Arusha: 5-Day Safari to Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti

Planning a safari in Tanzania? This 5-day adventure promises a chance to see the iconic Big 5, witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, and enjoy luxurious accommodations—all wrapped up in an itinerary designed for those craving authentic wildlife encounters with a touch of comfort.

What truly makes this experience stand out are the expert guides, the opportunity for a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti at sunrise, and the diverse landscapes you’ll encounter—from the acacia-dotted plains to the crater’s lush waterholes.

One thing to keep in mind is the cost—at over $14,500 per person, this adventure is an investment, but many reviewers agree that the value in the personalized experiences and high-quality lodges justifies the price. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a luxury safari experience with a focus on wildlife, scenery, and memorable moments—not just ticking boxes.

Key Points

• Luxury and Comfort: Tented lodges and a day room in Arusha provide a blend of rugged adventure and comfort.
• Wildlife Encounters: Multiple game drives in Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti with opportunities to see the Big 5.
• Unique Experiences: A hot air balloon ride at dawn offers extraordinary views of the plains and wildlife.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, helping spot elusive animals like leopards.
• Cultural and Scenic Highlights: Visits to Lake Magadi and the Ngorongoro Crater add scenic diversity.
• Value for Money: All-inclusive of transfers, meals, and activities, making it a hassle-free luxury escape.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Day 1: Into the Wild at Tarangire National Park

Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Arusha to Tarangire, renowned for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. The landscape here is a mix of open grasslands, acacia trees, and the meandering Tarangire River, offering stunning vistas and abundant wildlife.

Once at your tented safari camp—Mpingo Tented Lodge—you’ll settle into a cozy yet luxurious setting, perfect for relaxing after the drive. The afternoon game drive is your first chance to spot giraffes stretching their long necks, herds of wildebeest, waterbucks, zebras, and elephants. Our research shows that Tarangire’s elephants are particularly plentiful, making this a highlight for wildlife lovers.

Reviewers emphasize the thrill of spotting herds of elephants and the scenic beauty of the landscape. One guest shared, “The guides really knew where to find the animals, and the elephants in Tarangire are simply stunning.” After sunset, you’ll enjoy dinner at the lodge, surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Day 2: From Tarangire to the Crater Floor

Early morning game drives in Tarangire set the tone for a day filled with diverse wildlife encounters. You’ll then head toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its volcanic crater.

Descending over 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll enter a wildlife Eden. The crater is teeming with herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, and eland, all supported by the permanent water and fodder supply. The chance to see the Big 5—lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard—is high here, and knowledgeable guides help you spot even the most elusive predators.

Many visitors praise the guides’ astute animal recognition skills. One reviewer noted, “Our guide was amazing at spotting leopards hiding in the trees—truly impressive.” Lake Magadi, a shallow alkaline lake, is a highlight for birdwatchers; flamingos and hippos are often seen here.

Day 3: Wildlife and Scenic Wonders in Ngorongoro and Serengeti

After breakfast, you’ll descend once again into the crater, then continue your journey to the Serengeti. This vast plains ecosystem is world-famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration, and your eyes will be on the lookout for herds moving across the plains.

The Serengeti offers some of the best game viewing in Africa, especially for predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. Numerous reviews highlight the exceptional cat sightings: “We saw a pride of lions stalking their prey—absolutely unforgettable.” The landscape here varies from endless grasslands to scattered acacia trees, providing ideal hunting grounds for predators and grazing for herbivores.

Your overnight stay at Serengeti Melia Lodge offers comfort amidst wild surroundings, with delicious meals and the chance to reflect on the day’s sightings.

Day 4: Serengeti Safari & Hot Air Balloon Adventure

The morning kicks off with a game drive in central Serengeti, where the landscape bursts with wildlife activity. This is the place to see the infamous migration, especially if timing aligns with the season.

The highlight of the day? The hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti at sunrise. You’ll drift silently over the plains, getting a breathtaking aerial view of herds, predators, and the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. Reviews consistently mention how special this experience is, with one guest sharing, “Seeing the vastness of the plains from above was surreal, and observing animals from the air made everything more vivid.”

After the flight, return to the lodge for a hearty lunch and some rest before your final game drive.

