7 DAYS BALLOON SAFARI
This seven-day guided tour is a perfect first safari. You’ll explore some of the most glorious of African lands, including the magnificence of the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater as well as the lesser-known and more select of the Tanzanian parks like Arusha and Lake Manyara National Park. From day one you’ll be encompassed by nature in all her beauty – a landscape like no other, big, bold skies and a dizzying array of wildlife and flora. You’ll get up close with lions, gaze on the pink haze of flamingo shimmering on a soda lake, learn to pick out submerging hippos, and spot so many species of birds that you’ll lose count. With comfortable camps, delicious food and accompanied by an experienced, friendly guide, this seven-day Tanzanian safari is perfect for you if you’d like to experience the best that nature has to offer.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Day-1 Arrival at Arusha
- Day-2 Game Drive in Tarangire National Park
- Day-3 Game Drive in Lake Manyara National Park
- Day-4 Game Drive in Serengeti National Park
- Day-5 Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari
- Day-6 Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari
- Day-7 Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha
FACTS
DAY 1: ARUSHA TO ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK
You’ll kick off your adventure early in the morning heading off to the beguiling – and often overlooked – Arusha National Park. Arusha is a jewel of Tanzania, with a diversity of plant and animal life that will take your breath away. You’ll explore the shores of tranquil Lake Momella which reflects the colors of the sky in her still waters, and you’ll experience the vibrancy of the bronzed bush where the Ngurdoto Crater buffalo, waterbuck, giraffe, warthogs, zebra, and gazelle busy themselves. These are resident throughout the year so you’re bound to see a different animal everywhere you turn. The elusive leopards and elephants tend to be shy at Arusha but there is a good chance of spotting them, too. You’ll also have the opportunity to set out on foot for a fascinating stroll – it’s a totally different sensation feeling Africa’s vibrant pulse through the soles of your shoes. At a slower pace, you can really begin to understand Africa. You’ll get up close and personal to the flora and fauna but you’ll stay safe, accompanied by an armed ranger who will guide you through lush forest to the clear springs of a sparkling waterfall. Arusha National Park’s rangers are extremely knowledgeable, and as you walk, you’ll learn so much about the biodiversity of the park – and suddenly you’ll spot a tribe of black and white colobus monkeys, famous in the park for their acrobatics. You’ll spend overnight in the Hotel and a delicious dinner will be served by our friends’ cooker.
Lunch; Dinner
DAY 2: ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK TO TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARKTO MTO WA MBU
After awakening to a still African dawn, you’ll energize yourself with a hearty breakfast before heading off to the Tarangire National Park, named after the river which flows across the park and is the only source of water for the animals during the dry season. It’s an undulating landscape, scattered with Baobab trees and high grasses and its mixture of vegetation is unique in the Northern safari lands. Tarangire is famous for its birdlife: over 550 species make their homes here including the endearing yellow-collared lovebird. The Tarangire swamps have the most breeding species in one habitat in the world. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot Omo, the white giraffe who has a genetic condition called leucism: she’s perfectly healthy, just almost perfectly white! Of course, if you don’t see Omo you’ll see a remarkable selection of wildlife including elephants, lions, warthogs, impala, cheetah, buffalo, and baboons. After a fascinating day in this beautiful park, you’ll head off to Mto wa Mbu and reach the hotel in the late afternoon. You’ll have a chance to relax, absorb the sights and finish the evening with a tasty dinner before resting up, ready for tomorrow’s adventure.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
DAY 3: MTO WA MBU TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Your Serengeti adventure begins here. After a good breakfast, you’ll drive to the world-famous Serengeti National Park. It’s world-famous for a reason: it’s home to the world’s largest concentration of wildlife including zebra, gazelle, lions, wildebeest, elephant, and giraffe. It’s also one of the points of the seasonal migration of wildebeest, which is an awesome sight in the truest sense of the word. Serengeti means ‘The land that moves on forever and you can see why: the Serengeti flows with a never-ending wave of movement and a buzz of activity. You’ll stop for a well-earned break for lunch on a kopje (rock outcropping), gazing down on the incredible views while you eat and preparing yourself for your adventures deeper into the park. The evening will see you settled in the hotel, enjoying an appetizing dinner, watching a golden and pink sunset, and picking out the first stars as they appear in the darkening sky. Tomorrow you have got a whole day exploring Serengeti further.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
DAY 4: BALLOON SAFARI
Rising at down with tea and coffee at around 5 am you will be driven to the starting point of the balloon safari. You will be briefed by the guide and then take off with the balloon to have an aerial view of the park’s animals at the eagle’s eye angle. It is only in the Serengeti balloon safari you can enjoy a close view of these predators when they have cached their hunt and enjoying their meal while graving and struggling to pick the best. Other animals observed are elephants, Zebras, Giraffes, Impala, Topi, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Waterbuck, Wild dog, Warthog, Hippos, and Nile crocodiles, Gazelles, etc. After the morning Serengeti Balloon returns back to the lodge for lunch, you will find the driver waiting for you at the Tourist information center.
We have a brief game drive as we head back for our lunch at the lodge.
