day, you will relish the serenity of the Serengeti, beginning with the enticing aroma of morning coffee at the Four Seasons Lodge.
The day unfolds with an enchanting balloon safari, while your safari guide waits at the journey's end. Soaring above the expansive Serengeti plains, the experience concludes with a champagne celebration, a full breakfast, and a jubilant toast to the skies.
The adventure continues with a riveting game drive through the endless plains, offering the prospect of encountering predators in their natural habitat.
A delightful lunch punctuates the day's explorations, leading to a serene return to the Four Seasons Lodge in the late afternoon. Amidst the untamed wilderness, the lodge provides a haven of luxury, inviting you to bask in the serenity of the surroundings or indulge in its world-class amenities.

Day 04

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands Retreat

This day starts with a delightful breakfast at the Four Seasons Lodge, surrounded by the untamed beauty of the Serengeti.
A leisurely game drive unfolds, allowing you to relish the wildlife and scenic wonders as you approach the enchanting Ngorongoro Highlands. The journey leads to the opulent Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, perched on the rim of the iconic Ngorongoro Crater. You will take in the panoramic views and settle into the luxurious accommodations upon arrival.
The afternoon invites you to unwind at your own pace, whether indulging in the lodge's amenities or simply soaking in the tranquillity of the highlands.
As night falls, prepare for the adventures awaiting in the Ngorongoro Crater, ensuring a restful night in anticipation of the wonders ahead.

Day 05

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha

Your finale unfolds with a sumptuous breakfast at Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.
The adventure begins with a thrilling descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural sanctuary boasting the remarkable presence of the Big Five, including black rhinos.
You will engage in an extensive game drive, immersing yourself in the abundance of wildlife within the crater. A unique experience awaits at lunchtime, with a hot meal set up near a hippo pool, providing a front-row seat to the lively interactions of the surrounding wildlife.
As the afternoon sun begins to soften, you will ascend from the crater, taking in the breathtaking views of the expansive caldera. The journey back to Arusha commences, guiding you through the enchanting Maasai land, characterized by its distinct landscapes and rich cultural tapestry.
The day concludes with your evening arrival at the elegant Gran Meliá Arusha, where you can unwind and reflect on the extraordinary safari moments amidst the luxurious comforts of the hotel.

Day 06

Farewell Transfer to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport

On the final day of your Tanzanian adventure, the morning begins with a comfortable pickup from the elegant Gran Meliá Arusha, signalling the start of your departure.
As you travel along the scenic routes to either Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport, take in the last glimpses of the captivating Tanzanian landscapes that have been your backdrop throughout this remarkable journey. This transfer becomes a reflective moment, allowing you to savour the incredible safari experiences and memories woven into the fabric of your time here.
Upon arrival at the airport, our dedicated team bids you a heartfelt farewell, expressing gratitude for choosing us as your companions in exploring the wonders of Serengeti and Ngorongoro. With best wishes for your onward travels, we hope you carry the cherished moments of your luxurious safari as souvenirs from the heart of East Africa.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arusha 4 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All accommodations
All activities, unless indicated as optional
All transportation, unless labeled as optional
Meals, as specified in the day-by-day section
Taxes / VAT
All transport by road
Park fees
Professional guide
Drinking water on all days
Government-imposed increases of taxes and/or park fees
All meals on safaris
Quality safari jeep
Guide wages
Airport pickup
Air-conditioned car
Free accommodation on arrival
Beer
Free transfer in Zanzibar
Airport pickup in Zanzibar

What's Not Included

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
International flights
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Tips (tipping guideline: USD 10–15 per person per day for your guide)

What to bring

For luggage, choose a duffel bag or soft-sided bag. Ideally, the fabric should be hardy and waterproof, and the bag should be lockable.
Clothes: pack for hot days and cool nights.
Shoes: as long as you are not going on a safari that requires a lot of walking, you will be fine with light hiking boots and sports sandals.
Sun protection.
First aid: antiseptic ointment, antihistamine cream and tablets, Nurofen or an equivalent painkiller, eye drops, anti-diarrhea treatment, a couple of bandages, and medication for personal allergies/asthma.
Photography and electrical equipment.

Know before you go

Your safety on safari: Our 4x4 Land Cruisers are checked and serviced before every trip, every vehicle carries a first aid kit, and our guides are first-aid trained. Guides carry radios to stay in contact where there is no internet, including with park rangers, and you can reach our Arusha office at any time by WhatsApp or phone call.

A Serengeti Wildlife Safaris representative will collect you from the airport and take you to your accommodation in Arusha for the night.
We are happy to book accommodation before and after your safari if needed.
Flying into Arusha / Kilimanjaro Airports is quite straightforward. English is widely spoken and used for signs and directions.
Arusha Airport is a 30-minute drive from Arusha.
Kilimanjaro Airport is roughly a one-hour drive from Arusha. If you arrive on an international flight, clearing immigration can be a lengthy process.
The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling. US dollars and euros are widely accepted. Most places will not accept older US dollar bills (printed before 2006).
If you intend to use your credit or debit card to withdraw funds, we suggest taking more than one card with you, as you may find that your card is not accepted at the first ATM. You may try Visa and Maestro cards, which are best.
We recommend informing your bank that you will be using your card abroad to avoid it being blocked.
ATMs are available in Arusha and allow you to withdraw local currency.
We advise you to arrive in Arusha at least one day before your trip begins. Return flights can be booked for the late afternoon/evening of the final day of your safari, but please ensure your guide is aware of this so that you can arrive at the airport in plenty of time for your flight.
Please check with the relevant embassy in your country for up-to-date visa and passport information. Ensure your passport will not expire within six months of your trip (i.e., if your trip is in September, make sure it is valid until at least March of the following year) and that it has at least three clear pages.
You will probably need a visa to enter Tanzania. Check with your country's government travel website to find out how to get your visa. Most visas can be bought on arrival into the country.
You will require vaccinations for your trip. As we are not medically trained, we cannot give detailed advice on vaccination requirements. However, the following vaccinations are normally recommended for Tanzania:
Tetanus
Polio
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Rabies
Yellow Fever
Malaria
Yellow Fever is compulsory when entering Tanzania from a country with Yellow Fever.
Vaccination certificates are often checked at immigration. If you are entering Tanzania from a country that does not have Yellow Fever, vaccination is not needed. Please visit the World Health Organization website for an up-to-date list.
Malaria: in some areas we visit, there is a risk of contracting malaria. You must know that whatever malaria tablets you take only offer partial protection. They must be coupled with your physical efforts against being bitten - the best prevention. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes come out at sunset, so you should wear long sleeves and trousers from this time. Exposed skin, especially ankles, should have insect repellent containing 'Deet' applied to them.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover you for your trip. It is also wise to leave a copy of your insurance policy with a friend or relative for safekeeping. Your policy should include adequate medical emergency and repatriation coverage.

There is a well-established culture of tipping in Tanzania. Guides: if you feel you have received good service, a typical tip is USD 10-15 per person daily.

Logistics