Tanzania · Luxury Safari

9-Day Tanzania Luxury Safari with Balloon Safari and Kilimanjaro Trek

9 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro through rainforest and alpine meadows
02 Enjoy game drives in Tarangire National Park among elephants, giraffes, zebras, and iconic baobab landscapes
03 Experience a sunrise hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti with a bush breakfast in the wilderness
04 Explore Northern Serengeti, known for the Great Migration and Mara River crossings
05 Discover Hadzabe and Datoga cultures at Lake Eyasi through traditional hunting and dance experiences

Embark on a 9-day adventure through Tanzania, exploring Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Eyasi, and the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Experience luxury wildlife safaris, a sunrise hot air balloon safari with a bush breakfast, and cultural encounters with the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. Along the way, enjoy premium lodges and tented camps, full-day game drives, and unforgettable landscapes ranging from baobab-dotted plains to rainforest and alpine meadows. Unforgettable memories await on this richly varied safari and trekking journey.

Experience luxury wildlife safaris, a sunrise hot air balloon safari with a bush breakfast, and cultural encounters with the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Luxury

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Lake Eyasi

Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Arusha and Relaxation at Mount Meru Hotel

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Transfer to Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha.
Relax and enjoy the hotel's pool, gardens, and fine dining.

Dinner at the hotel.

Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel

Day 02

Tarangire National Park Game Drives

Enjoy a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park.
Spend the day on game drives to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more.
Have a picnic lunch in the park.
Return to Escarpment Luxury Lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Accommodation: Escarpment Luxury Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Day 03

Journey to Serengeti and Afternoon Wildlife Viewing

Travel to Serengeti National Park.
Set out on afternoon game drives to spot wildebeest, zebras, lions, and cheetahs.
Stay at Moyo Tented Luxury Camp.
Enjoy dinner under the stars at the camp.

Accommodation: Moyo Tented Luxury Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Day 04

Northern Serengeti and Great Migration Landscapes

Explore Northern Serengeti, known for the Great Migration and Mara River crossings.
Spot wildebeest, zebras, lions, and elephants.
Enjoy a sundowner with drinks and snacks overlooking the plains.

Accommodation: Moyo Tented Luxury Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner, Sundowners

Day 05

Sunrise Balloon Safari and Bush Breakfast in Serengeti

Take a hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti at sunrise.
Enjoy a bush breakfast in the wilderness.
Spend the rest of the day on a full-day game drive to explore more of the Serengeti's wildlife.
Have dinner at the camp.
Accommodation: Moyo Tented Luxury Camp
Meals: Breakfast (Bush Breakfast), Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Day 06

Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife Exploration

Travel to Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore the crater's wildlife, including lions, elephants, and rhinos.
Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor.
Return to Escarpment Luxury Lodge for dinner.

Accommodation: Escarpment Luxury Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Day 07

Lake Eyasi Cultural Visit with Hadzabe and Datoga Tribes

Visit Lake Eyasi and interact with the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes.
Learn traditional hunting techniques and participate in a hunt.
Enjoy a cultural dance performance by the Datoga tribe.
Return to Gran Melia for the evening.

Accommodation: Gran Melia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 08

Mount Kilimanjaro Lower Slopes Trek

Trek the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, enjoying views of rainforest and alpine meadows.
Enjoy a picnic lunch on the mountain.
Return to Gran Melia for relaxation and dinner.

Accommodation: Gran Melia

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Day 09

Departure from Kilimanjaro International Airport

Enjoy breakfast at Gran Melia.
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure.

Meals: Breakfast

Where this trip takes you

Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro lower slopes

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arusha 6 cities · 9 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

1 night at Mount Meru (Arusha)
2 nights at Escarpment Luxury (Tarangire & Ngorongoro Crater)
3 nights at Moyo Tented Luxury Camp (Serengeti)
2 nights at Gran Melia (return from Lake Eyasi)
All accommodations are based on double occupancy in premium safari lodges and tented camps with en-suite bathrooms and full-board service.
Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the safari, including picnic lunches on game drives and bush breakfasts on select days.
Sundowner drinks in the Serengeti as part of the complimentary package.
A complimentary bush breakfast following the balloon safari on Day 5.
Private, air-conditioned 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional, English-speaking guide/driver for the entire tour.
All park fees, entrance fees, and conservation fees for the parks and reserves visited.
Full-day game drives in Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Complimentary hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti, followed by a bush breakfast.
Complimentary sundowner drinks in the Serengeti for a spectacular sunset view.
Visits to Lake Eyasi to meet the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes, learning their traditions and customs, including participating in a hunting trip and observing traditional dances.
Trekking on Mount Kilimanjaro with a guide, exploring the lower slopes and natural ecosystems of the mountain.
Airport transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport and Gran Melia.
All internal transfers between destinations by safari vehicle.
Services of a professional, English-speaking guide with extensive knowledge of wildlife, flora, and culture.
Knowledgeable guides for the cultural visits and trekking activities.
Complimentary water throughout the safari.
Emergency medical evacuation insurance coverage.

What's Not Included

International flights and travel insurance.
Alcoholic beverages (except for the sundowner experience).
Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, laundry, etc.).
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary (e.g. spa treatments, additional activities outside the planned tour).
Personal medical or emergency expenses not covered by insurance.
Visa fees and entry requirements (if applicable).
Gratuities for the safari guide, camp staff, and other service providers.

What to bring

Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing for trekking and safaris (long-sleeve shirts and pants to protect from sun and insects).
Warm layers (fleece jacket or sweater) for cooler evenings and higher altitudes on Kilimanjaro.
A lightweight, waterproof jacket for possible rain showers, especially in the forested areas and during the trek.
A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for sun protection.
Comfortable hiking boots with good ankle support for the Kilimanjaro trek.
Lightweight, breathable safari clothes for game drives (khaki or neutral colors work best to blend in with wildlife).
Swimwear if your lodge has a pool.
A scarf, beanie, and gloves for the cold at higher altitudes on Kilimanjaro.
Daypack (for carrying essentials during your trek, like water, snacks, sunscreen, etc.).
Trekking poles to assist during the climb (optional, but helpful).
Sleeping bag and liner (if not provided by your trekking company).
Headlamp/flashlight (with spare batteries).
Water bottles or hydration system (at least 2-3 liters capacity).
Insect repellent (especially for evenings and lowland areas like Tarangire).
Sunscreen (high SPF, and lip balm with SPF).
Travel documents: passport, travel insurance, visa (if required), and any necessary permits.
Camera and spare memory cards to capture the spectacular landscapes and wildlife.
Binoculars for birdwatching and spotting wildlife during game drives.
Personal medications and toiletries (ensure you bring enough for the entire trip).
First aid kit: include basics like painkillers, band-aids, blister treatment, antiseptic, and any personal prescriptions.
Toilet paper and wet wipes (useful on trekking days or during long game drives).
A journal or notebook to document your experiences.
A power bank or portable charger for keeping devices charged while on the go.
Small ziplock bags for keeping electronics, documents, or snacks dry.
Waterproof bags for wet or dirty clothing, especially during the trek.
Camera with zoom lens for close-up shots of wildlife during safaris.
Small gifts or trinkets (like pens, notepads, or candies) to share with local communities like the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes, if culturally appropriate.
Lightweight binoculars for a closer view of wildlife during safaris.
Notebook and pen for writing down memorable experiences or observations.
A good book or e-reader for relaxing during downtime at the lodge.

Know before you go

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