Afternoon for further game drives in the afternoon before returning to the hotel as the sunsets. Dinner and overnight.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
DAY 5: SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK TO NGORONGORO CRATER
You’ll be up with before dawn on an early morning game drive, the air crisp and keen and the sky brightening from indigo to golden pink and finally to hyacinth blue as we explore. The park is waking up and is alive with the calls of the animals. This is a time for tracking – predators have left their tracks overnight, and we’ll follow. As dawn breaks, the bird’s melodies begin to harmonize, the early morning air starts to warm and you’ll hear different calls as other animals start their day. You’ll add to yesterday’s collection of sightings: perhaps today you’ll see more hippos; perhaps a troop of monkeys or a family of mongooses will grab your attention. After such an early start, you’ll be looking forward to a delicious lunch, which will be served at the park. In the afternoon, you’ll start your Ngorongoro adventure by heading off to The Retreat at Ngorongoro. You’ll spend the evening enjoying a tasty dinner and relaxing under the stars.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
DAY 6: NGORONGORO CRATER TO MTO WA MBU
After an early but delicious breakfast, you’ll travel into the Crater, which is known as “Africa’s Garden of Eden”; its unique geological formation is at the root of its diversity. Because the crater sides are a barrier to many species migrating in or out, the crater is packed full of wildlife, and there’s an excellent chance of spotting Africa’s Big Five today. You could also encounter vultures, zebra, hippo, wildebeest, and hyenas. The alkaline lake attracts geese, and storks, and pink clouds of flamingos, too. Your experienced guide will ensure that you discover all the glorious wonders of nature in this unique place. You’ll rest at Eileen’s Tree Inn overnight before your journey to the wonders of Lake Manyara National Park.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
DAY 7: LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK TO ARUSHA
Your day starts with a healthy, filling breakfast, and then you’ll head off to the Lake Manyara National Park, which extends for miles along the emerald base of the gold-flecked Rift Valley escarpment. The park is a patchwork of forest, arid scrubland, and soda lake and a paradise for bird lovers. The forest is alive with the birdsong and flittering with the antics of monkeys in the forest canopy; giraffes roam the savannah and lions loll in trees, resting in the shade, while hippo families submerge themselves in the waters of the soda lake. You’ll enjoy a delicious picnic lunch served in the park before our drive back to Arusha, where your safari adventure ends. We can arrange for a transfer to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport on request.
Breakfast; Lunch
- Unlimitedmineral water during the entire safari
- Highlyexperienced English-speaking guide(s); porters & cook
- Mountain crew (cook & porters)
- Transportfrom/to park gate & airport transfer
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables etc.)
- Meals according to the itinerary
- All mentioned activities
- All national park fees
- Sleeping bag
- Flights
- Optional activities
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- + OVERVIEW
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HIGHLIGHTS
Day 1-6 | Tanzania- Day-1 Arrival at Arusha
- Day-2 Game Drive in Tarangire National Park
- Day-3 Game Drive in Lake Manyara National Park
- Day-4 Game Drive in Serengeti National Park
- Day-5 Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari
- Day-6 Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari
- Day-7 Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha
FACTS
Tourcode: ET10FOLCAMTour Duration: 7Days/6 nightsGroup Size: 1 person and aboveDestination: Tanzania Northern parksSpecial Category: Balloon Safari, Game driveSeason: All year round except rain season April & May - + ITINERARY
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DAY 1: ARUSHA TO ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK
You’ll kick off your adventure early in the morning heading off to the beguiling – and often overlooked – Arusha National Park. Arusha is a jewel of Tanzania, with a diversity of plant and animal life that will take your breath away. You’ll explore the shores of tranquil Lake Momella which reflects the colors of the sky in her still waters, and you’ll experience the vibrancy of the bronzed bush where the Ngurdoto Crater buffalo, waterbuck, giraffe, warthogs, zebra, and gazelle busy themselves. These are resident throughout the year so you’re bound to see a different animal everywhere you turn. The elusive leopards and elephants tend to be shy at Arusha but there is a good chance of spotting them, too. You’ll also have the opportunity to set out on foot for a fascinating stroll – it’s a totally different sensation feeling Africa’s vibrant pulse through the soles of your shoes. At a slower pace, you can really begin to understand Africa. You’ll get up close and personal to the flora and fauna but you’ll stay safe, accompanied by an armed ranger who will guide you through lush forest to the clear springs of a sparkling waterfall. Arusha National Park’s rangers are extremely knowledgeable, and as you walk, you’ll learn so much about the biodiversity of the park – and suddenly you’ll spot a tribe of black and white colobus monkeys, famous in the park for their acrobatics. You’ll spend overnight in the Hotel and a delicious dinner will be served by our friends’ cooker.
Lunch; Dinner
DAY 2: ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK TO TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARKTO MTO WA MBU
After awakening to a still African dawn, you’ll energize yourself with a hearty breakfast before heading off to the Tarangire National Park, named after the river which flows across the park and is the only source of water for the animals during the dry season. It’s an undulating landscape, scattered with Baobab trees and high grasses and its mixture of vegetation is unique in the Northern safari lands. Tarangire is famous for its birdlife: over 550 species make their homes here including the endearing yellow-collared lovebird. The Tarangire swamps have the most breeding species in one habitat in the world. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot Omo, the white giraffe who has a genetic condition called leucism: she’s perfectly healthy, just almost perfectly white! Of course, if you don’t see Omo you’ll see a remarkable selection of wildlife including elephants, lions, warthogs, impala, cheetah, buffalo, and baboons. After a fascinating day in this beautiful park, you’ll head off to Mto wa Mbu and reach the hotel in the late afternoon. You’ll have a chance to relax, absorb the sights and finish the evening with a tasty dinner before resting up, ready for tomorrow’s adventure.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
DAY 3: MTO WA MBU TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Your Serengeti adventure begins here. After a good breakfast, you’ll drive to the world-famous Serengeti National Park. It’s world-famous for a reason: it’s home to the world’s largest concentration of wildlife including zebra, gazelle, lions, wildebeest, elephant, and giraffe. It’s also one of the points of the seasonal migration of wildebeest, which is an awesome sight in the truest sense of the word. Serengeti means ‘The land that moves on forever and you can see why: the Serengeti flows with a never-ending wave of movement and a buzz of activity. You’ll stop for a well-earned break for lunch on a kopje (rock outcropping), gazing down on the incredible views while you eat and preparing yourself for your adventures deeper into the park. The evening will see you settled in the hotel, enjoying an appetizing dinner, watching a golden and pink sunset, and picking out the first stars as they appear in the darkening sky. Tomorrow you have got a whole day exploring Serengeti further.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
DAY 4: BALLOON SAFARI
Rising at down with tea and coffee at around 5 am you will be driven to the starting point of the balloon safari. You will be briefed by the guide and then take off with the balloon to have an aerial view of the park’s animals at the eagle’s eye angle. It is only in the Serengeti balloon safari you can enjoy a close view of these predators when they have cached their hunt and enjoying their meal while graving and struggling to pick the best. Other animals observed are elephants, Zebras, Giraffes, Impala, Topi, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Waterbuck, Wild dog, Warthog, Hippos, and Nile crocodiles, Gazelles, etc. After the morning Serengeti Balloon returns back to the lodge for lunch, you will find the driver waiting for you at the Tourist information center.
We have a brief game drive as we head back for our lunch at the lodge.
Afternoon for further game drives in the afternoon before returning to the hotel as the sunsets. Dinner and overnight.Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
DAY 5: SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK TO NGORONGORO CRATER
You’ll be up with before dawn on an early morning game drive, the air crisp and keen and the sky brightening from indigo to golden pink and finally to hyacinth blue as we explore. The park is waking up and is alive with the calls of the animals. This is a time for tracking – predators have left their tracks overnight, and we’ll follow. As dawn breaks, the bird’s melodies begin to harmonize, the early morning air starts to warm and you’ll hear different calls as other animals start their day. You’ll add to yesterday’s collection of sightings: perhaps today you’ll see more hippos; perhaps a troop of monkeys or a family of mongooses will grab your attention. After such an early start, you’ll be looking forward to a delicious lunch, which will be served at the park. In the afternoon, you’ll start your Ngorongoro adventure by heading off to The Retreat at Ngorongoro. You’ll spend the evening enjoying a tasty dinner and relaxing under the stars.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
DAY 6: NGORONGORO CRATER TO MTO WA MBU
After an early but delicious breakfast, you’ll travel into the Crater, which is known as “Africa’s Garden of Eden”; its unique geological formation is at the root of its diversity. Because the crater sides are a barrier to many species migrating in or out, the crater is packed full of wildlife, and there’s an excellent chance of spotting Africa’s Big Five today. You could also encounter vultures, zebra, hippo, wildebeest, and hyenas. The alkaline lake attracts geese, and storks, and pink clouds of flamingos, too. Your experienced guide will ensure that you discover all the glorious wonders of nature in this unique place. You’ll rest at Eileen’s Tree Inn overnight before your journey to the wonders of Lake Manyara National Park.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
DAY 7: LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK TO ARUSHA
Your day starts with a healthy, filling breakfast, and then you’ll head off to the Lake Manyara National Park, which extends for miles along the emerald base of the gold-flecked Rift Valley escarpment. The park is a patchwork of forest, arid scrubland, and soda lake and a paradise for bird lovers. The forest is alive with the birdsong and flittering with the antics of monkeys in the forest canopy; giraffes roam the savannah and lions loll in trees, resting in the shade, while hippo families submerge themselves in the waters of the soda lake. You’ll enjoy a delicious picnic lunch served in the park before our drive back to Arusha, where your safari adventure ends. We can arrange for a transfer to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport on request.
Breakfast; Lunch
Items included:- Unlimitedmineral water during the entire safari
- Highlyexperienced English-speaking guide(s); porters & cook
- Mountain crew (cook & porters)
- Transportfrom/to park gate & airport transfer
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables etc.)
- Meals according to the itinerary
- All mentioned activities
- All national park fees
Items excluded:- Sleeping bag
- Flights
- Optional activities
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- + MAP
-