9 day safari with hot air balloon

9 Day Safari with Hot Air Balloon Tanzania – Wildlife & Aerial Adventure

A 9 day safari with hot air balloon Tanzania combines classic wildlife viewing across the Northern Circuit with a magical hot air balloon experience over the plains of the Serengeti National Park. This itinerary is perfect for travelers who want iconic game drives, stunning scenery, and a once in a lifetime sunrise balloon flight.

Over nine days, you’ll explore:

• Tarangire National Park

• Lake Manyara National Park

• Serengeti National Park

• Ngorongoro Crater

This journey blends ground-level wildlife encounters with breathtaking aerial perspectives for unforgettable memories.

Why Choose a 9 Day Safari with Hot Air Balloon Tanzania

This safari offers:

• Classic Northern Circuit wildlife viewing

• Hot air balloon flight over the Serengeti at sunrise

• Professional English-speaking safari guides

• Comfortable or luxury lodges/tented camps

• Scenic overland travel between parks

• Great photography opportunities from ground and air

The hot air balloon adds a unique dimension, allowing you to see the plains and wildlife from above as the sun rises.

Destinations Covered

Tarangire National Park

Start your adventure in Tarangire National Park, known for huge elephant herds and dramatic baobabs.

Highlights:

• Elephant herds along the Tarangire River

• Lions, leopards, and cheetahs

• Birdlife and scenic savannah landscapes

Tarangire is a great introduction to Tanzania’s diverse wildlife.

Lake Manyara National Park

Visit Lake Manyara National Park for ecological diversity.

Key features:

• Tree-climbing lions

• Flamingos and hippos (seasonal)

• Forest habitats and birdwatching

• Rift Valley escarpment views

Lake Manyara’s compact size makes for flexible and exciting game drives.

Serengeti National Park

The balloon portion is centered in Serengeti National Park — Tanzania’s most celebrated wildlife destination.

Expect:

• Lions, leopards, and cheetahs

• Grazing herds of wildebeest and zebras

• Elephants and giraffes

• The Great Migration (seasonal)

Hot Air Balloon:
Early one morning, you’ll rise before dawn for a hot air balloon flight over the endless plains. Drift silently at sunrise over wildlife and spectacular scenery, followed by a bush breakfast — a truly unforgettable moment.

Ngorongoro Crater

Finish your safari at Ngorongoro Crater — a breathtaking volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife.

Wildlife highlights:

• Big Five sightings in one day

• Hippos in freshwater pools

• Lions, buffalo, and zebra herds

• Panoramic crater rim views

The crater’s density of animals makes it one of Africa’s top wildlife viewing spots.

Sample 9 Day Safari with Hot Air Balloon Tanzania Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Welcome briefing and lodge stay
Day 2: Tarangire National Park – Afternoon game drive
Day 3: Full-day Tarangire safari
Day 4: Lake Manyara – Game drive and overnight near Karatu
Day 5: Transfer to Serengeti – Wildlife viewing en route
Day 6: Morning hot air balloon flight over Serengeti + bush breakfast, afternoon game drive
Day 7: Full-day Serengeti safari
Day 8: Transfer to Ngorongoro – Crater rim lodge overnight
Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater tour – Return to Arusha

This structure balances scenic travel, wildlife encounters, and the standout balloon experience.

Wildlife Highlights

During your 9 day safari with hot air balloon Tanzania, you may see:

• Elephants, buffalo, and giraffes

• Lions, leopards, and cheetahs

• Black rhinos in Ngorongoro Crater

• Wildebeest and zebra herds

• Hippos, crocodiles, and flamingos

• Hundreds of bird species

The combination of ground game drives and aerial views offers unmatched photography and viewing opportunities.

Tips for the Balloon Experience

• Dress in layers: Early mornings are cool before sunrise.

• Bring a camera: Aerial views and wildlife from above are spectacular.

• Book early: Balloon rides are limited and popular.

• Arrive rested: Balloon flights start very early before dawn.

These tips help you get the most from your balloon safari.

Best Time to Travel

Dry Season (June – October)

• Highest wildlife visibility

• Great for balloon flights with clear skies

Green Season (November – May)

• Lush scenery and fewer tourists

• Calving season in Serengeti for dramatic wildlife action

Both seasons offer excellent safari experiences, though balloon availability can vary with weather.

What’s Typically Included

Most 9 day safari with hot air balloon Tanzania packages include:

• Park entrance and conservation fees

• 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof

• Professional English-speaking guide

• 8 nights accommodation (lodge or tented camp)

• All meals during safari

• Hot air balloon flight and bush breakfast

• Drinking water

• Government taxes

Often excluded:
International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, tips, and personal expenses.

A Memorable African Adventure

A 9 day safari with hot air balloon Tanzania combines classic game drives with the thrill of floating above the Serengeti at sunrise.

With expert guides, scenic parks, and unmatched views, this itinerary creates incredible memories from close-up wildlife encounters to breathtaking aerial panoramas