Amazing 5-Day Tanzania Safari with Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Experience – From $2,635 (2026/2027–2028)

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Amazing 5-Day Tanzania Safari with Serengeti Hot Air Balloon: Experience the magic of Tanzania on this amazing 5-day safari, combining incredible wildlife encounters, beautiful African landscapes, and the unforgettable experience of a hot air balloon flight over the Serengeti. From the impressive elephant herds of Tarangire National Park to the endless plains of Serengeti and the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, this journey introduces you to some of the most remarkable wildlife destinations in East Africa.

Imagine beginning your morning above the Serengeti, gently floating through the sky as the sun rises over the vast plains. Below you, herds of wildebeest and zebras move across the grasslands while giraffes and elephants may be seen among the trees. The changing colours of the morning light create a beautiful setting, making the balloon flight one of the most memorable experiences of your Tanzania holiday. After landing, enjoy a special bush breakfast before continuing your safari.

Starting from $2,635 per person, this five-day Tanzania safari is ideal for travellers who want to experience the country’s famous wildlife destinations while adding something special to their journey. It combines traditional game drives with a unique aerial adventure, giving you different ways to appreciate the natural beauty of Tanzania.

Organised by EKO Tanzania Adventures, this safari can be arranged for couples, families, friends, and private groups. Whether you are visiting Tanzania for the first time or returning to explore more of its wilderness, the journey can be discussed around your travel dates, group size, accommodation preferences, and budget.

  Overview

This five-day safari takes you through three of Tanzania’s most celebrated wildlife destinations: Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Your adventure begins in Arusha, the main gateway to the Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit. From there, you travel to Tarangire National Park, a destination known for its large elephant population, ancient baobab trees, and beautiful savannah landscapes.

The journey continues to Serengeti National Park, where you will enjoy exciting game drives across its wide-open plains. The Serengeti is famous for its rich wildlife, large predator populations, and the Great Wildebeest Migration. One of the main highlights is the sunrise hot air balloon experience, offering a different perspective of this extraordinary ecosystem.

Your safari concludes with a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater, a spectacular natural wonder with an impressive concentration of wildlife. After exploring the crater, you return to Arusha with wonderful memories of your African adventure.

Safari duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Price: From $2,635 per person
Travel period: 2026, 2027 and 2028
Destinations: Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater
Main experience: Serengeti hot air balloon safari and bush breakfast
Departure point: Arusha, Tanzania
Safari style: Private safari
Accommodation: Comfortable lodges or luxury tented camps, according to the confirmed package
Transport: 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional safari guide

Why Choose This Amazing 5-Day Tanzania Safari with Serengeti Hot Air Balloon?

A five-day safari is a wonderful way to explore some of northern Tanzania’s most famous wildlife areas while making time for a special experience in the Serengeti. Each destination has its own character, so the journey offers a variety of landscapes and wildlife encounters rather than repeating the same experience every day.

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park

Enjoy a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Safari in the Serengeti

The Serengeti balloon flight is one of the most exciting parts of this adventure. It gives you the opportunity to see the landscape from above and appreciate the vastness of the plains in a way that is not possible during a normal game drive.

The experience begins early in the morning, usually before sunrise. After reaching the launch site, the balloon crew provides a safety briefing before preparing for take-off. As the balloon rises, the first sunlight spreads across the Serengeti, revealing rivers, grasslands, woodland areas, and wildlife habitats.

Depending on the flight route and animal movements, you may see herds of wildebeest and zebras, elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife below. After landing, enjoy a special bush breakfast arranged by the balloon operator.

It is an experience that combines beautiful scenery, a peaceful atmosphere, and an unforgettable view of one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations.

Explore Three Famous Tanzania Safari Destinations

This itinerary brings together three destinations that are different in scenery, wildlife, and atmosphere.

Tarangire National Park is well known for its elephants, baobab trees, and the Tarangire River, which attracts wildlife during the dry season.

Serengeti National Park is famous for its open plains, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and the Great Wildebeest Migration.

Ngorongoro Crater offers a remarkable natural environment with grasslands, wetlands, woodland, and a high concentration of wildlife.

Together, these destinations provide an excellent introduction to the beauty of Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit.

Look for the Big Five

During your game drives, your guide will help you search for Africa’s famous Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Tarangire and Serengeti are rewarding places to look for elephants and predators, while Ngorongoro Crater offers another opportunity to search for a variety of wildlife, including the endangered black rhino.

Animals move freely through their natural habitats, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, travelling with a knowledgeable safari guide gives you a better opportunity to understand the wildlife and make the most of your time in each park.

