4 Days Big Cats & Balloon Safari in Tanzania 2025, 2026 & 2027
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Start/End Arusha
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Tour Type Private Safari
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Age 12+
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Language English
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Cancel Free
About the 4-Day Big Cats & Balloon Safari
Safari Highlights
- Serengeti National Park: Thrilling game drives in the kingdom of big cats.
- Hot Air Balloon Safari: Exclusive sunrise balloon ride with a bush breakfast in the wild.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Home to the Big Five and stunning landscapes.
- Scenic Drives: Travel through the Great Rift Valley and Tanzanian countryside.
- Wildlife Diversity: Spot lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and wildebeest.
- Comfortable Lodging: Stay in safari lodges and tented camps with full-board meals.
Safari Description
The 4-Day Big Cats & Balloon Safari in Tanzania is an exhilarating adventure starting from Arusha, taking you through the iconic Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Experience thrilling game drives to spot big cats like lions, cheetahs, and leopards, alongside elephants, rhinos, and wildebeest. A highlight is the exclusive sunrise hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti, followed by a bush breakfast in the wilderness. Explore the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its dense wildlife population and stunning views. Stay in comfortable safari lodges and tented camps with full-board meals, ensuring a luxurious yet immersive experience. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, this private safari offers a blend of adventure and comfort. Book now for an unforgettable journey!
Big Cats & Balloon Safari Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha to Serengeti National Park
Your safari begins with a morning pick-up from Arusha, followed by a drive through the scenic Ngorongoro highlands en route to Serengeti National Park. Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the savannah and perhaps spot wildlife before even entering the park. In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive across the endless plains, home to lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and a rich variety of wildlife. As the sun sets, you will head to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Overnight at a comfortable lodge or tented camp such as Serengeti Sopa Lodge or similar, with en-suite facilities and full-board meals.
Day 2: Serengeti – Balloon Safari & Big Cats Game Drive
Rise before dawn for a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti. Watch the sunrise paint the plains golden as you float silently above herds of wildebeest, giraffes, and elephants. After landing, enjoy a bush breakfast served in the wilderness. The rest of the day is dedicated to game drives focusing on Serengeti’s big cats – lions lounging in the shade, cheetahs sprinting across the plains, and elusive leopards resting in trees. Return to camp for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Overnight at a comfortable lodge or tented camp such as Serengeti Sopa Lodge or similar.
Day 3: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Serengeti before departing towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, you may stop at a Maasai village for a cultural experience and insights into their traditional lifestyle. Arrive at your lodge on the crater rim by evening, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Ngorongoro Crater and a relaxing dinner.
Accommodation: Overnight at a lodge such as Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge or similar, with full-board meals.
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
This morning, descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a spectacular game drive. The crater, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” hosts an incredible concentration of wildlife, including lions, buffaloes, elephants, rhinos, hippos, and an array of birdlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the hippo pool before ascending the crater and driving back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon where your safari concludes.
Accommodation: Not included. Optional overnight stay in Arusha can be arranged upon request.
Included in 4-Day Big Cats & Balloon Safari
- Pick-up and Drop-off: Transport to/from Arusha in a private 4x4 safari vehicle.
- Private Vehicle: Exclusive 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for optimal game viewing.
- Expert Guide: Professional English-speaking driver-guide.
- Balloon Safari: Sunrise hot air balloon ride over Serengeti with bush breakfast.
- Accommodation: Full-board lodging in safari lodges and tented camps as per itinerary.
- Park Fees: All entry and conservation fees for Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
- Meals and Water: All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and bottled water during safari.
Excluded in 4-Day Big Cats & Balloon Safari
- International Flights: Roundtrip airfare to and from Tanzania.
- Travel Insurance: Highly recommended but not included.
- Tips: Gratuities for driver-guide and camp staff.
- Drinks: Alcoholic and soft drinks at lodges/camps.
- Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, laundry, and other personal items.
- Accommodation in Arusha: Before/after safari, available on request.
- Child Discounts: Children under 12 receive reduced rates; not suitable for children under 5.
- Kid-Friendly Excursions: Activities designed to be safe and engaging for older children.
- Adult Supervision: Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
A deposit is required to secure your booking, with the balance due 30 days prior to departure. Cancellations made more than 30 days in advance incur a small fee; within 30 days, they are non-refundable. Itinerary changes may occur due to weather or park regulations. Guests must follow safety protocols. Luggage is limited to one soft-sided bag and one small backpack per person. Special requests must be made at booking and are subject to availability. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Review summary
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Game Drives:
4.9
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Balloon Safari:
5.0
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Support Services:
4.8
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Accommodation:
4.8
Recent reviews
25 reviews
"The balloon safari was breathtaking, and spotting lions and cheetahs up close was unforgettable. Highly recommend this adventure!"
"Fantastic organization and incredible wildlife. The Ngorongoro Crater was a highlight. Worth every penny!"
