Big Cats & Serengeti Balloon Safari: 4 Days in Tanzania's Top Parks | Tanzania safari | Serengeti Nexus

The group arrives at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO). Participants are met by a representative of Serengeti Nexus and transferred to a hotel in Arusha.

Note: Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.

Today your safari will take place in Tarangire National Park. This is one of the most interesting places in Tanzania! The river of the same name flows through the park, where giraffes, zebras, antelopes and buffaloes come to drink. These animals attract predators, which is why a lot of lions live in Tarangire. You will definitely see them during your trip.

In the dry season, the Tarangire River becomes the only source of drinking water for many kilometers around. Because of this, large herds of elephants come to Tarangire, making Tarangire the home to the largest population of elephants in Northern Tanzania for most of the year (especially June - October and December - March). Elephants are not at all intimidated by visitors to the park, and they often come quite close to cars. This is completely safe - since elephants have no enemies in their natural nature they are naturally curious and unafraid.

Today you are going to the Legendary Ngorongoro Crater! Your day will begin early in the morning, when your guide arrives to drive you to the Ngorongoro Crater, part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Crater is somewhat reminiscent of The Lost World by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: here you will witness tens of thousands of wild animals living in the massive crater left by a huge ancient volcano. The actual crater is relatively small, when you consider that it is home to the most variety of animals per square meter than anywhere else in the world! Here, you are sure to see a great number of animals within close proximity to one another.

The descent into the crater will take about half an hour of driving. The road passes through beautiful, lush forests with great scenery. Your safari guide will make a stop to see the ‘look out’ which is a place offering a stunning panoramic view of the entire crater. Contrary to popular myth, animals can go outside the caldera. However, most of them are safe and comfortable inside the caldera which provides an unlimited supply of fresh grass for grazers and easy prey for predators. Therefore, they prefer to remain in the crater t all the time.

Elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, lions, cheetahs, zebras and other African animals can be seen in Ngorongoro Crater. This is one of the few places in Africa where rhinos are found, although, remember that they are an endangered species, so there are very few of them. One animal that is absent are giraffes; you will not spot any of them in the crater because, due to the build of their bodies, including legs and long necks, they cannot walk down into the crater.

After your morning game drive around the crater, you will stop at the picnic area next to Lake Magadi for a snack and rest. This place is popular with various birds, including kites, who sometimes try to steal food right from the table! While not dangerous, at all, it is a good idea not to leave any food unattended. One of the draws of Lake Magadi are the hippos that live in the area. You’re sure to enjoy watching them while you eat lunch. These huge animals stay close to the shore and often surface to get air. If you do see one walking out of the water, give it plenty of space. Due to the large number of animals and endemic plants, Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and renowned for its natural significance in the world.

Today's adventure begins at dawn with a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti. A driver will pick you up early from your lodge and take you to the launch site — an experience in itself, as you may spot nocturnal animals on the way. At the launch site, you'll have hot coffee/tea and a snack while watching the balloon inflate, before gently lifting off for an hour-long flight. From above, you’ll float over the golden plains and spot wildlife beginning their day — elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more. After landing, you'll enjoy a bush breakfast and receive a flight certificate to mark the occasion.

Next, your guide will meet you for a classic Serengeti game drive through the central Seronera region — the heart of the park and home to a dense concentration of wildlife. Expect to see lions, buffaloes, antelopes, and possibly even cheetahs or leopards. With sweeping landscapes and dramatic skies, this area offers some of the best photo opportunities in Tanzania.

The Serengeti is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the setting of the real-life Lion King. It’s especially famous for the Great Migration and its untouched beauty. Whether you continue your game drive into the afternoon or return to camp to relax, this day blends the peaceful stillness of a balloon ride with the thrill of a traditional safari — all in one unforgettable experience.

Your safari continues in the central Serengeti, where another day offers new landscapes and fresh chances to spot wildlife. This region is home to rare species like leopards, caracals, serval cats, and even rhinos. With more time to explore, your guide will lead you to different areas and help track elusive animals you may have missed before.

It’s best to wrap up the safari slightly before midday, as the return journey to Arusha takes approximately six hours. You’ll travel back through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with chances to spot baboons, elephants, and maybe even a cheetah along the way. Mid-route, you’re welcome to stop at a scenic picnic site for lunch. By dinner time, you’ll be back at your hotel in Arusha to relax and enjoy the evening.

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.

Note: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out before your evening flight, you have the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee. Let your manager know in advance if you need a late check-out.