Detailed  Of Amazing 5-Day Tanzania Safari with Serengeti Hot Air BalloonItinerary

 Amazing 5-Day Tanzania Safari with Serengeti Hot Air Balloon

Amazing 5-Day Tanzania Safari with Serengeti Hot Air Balloon

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Explore the Land of Giants

Your safari begins in Arusha, where your professional guide will meet you for a short briefing before departing for Tarangire National Park. As you leave the town, the scenery gradually changes from busy streets and cultivated land to open countryside and beautiful natural landscapes.

Tarangire is one of the most distinctive national parks in northern Tanzania. It is particularly famous for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and the Tarangire River, which provides an important source of water for wildlife.

Upon arrival, enjoy a game drive through the park. You may see elephants moving between the trees, giraffes feeding on acacia branches, zebras grazing in open areas, and different antelope species. Lions and other predators also live in the park, so your guide will help you look for signs of wildlife as you explore.

The scenery is part of what makes Tarangire special. Its giant baobab trees create a beautiful backdrop for photographs, while the open grasslands and river areas provide excellent opportunities to observe animals in their natural environment.

After an exciting day in the park, continue to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Tarangire or Karatu area lodge/tented camp
Meals: Lunch and dinner

 Amazing 5-Day Tanzania Safari with Serengeti Hot Air Balloon

Amazing 5-Day Tanzania Safari with Serengeti Hot Air Balloon

Day 2: Tarangire Area to Serengeti National Park – Journey into the Endless Plains

After breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park. The journey takes you through the beautiful landscapes of northern Tanzania, including parts of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Along the way, you will experience changing scenery, from highland landscapes to wide-open plains. Your guide will explain the natural environment and the importance of the wildlife ecosystems that connect these famous destinations.

As you enter Serengeti National Park, the landscape opens into vast grasslands that seem to stretch endlessly towards the horizon. The Serengeti is one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations, supporting large populations of herbivores and predators.

Enjoy a game drive as you travel towards your accommodation. Depending on the season and wildlife movements, you may encounter wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, elephants, gazelles, lions, and other animals.

The Serengeti is also home to the Great Wildebeest Migration, an extraordinary natural movement involving large herds of wildebeest and zebras. The location of the herds changes throughout the year as they follow rainfall and fresh grazing.

Later, arrive at your lodge or tented camp, where you can relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the next day’s adventure.

Accommodation: Serengeti lodge or tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

 Amazing 5-Day Tanzania Safari with Serengeti Hot Air Balloon

Amazing 5-Day Tanzania Safari with Serengeti Hot Air Balloon

Day 3: Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari and Game Drive – A Morning to Remember

Today is one of the biggest highlights of your Tanzania safari. You will wake up early and transfer to the hot air balloon launch site, arriving before sunrise.

The balloon crew will welcome you and provide a safety briefing before the flight. Once the conditions are confirmed suitable, the balloon begins its gentle ascent into the morning sky.

As you rise above the Serengeti, the first light of day reveals the beautiful landscape below. The wide plains, winding rivers, and patches of woodland create an incredible view. Depending on the flight route and wildlife movements, you may see herds of wildebeest and zebras, elephants, giraffes, and other animals moving through the grasslands.

The flight generally lasts around one hour, although the exact duration may vary depending on weather and operating conditions. After landing, enjoy a special bush breakfast arranged by the balloon operator. Having breakfast in the middle of the African wilderness makes this experience even more memorable.

After the balloon adventure, continue with a game drive through selected areas of the Serengeti. Your guide will help you look for predators and other wildlife while explaining the behaviour of the animals you encounter.

Spend the afternoon enjoying the scenery and searching for more wildlife before returning to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Serengeti lodge or tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Special experience: Sunrise hot air balloon flight and bush breakfast

Important: Hot air balloon flights operate only when weather and safety conditions are suitable. Flights are also subject to availability. The balloon operator’s cancellation, refund, or rescheduling policy should be confirmed before booking.

Amazing 5-Day Tanzania Safari with Serengeti Hot Air Balloon

Amazing 5-Day Tanzania Safari with Serengeti Hot Air Balloon

Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Discover Tanzania’s Beautiful Highlands

After breakfast, enjoy another opportunity to experience the Serengeti before travelling towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Depending on the day’s arrangements, you may enjoy a morning game drive as you leave the park. This provides another chance to look for wildlife and appreciate the beautiful landscapes of the Serengeti.

