If you’re planning a Tanzania safari, a hot air balloon safari is a unique and unforgettable experience that should not be missed. Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park is the perfect location for a hot air balloon safari, as it offers stunning views of the wildlife and landscapes below. Here’s a sample itinerary for a Tanzania balloon safari:
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
You will arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and meet with your safari guide who will transfer you to Arusha town where you will spend the night at a hotel. Depending on the time of your arrival, you can explore the town and experience its vibrant culture and cuisine.
Day 2: Arusha to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, you will leave for Serengeti National Park with a stopover at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You will have the chance to explore the Ngorongoro Crater, which is the largest unbroken caldera in the world and is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and rhinos. Afterward, you will continue to Serengeti National Park where you will spend the night at a lodge.
Day 3: Hot Air Balloon Safari
Early in the morning, you will be picked up from your lodge and driven to the hot air balloon launch site. Here, you will meet your pilot and the rest of the passengers who will be joining you on the balloon safari. The hot air balloon flight will take about an hour, during which you will soar over the vast Serengeti plains while enjoying breathtaking views of the sunrise and the wildlife below.
After landing, you will be treated to a champagne breakfast in the middle of the Serengeti before heading back to your lodge for some relaxation time. Later in the afternoon, you will embark on a game drive to explore the Serengeti National Park further.
Day 4: Serengeti National Park
Today, you will have a full day to explore the Serengeti National Park. You will start early in the morning and head out on a game drive to see the wildlife when they are most active. You will have the chance to see the famous wildebeest migration, which is one of the most spectacular wildlife events in the world.
During the day, you can take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch in the middle of the Serengeti. In the evening, you will return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Day 5: Serengeti National Park to Arusha
After breakfast, you will leave Serengeti National Park and head back to Arusha. On the way, you can stop at a Maasai village to experience their culture and way of life. You will arrive in Arusha in the evening, where you will spend your last night in Tanzania.
Day 6: Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.
In conclusion, a Tanzania balloon safari is an unforgettable experience that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. The above itinerary provides a great balance between the hot air balloon safari, exploring the Serengeti National Park, and experiencing the local culture.