Tanzania · Safari

4-Day Tanzania Safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro with Balloon Ride

4 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Experience diverse wildlife and landscapes in Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater
02 Enjoy a complimentary hot air balloon safari and bush breakfast in the Serengeti
03 Embark on exhilarating game drives led by an expert guide to witness Africa's iconic wildlife
04 Visit the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with dense wildlife
05 Optional cultural visit to a Maasai Boma for an enriching encounter with local traditions

Embark on a 4-day adventure through Tanzania's breathtaking landscapes, from Tarangire National Park to the vast plains of the Serengeti and the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy thrilling game drives to spot elephant herds, lions, giraffes, and other iconic species, with a complimentary hot air balloon safari, bush breakfast, and sundowner adding special moments to your journey. This safari also includes the chance to explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, if you wish, visit a Maasai Boma for a cultural encounter before returning to Arusha.

Embark on a 4-day adventure through Tanzania's breathtaking landscapes, from Tarangire National Park to the vast plains of the Serengeti and the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater.

From the itinerary

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, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park

Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Arusha and Tarangire Safari

Accommodation before and after your safari can be arranged upon request for an additional cost.

If you prefer to fly in and out, we can also arrange all domestic flights upon request at a special discounted rate.

Pick-up from Arusha: You will be picked up from your accommodation or the airport in Arusha in the morning by your professional guide.
Travel to Tarangire: Enjoy a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park. Arrive in time for your morning game drive before checking in at Farm of Dreams Accommodation.
Afternoon Safari in Tarangire: After lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive. Tarangire is renowned for its large elephant herds and diverse wildlife, including lions, giraffes, and various bird species.
Optional Guided Night Game Drive at Lake Manyara: For an extra US$300, you can enjoy a guided night game drive at Lake Manyara, famous for its night-time wildlife activity and the chance to spot nocturnal species such as leopards and bush babies.
Overnight: Stay at Farm of Dreams Hotel and Lodges Accommodation, known for its serene environment and comfortable amenities.

Day 02

From Tarangire to the Serengeti Plains

Morning Safari in Tarangire: After breakfast, enjoy an early morning game drive in Tarangire National Park to observe more wildlife and admire the stunning landscape.
Travel to Serengeti: Depart Tarangire and head towards the iconic Serengeti National Park, one of the most famous safari destinations in the world.
Arrival and Check-in: After arriving in Serengeti, check in at Sero Tented Camps Accommodation for your stay.
Afternoon Game Drive in Serengeti: Head out for an afternoon game drive. The Serengeti is known for its vast plains and incredible wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) and the Great Migration, depending on the season.
Sundowner (Complimentary): As evening falls, enjoy a complimentary sundowner as you toast an incredible day in the wild while watching the sunset over the Serengeti plains.
Overnight: Stay at Sero Tented Camps Accommodation, which offers comfortable lodging with scenic views of the park.

Day 03

Full-Day Serengeti Safari and Ballooning

Early Morning Balloon Safari: Enjoy a complimentary balloon safari early in the morning.
Morning Safari: After breakfast, embark on a full-day game drive through the Serengeti, focusing on areas of the park rich in wildlife. Depending on the season, you may witness the migration or spot predators hunting.
Complimentary Bush Breakfast: For a unique experience, enjoy a bush breakfast in the heart of the Serengeti. This true safari experience allows you to enjoy the beauty of the wilderness while you dine.
Picnic Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated location within the park, surrounded by the stunning Serengeti landscape.
Afternoon Safari: Continue exploring the Serengeti's diverse wildlife and ecosystems in the afternoon.
Overnight: Return to Sero Tented Camps Accommodation for the evening and relax as you reflect on an exciting day in the Serengeti.

Day 04

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha

Early Morning Drive to Ngorongoro Crater: After breakfast, depart from the Serengeti and head toward the Ngorongoro Crater. The journey offers breathtaking views of the Tanzanian countryside.
Ngorongoro Crater Safari (Half-Day): Upon arrival, enjoy a half-day game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world's largest calderas. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a dense concentration of wildlife, including rhinos, lions, buffaloes, and flamingos.
Optional Maasai Boma Visit (on route to Mto wa Mbu): If interested, you can visit a Maasai Boma at Mto wa Mbu on your way back to Arusha. The Maasai Boma visit offers a cultural experience where you can learn about the Maasai tribe's traditions, customs, and way of life.
Return to Arusha: After the game drive and optional Maasai visit, return to Arusha in the afternoon. You will be dropped off at your hotel or transferred to the airport for your onward journey.

Where this trip takes you

Tarangire National Park elephant-herd plains, Serengeti National Park vast savannah, Ngorongoro Crater wildlife-rich caldera

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arusha 5 cities · 4 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Package inclusions:

Private 4x4 safari vehicle and expert guide
Full-board accommodation (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
All meals, snacks, and soft drinks during the safari
National park entry fees
Taxes / VAT
Hot air balloon safari
Complimentary sundowner and private bush dinner in Serengeti
Complimentary bush breakfast in Serengeti
Fresh, healthy meals catering to dietary preferences
Bottled drinking water throughout the trip
Airport transfers
Welcoming champagne or sweet wine
Professional English-speaking driver/guide with wildlife expertise
Unlimited game drives (window seats and pop-up roof for viewing)
Massai culture clothing
Mid-range lodges and camps (as per selection)
Scenic stops and photo opportunities

What's Not Included

International flights
Tanzania visa ($50 per person, $100 for U.S. citizens)
Personal expenses (souvenirs, phone calls, etc.)
Alcoholic drinks and extra beverages
Tips and gratuities (recommended $10-$20 per day for the guide)
Optional activities (e.g. night game drive, Maasai Boma visit)

What to bring

For your safari adventure, it's important to pack light yet wisely.
Bring comfortable, neutral-colored clothing that blends with the surroundings, such as khaki, beige, or green, which helps you stay cool and is less likely to attract insects.
A light jacket or sweater for chilly mornings and evenings is recommended.
Don't forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes or sandals are essential for walking and safari drives.
A camera with extra memory cards and batteries is a must to capture the incredible wildlife moments.
Additionally, bring insect repellent, personal toiletries, a small first aid kit, and any necessary medications.
A refillable water bottle, a flashlight, and a power bank will also be helpful.
For those interested in optional activities like the balloon safari, comfortable attire and a light jacket are also recommended.
Lastly, remember your passport, travel insurance, and any other documentation required for your trip.

Know before you go

With Bavuma Wild Quest, we always provide our beloved clients with every important detail for their safari. Here are things you should consider:

Packing Essentials: For a comfortable and enjoyable safari, we recommend packing light, breathable clothing in neutral colors like khaki, beige, or green. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes. Early mornings and evenings can be chilly, so pack a light jacket or fleece. Be sure to bring your binoculars, camera, extra memory cards, and a power bank to capture all the incredible moments.
Weather & Best Time to Visit: August is one of the best months for a safari in Northern Tanzania, offering dry and pleasant weather with minimal rainfall. Wildlife viewing is at its peak during this time, as animals gather around water sources and the Great Migration is active in the northern Serengeti. Expect warm days (25-30°C) and cool nights (10-15°C).
Health & Safety: Tanzania is a safe and welcoming destination, but we recommend that all travelers have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. It is advised to take malaria prophylaxis and ensure routine vaccinations (yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A & B) are up to date. Bottled drinking water will be provided throughout your safari.
Food & Dietary Requirements: All accommodations provide full-board meals with a mix of local and international cuisines. If you have any dietary restrictions (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.), please let us know in advance so we can inform the lodges and ensure your needs are met.
Connectivity & Payments: Wi-Fi is available in most lodges, though signal strength may vary, especially in remote areas like the Serengeti. Mobile networks are generally accessible in most parks, but some regions may have limited coverage. We recommend carrying cash in USD (small denominations) for tips, souvenirs, or personal expenses, as ATMs are only available in major towns.
Accommodation before and after your safari can be arranged upon request for an additional cost.
Domestic flights can be arranged upon request at a special discounted rate.

Tipping Guidelines:

Safari Guide: $10-$20 per vehicle per day

Park Rules & Ethical Safari Practices: To ensure a sustainable safari experience, we kindly ask you to:

Follow your guide's instructions at all times.
Maintain a respectful distance from animals.
Avoid feeding or disturbing wildlife.
Keep noise levels low to enhance your viewing experience.
Dispose of waste responsibly and minimize plastic use.

Final Notes: We are thrilled to offer your family this once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure. Our team will be with you every step of the way to ensure a seamless and memorable experience. If you have any last-minute requests, changes, or concerns, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to the breathtaking wilderness of Tanzania!

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