As you travel towards Ngorongoro, the scenery gradually changes. The open grasslands give way to greener highland landscapes, cooler temperatures, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a unique environment where wildlife, natural ecosystems, and local communities share the wider landscape. Your guide will explain the area’s natural history and its importance as a conservation destination.

Arrive at your selected lodge or tented camp in the Ngorongoro or Karatu area. Enjoy dinner and relax before the following day’s visit to the famous crater.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro or Karatu lodge/tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

 Amazing 5-Day Tanzania Safari with Serengeti Hot Air Balloon

Amazing 5-Day Tanzania Safari with Serengeti Hot Air Balloon

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive and Return to Arusha

After an early breakfast, descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a memorable game drive. The crater is one of Tanzania’s most remarkable natural attractions and is known for its impressive scenery and concentration of wildlife.

Formed by the collapse of a large volcanic structure, the crater contains grasslands, wetlands, woodland, and a seasonal soda lake. These habitats support a wide variety of animals, making the crater an excellent place for wildlife viewing.

During your game drive, look for elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas, and different antelope species. Lions are regularly seen in the crater, while lucky visitors may also have an opportunity to spot the endangered black rhino.

Your guide will help you explore suitable wildlife areas and explain the animals and habitats you encounter. A picnic lunch is normally arranged during the visit, allowing you to enjoy a break before continuing with the game drive.

Later, ascend from the crater and begin your return journey to Arusha or another agreed drop-off point. Your safari ends with wonderful memories of Tarangire’s elephants, the endless plains of Serengeti, the sunrise balloon experience, and the remarkable wildlife of Ngorongoro.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Wildlife You May See During the Safari

Tanzania is home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife, and each destination on this itinerary offers different opportunities for animal viewing.

Amazing 5-Day Tanzania Safari with Serengeti Hot Air Balloon

Amazing 5-Day Tanzania Safari with Serengeti Hot Air Balloon

Elephants: Tarangire is especially famous for its elephant herds, which are often seen moving through woodland areas and around the river.

Amazing 5-Day Tanzania Safari with Serengeti Hot Air Balloon

Amazing 5-Day Tanzania Safari with Serengeti Hot Air Balloon

Lions: Both Serengeti and Ngorongoro are well known for their lion populations. You may see them resting, interacting, or moving through the grasslands.

Amazing 5-Day Tanzania Safari with Serengeti Hot Air Balloon

Amazing 5-Day Tanzania Safari with Serengeti Hot Air Balloon

Leopards: These beautiful cats are more difficult to spot because they often rest in trees or hide in thick vegetation. A sighting is always a special moment.

Cheetahs: The open plains of Serengeti provide suitable habitat for cheetahs, which are known for their speed and hunting behaviour.

Buffaloes: Large herds of buffaloes can be found in different habitats throughout the Northern Safari Circuit.

Black rhinos: Ngorongoro Crater is one of the important places in Tanzania where visitors may have an opportunity to see this endangered species.

Amazing 5-Day Tanzania Safari with Serengeti Hot Air Balloon

Amazing 5-Day Tanzania Safari with Serengeti Hot Air Balloon

Wildebeest and zebras: These animals are particularly famous for their involvement in the Great Wildebeest Migration and can be seen in different parts of the Serengeti ecosystem.

You may also encounter giraffes, hippos, hyenas, warthogs, gazelles, baboons, and many bird species during your game drives.

Best Time to Enjoy a 5-Day Tanzania Safari

Tanzania is a year-round safari destination, but the experience can change depending on rainfall, road conditions, and seasonal wildlife movements.

June to October – Dry Season

This is one of the most popular periods for wildlife viewing. Animals often gather around available water sources, and thinner vegetation can make spotting wildlife easier. Tarangire is particularly rewarding during this season.

November to December – Short Rains

The short rains bring fresh vegetation and greener landscapes. This period can offer beautiful photography opportunities, and wildlife viewing remains possible in the main safari destinations.

January to March – Calving Season

The southern Serengeti and Ndutu area are important during the wildebeest calving season. Large herds gather to give birth, attracting predators and creating exciting wildlife-viewing opportunities. If calving season is your main interest, the itinerary may need to be adjusted to spend more time in the southern Serengeti.

April to May – Long Rains

The landscape becomes greener during the long rains, creating beautiful scenery. However, some roads may become more challenging, and rainfall can affect travel conditions. Travellers who prefer quieter periods may still enjoy this season with suitable planning.

The best time for a balloon flight also depends on weather conditions and the availability of the balloon operator.

The Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti

The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife events. Every year, large herds of wildebeest and zebras move through the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and water.

The migration is a continuous movement influenced by seasonal rainfall and the availability of grass. As a result, the herds move between different parts of the ecosystem rather than remaining in one place throughout the year.

Depending on your travel dates, you may have opportunities to see the herds in the southern plains, central Serengeti, western corridor, or northern Serengeti. River crossings can occur during certain periods, but their exact timing and location are unpredictable.

If witnessing the migration is important to you, share your preferred travel dates with EKO Tanzania Adventures before booking. The team can discuss the most suitable route for the season.

Accommodation During Your 5-Day Safari

Comfortable accommodation makes a big difference to your safari experience. After spending the day exploring the national parks, you need a welcoming place where you can relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the next day’s adventure.

This package is planned around comfortable lodges or luxury tented camps in the Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro areas. The exact properties depend on availability, travel dates, accommodation category, and your final quotation.

Accommodation may offer:

  • Comfortable rooms or safari tents.
  • Private bathrooms, depending on the selected property.
  • Dining facilities and prepared meals.
  • Relaxing spaces surrounded by natural scenery.
  • Convenient locations for planned game drives.

If you have a preferred accommodation style, let EKO Tanzania Adventures know when requesting your quotation.

Price: From $2,635 Per Person

The advertised starting price for this Amazing 5-Day Tanzania Safari with Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Experience is $2,635 per person.

The final price may depend on the number of travellers, travel dates, accommodation selection, room arrangements, and the confirmed cost of the balloon flight and other services.

Before confirming your booking, request a detailed quotation showing exactly what is included. This helps you understand the arrangements and avoid unexpected expenses.

What Is Included

Subject to confirmation in your final quotation, the package may include:

  • Private 4×4 safari transportation.
  • Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide.
  • Park entrance fees for the destinations included in the itinerary.
  • Ngorongoro Crater service and vehicle fees, where applicable.
  • Four nights of accommodation.
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary.
  • Game drives in Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro.
  • Serengeti hot air balloon flight, if confirmed in the quotation.
  • Bush breakfast after the balloon flight, according to the balloon operator’s arrangements.
  • Drinking water during game drives.

What Is Not Included

Unless specifically stated in your quotation, the following are not included:

  • International flights to and from Tanzania.
  • Tanzania visa fees.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Personal expenses, laundry, and souvenirs.
  • Tips for the safari guide and lodge staff.
  • Alcoholic and premium drinks.
  • Additional activities not listed in the itinerary.
  • Any services not specifically confirmed as included.

Important: Confirm the balloon flight, accommodation, park fees, and all other package components in your written quotation before making payment.

Why Book Your Tanzania Safari with EKO Tanzania Adventures?

Choosing the right local tour company is an important part of planning a successful safari. A memorable journey depends on more than visiting famous national parks. It also requires careful planning, suitable accommodation, professional guiding, and clear communication throughout the booking process.

EKO Tanzania Adventures is a Tanzania-based tour company in Arusha, offering safari experiences and travel arrangements across some of the country’s best-known destinations. The team can help you organise a safari according to your travel dates, group size, accommodation preferences, budget, and personal interests.

When arranging this five-day adventure, EKO Tanzania Adventures can assist with:

  • Planning a suitable route through the Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit.
  • Organising safari transportation and professional guiding services.
  • Coordinating accommodation in the different destinations.
  • Arranging the Serengeti balloon experience, subject to availability.
  • Discussing the best Serengeti areas for your travel dates.
  • Explaining the itinerary, package price, and confirmed inclusions.
  • Helping you organise additional travel arrangements before or after your safari.

The goal is to make your journey clear, comfortable, and enjoyable, from your first enquiry to the final day of your adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does the 5-day Tanzania safari with a balloon flight cost?

The advertised starting price is $2,635 per person. The final cost depends on the number of travellers, accommodation selection, travel dates, and the confirmed services included in your quotation.

2. Is the Serengeti hot air balloon flight included?

The balloon experience is a main feature of this package. Ask EKO Tanzania Adventures to confirm the flight, bush breakfast, and all related costs in your written quotation before booking.

3. How long does the hot air balloon flight last?

The flight generally lasts around one hour, although the duration may vary depending on weather and operating conditions. The full experience also includes preparation before take-off and a bush breakfast after landing.

4. Which national parks are included in this safari?

The itinerary includes Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater.

5. Can I see the Big Five during this safari?

You may have opportunities to see lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. However, wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

6. Is this safari suitable for couples and families?

Yes. The itinerary can be discussed for couples, families, and private groups. Families travelling with children should provide their ages when requesting a quotation because accommodation and balloon-flight requirements may vary.