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Day 5: Balloon Safari & Return to Arusha

The early wake-up call at 4 am is well worth the effort for the sunrise hot air balloon safari. Floating over the Serengeti as the sun rises is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with stunning views of the plains and wildlife below. Many mention how peaceful and awe-inspiring the ride is, often citing it as a highlight of their trip.

Following the balloon ride, enjoy a final game drive before transferring back to Arusha via a domestic flight from Serengeti. Once back in the city, you have access to a dayroom to freshen up before heading to the airport for your flight home.

This safari includes all game drives, accommodations, meals, transfers, a hot air balloon safari, and the domestic flight from Serengeti to Arusha. The experience’s value lies in its comprehensive package—everything is arranged to minimize stress, so you can focus on enjoying the wildlife and scenery.

Reviewers highlight the guides’ knowledge as a top asset; they often spot animals that guests might otherwise overlook, like leopards hiding in the trees or a distant cheetah stalking prey. The lodges, considered luxurious tented camps, provide comfort and a sense of closeness to nature.

However, this tour is priced at $14,560 per person, which might seem steep. Yet, considering the inclusion of a scenic flight, multiple national parks, expert guiding, and high-quality accommodations, many agree that the price reflects the value of a curated, worry-free experience.

Packing Tips & Practicalities

Prepare for early mornings and varying weather conditions—layered clothing, a hat, and sunscreen are essential. Bring a good camera and binoculars to maximize wildlife spotting, and remember to carry local currency for tips or personal expenses.

Guides are generally fluent in multiple languages, including English, German, and Spanish, making communication smooth. The tour is suitable for those comfortable with a bit of adventure and wildlife unpredictability.

This experience is perfect for travelers seeking a luxury safari that balances adventure with comfort. The inclusion of a balloon ride adds a magical element, giving you a new perspective on Africa’s vast landscapes. The diversity of parks means you’ll see a variety of habitats and wildlife—each with its own story to tell.

The guides’ expertise is frequently praised, and their ability to help you spot elusive animals makes the game drives more rewarding. The accommodations, blending comfort with the wild, ensure you rest well after days filled with excitement.

While the cost is high, the seamless organization, expert guiding, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences like the balloon safari make this a strong contender for those looking to splurge on a truly memorable safari adventure.

Is this tour suitable for first-time safari travelers?
Yes, especially because it includes expert guides and a well-organized itinerary. It’s designed to be accessible and enjoyable for newcomers while still offering plenty of wildlife encounters.

Are the accommodations luxurious?
The tour features comfortable tented lodges that provide a sense of adventure with the comforts of quality bedding, good food, and scenic settings.

Does the tour include all transportation?
Yes, it covers transfers, game drives, and the domestic flight from Serengeti to Arusha. You’ll be transported comfortably between parks and lodges.

Can I participate in the hot air balloon ride?
Absolutely. The balloon safari is included and departs at dawn, offering magnificent views and memorable photo opportunities.

What wildlife will I see?
Expect to see the Big 5 (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard), along with giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, flamingos, and a variety of birds.

How many people are typically in a group?
While specific group sizes aren’t provided, guided safaris like this usually keep groups relatively small for a more personal experience.

What should I pack for this safari?
Comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes, a hat, sunscreen, camera, binoculars, and some local currency for tips or personal expenses.

Is there a best time to go?
While not specified, the Serengeti’s migration and wildlife activity are generally seasonal, so checking the timing for migration peaks is advisable.

Can I customize this experience?
The package is fixed, but you may keep your spot flexible with the “reserve and pay later” option, and cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance.

This 5-day Tanzanian safari offers a well-rounded adventure for those wanting to experience Africa’s most iconic wildlife and landscapes without sacrificing comfort. With expert guides leading the way, unforgettable game sightings, and the thrill of a hot air balloon ride, it’s a comprehensive package designed to deliver lasting memories.

While the price is significant, many will find the value in the seamless planning, expert knowledge, and unique experiences. It’s best suited for travelers eager to indulge in luxury while fully seeing Tanzania’s wilderness—ideal for celebrating special occasions or simply ticking a major bucket-list item.

If you’re after a safari that combines wildlife, scenery, adventure, and comfort, this tour from Hadzabe Safaris ticks all the right boxes. Just remember to pack your camera and a sense of adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: