9-Day Tarangire & Serengeti Dual Balloon Safari (Midrange Safari)
Tour Type: Group Tour Only
Style: Midrange Safari – Comfortable lodges and tented camps with essential amenities, guided wildlife activities, and two spectacular balloon flights over Tarangire and Serengeti
Tanzania’s Sky-High Safari Experience
This 9-day itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience Tanzania’s wilderness from both the ground and the sky. From the baobab-studded plains of Tarangire to the endless savannahs of the Serengeti, this journey offers intimate wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and two unforgettable sunrise balloon safaris. It’s ideal for groups seeking adventure, comfort, and a touch of magic.
Key Tour Highlights & Unique Selling Points
- Two sunrise hot air balloon safaris: one over Tarangire and one over Serengeti
- Game drives in Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater
- Cultural visit to a Maasai village
- Scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley and Ngorongoro Highlands
- Midrange lodges and tented camps with en-suite rooms, local cuisine, and group-friendly amenities
- Ideal for photography groups, adventure clubs, and nature enthusiasts
Major Attractions
| Destination | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Tarangire National Park | Elephant herds, baobab trees, balloon safari |
| Serengeti National Park | Big Five, Great Migration, balloon safari |
| Ngorongoro Crater | World’s largest intact caldera, dense wildlife |
| Maasai Village | Cultural dance, storytelling, crafts |
Accessibility Options
- By Road: Arusha → Tarangire (~2 hours), Tarangire → Serengeti (~6–7 hours via Ngorongoro), Serengeti → Ngorongoro (~3 hours), Ngorongoro → Arusha (~4 hours)
- By Air (Optional): Charter flights available from Serengeti to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport
- Transfers: All ground transport provided in 4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roof, bottled water, and onboard guide
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha & Group Briefing
Activities:
- Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to lodge
- Evening group briefing and welcome dinner
Accommodation: Midrange Option: Arusha Planet Lodge / Ilboru Safari Lodge
Amenities: En-suite rooms, pool, Wi-Fi, restaurant
Day 2: Transfer to Tarangire & Afternoon Game Drive
Activities:
- Morning scenic drive to Tarangire National Park
- Afternoon game drive among baobabs and elephant herds
Accommodation: Midrange Option: Tarangire Simba Lodge / Sangaiwe Tented Lodge
Amenities: Tented rooms, en-suite bathrooms, solar power, pool
Day 3: Tarangire Balloon Safari & Cultural Visit
Activities:
- Early morning hot air balloon safari with bush breakfast
- Afternoon visit to a Maasai village for cultural immersion
Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Day 4: Transfer to Serengeti via Ngorongoro Highlands
Activities:
- Morning drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Afternoon game drive en route to central Serengeti
Accommodation: Midrange Option: Serengeti Heritage Camp / Thorn Tree Camp
Amenities: En-suite tents, solar lighting, campfire area
Day 5: Serengeti Balloon Safari & Game Drive
Activities:
- Sunrise hot air balloon safari over Serengeti plains
- Afternoon game drive in Seronera Valley
Accommodation: Same as Day 4
Day 6: Full-Day Serengeti Game Drives
Activities:
- Morning game drive focused on predator sightings
- Afternoon visit to hippo pool or optional nature walk
Accommodation: Same as Day 4
Day 7: Transfer to Ngorongoro & Crater Rim Sunset
Activities:
- Morning game drive en route to Ngorongoro
- Sunset view from crater rim with group dinner
Accommodation: Midrange Option: Rhino Lodge / Ngorongoro Forest Lodge
Amenities: En-suite rooms, fireplace, local cuisine
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Safari & Return to Arusha
Activities:
- Early morning descent into Ngorongoro Crater for game viewing
- Afternoon scenic drive back to Arusha
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Day 9: Departure from Arusha
Activities:
- Group breakfast and airport transfer
- Optional souvenir shopping or city tour (time permitting)
What to Carry & Requirements
- Valid passport and Tanzanian visa
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Lightweight safari clothing (neutral colors)
- Warm layers for early mornings and crater rim
- Sturdy walking shoes or boots
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, sunglasses
- Binoculars and camera with extra batteries
- Reusable water bottle and personal medications
- Moderate fitness level for balloon boarding and crater descent
✅ Inclusions
- All ground transport in 4x4 safari vehicle
- 8 nights midrange accommodation
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Two hot air balloon safaris (Tarangire & Serengeti)
- Game drives in Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater
- Maasai village visit
- Park entry fees and ranger support
- Bottled drinking water during transfers
❌ Exclusions
- International flights
- Tanzanian visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities not listed
Accommodation Overview
| Lodge Name | Location | Key Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Arusha Planet Lodge | Arusha | Pool, Wi-Fi, en-suite rooms |
| Tarangire Simba Lodge | Tarangire | Tented rooms, pool, solar power |
| Serengeti Heritage Camp | Serengeti | En-suite tents, campfire, local cuisine |
| Rhino Lodge | Ngorongoro | Fireplace, crater views, en-suite rooms |
Float Above the Wild & Explore Tanzania’s Iconic Parks
This midrange group safari offers the perfect blend of aerial wonder and ground-level adventure, ideal for photography clubs, nature lovers, and group explorers.