7. Can I customise the safari itinerary?

Yes. You can discuss your preferred travel dates, group size, accommodation category, budget, and special interests with EKO Tanzania Adventures. Any changes may affect the final price and availability.

8. What should I pack for the safari?

Bring comfortable clothing, a warm layer for early mornings, closed shoes, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera. A small day bag is useful for carrying personal items during game drives.

9. What happens if bad weather prevents the balloon flight?

Balloon flights operate only when conditions are considered safe. If the operator cancels the flight, its cancellation, refund, or rescheduling policy will apply. Ask for these terms before confirming your booking.

10. Can I extend my safari with a Zanzibar holiday?

Yes. You can discuss adding a Zanzibar beach holiday after your safari. Flights, accommodation, transfers, and activities can be arranged separately according to your travel plans.

Book Your Amazing 5-Day Tanzania Safari with Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Experience

Your Tanzania safari should be more than a journey between national parks. It should be an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Africa, discover extraordinary wildlife, and enjoy special moments that remain with you long after your holiday ends.

This five-day adventure brings together the elephant-rich landscapes of Tarangire, the remarkable wildlife of Serengeti, an unforgettable sunrise balloon flight, and the spectacular scenery of Ngorongoro Crater.

Whether you are planning a romantic holiday, a family adventure, or a private safari with friends, EKO Tanzania Adventures can help you organise the details and prepare a quotation that matches your expectations.

Share your preferred travel dates, number of travellers, accommodation preferences, budget, and any special wildlife interests. The team will help you review the itinerary and confirm the services available for your chosen travel period.

Book your amazing Tanzania safari with EKO Tanzania Adventures and discover the beauty of Africa, crafted the EKO way.

EKO Tanzania Adventures
Website: www.ekotanzaniaadventures.com
Email: info@ekotanzaniaadventures.com
WhatsApp / Phone: +255 761 353 184

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Whether you want a Tanzania safari, Mount Kilimanjaro climb, Zanzibar beach holiday or a combination of all three, EKO Tanzania Adventures will help you plan it around your travel dates, group and budget.

Helpful Tanzania travel information

Frequently Asked Questions

Tanzania can be visited all year. June to October is usually dry and excellent for wildlife viewing. December to March is popular for Serengeti calving season, while Zanzibar is often best in the drier periods of June to October and December to February.
Most visitors need a Tanzania tourist visa. Requirements depend on your nationality, so check with the Tanzania Immigration Department or your nearest Tanzanian embassy before travel. Your passport should normally be valid for at least six months after arrival.
A 3 to 5 day safari works well for Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti highlights. For a more relaxed safari with deeper Serengeti exploration, 6 to 8 days is ideal. We can tailor the route to your available time.
Tanzania is a well-established safari destination. Use normal travel awareness, follow your guide’s safety instructions and keep valuables secure. EKO Tanzania Adventures arranges professional guiding, planned transfers and reliable accommodation.
Yes. Many travellers combine a Northern Circuit safari with a Zanzibar beach stay. Kilimanjaro can be added before or after the safari, depending on your fitness, number of travel days and preferred schedule.
Kilimanjaro does not require technical climbing skills, but it is physically demanding because of altitude and several days of trekking. Good preparation, a longer route for acclimatisation, proper gear and experienced guides are very important.
Machame and Lemosho are popular scenic routes with good acclimatisation time. Marangu uses huts, while Rongai is quieter and approaches from the north. The best route depends on your time, experience and preferred comfort level.
Bring light neutral-coloured clothing, a sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, a warm layer for early mornings and a universal power adapter. Kilimanjaro requires specialist cold-weather trekking gear, for which we provide a detailed list.
Most packages include accommodation, meals as stated, a private or shared safari vehicle, professional guide, game drives, park fees and drinking water. International flights, visa, insurance, tips and personal expenses are usually excluded unless clearly stated.
Payment options depend on your itinerary and booking terms. Cards are accepted in many hotels and larger towns, but carrying a small amount of US dollars or Tanzanian shillings is useful for personal purchases, tips and smaller shops.
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended, including medical evacuation for safari or mountain travel. Vaccination and health advice depend on your travel history and nationality, so consult a qualified travel clinic before departure.
Yes. Share your dates, number of travellers, preferred accommodation level and interests. We can create a private Tanzania safari, Kilimanjaro climb, Zanzibar holiday or complete Tanzania itinerary that fits your plans.