9 Days Serengeti Migration Balloon Safari

Day by day Itinerary

Arrival Day: Arrival Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a driver will meet you and provide a transfer to your hotel in Arusha. This day is dedicated to resting and preparing for your 9-day Serengeti Migration Balloon Safari. You will meet your safari guide for a short briefing about the route and the wildlife you expect to see. The drive from the airport to Arusha takes about one hour.

Destination:

Kilimanjaro Airport

Overnight:

Mount Meru Hotel

luxury 4 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Lunch, Dinner

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park Manyara/Karatu

After breakfast, you will leave Arusha for Tarangire National Park, a journey of approximately 120 kilometers taking about 2 to 3 hours. Tarangire is famous for its massive baobab trees and large herds of elephants. You will spend the day exploring the riverbanks where animals gather to drink. A positive highlight often involves seeing elephants excavating dry riverbeds for water. Later in the afternoon, you will drive to a lodge in Manyara or Karatu for your overnight stay.

Destination:

Tarangire

Overnight:

Karatu Tented Lodge

mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Manyara/Karatu to Serengeti (Half-Day Game Drive)

You will depart early for the Serengeti, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive covers about 240 kilometers and takes around 5 to 6 hours with scenic stops. Once you enter the Serengeti through Naabi Hill Gate, your game drive begins immediately. You might see lions resting on large granite outcrops known as kopjes. You will arrive at your camp in the Central Serengeti in time for dinner

Destination:

Central Serengeti

Overnight:

Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

luxury 4 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

food and drinks - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Standard Room - Extra beds - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Breakfast, lunch and dinner served 2 - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Aerial view - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Facials, massage - treatment rooms - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Property grounds 2 - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Outdoor pool - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Outdoor banquet area - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Day 3: Central to Northern Serengeti (Full Day Tour)

On this day, you head north to the Kogatende or Lobo area where the migration usually gathers. This 140-kilometer drive takes about 4 to 5 hours as you scan the plains for predators like cheetahs. Moving from the central plains to the northern hills allows you to see the landscape change. You might encounter a "journey" of giraffes walking gracefully across the road, a peaceful moment that adds to the charm of your 9-day Balloon Safari.

Destination:

Northern Serengeti

Overnight:

Mara Mara Tented Lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Northern Serengeti (Full Day migration river crossing)

Today is dedicated to the Mara River. You will spend the day waiting near the riverbanks to witness the wildebeest and zebras as they attempt the dangerous crossing. The tension of the herds gathering at the water's edge is a highlight of any 9-day Balloon Safari in Serengeti Migration. You will see crocodiles waiting in the water, creating a dramatic natural scene. The drive time is minimal as you stay close to the river action.

Destination:

Northern Serengeti

Overnight:

Mara Mara Tented Lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Northern Serengeti (Full Day migration river crossing)

This morning brings the highlight of your trip: a hot air balloon flight at dawn. You will float silently over the Mara River and the plains, watching the sun rise over the horizon. From the air, the scale of the migration is truly visible. After landing, you enjoy a bush breakfast with champagne. The rest of the day continues with ground game drives to catch more river crossings. Seeing the herds from both the ground and the air provides a complete perspective of this natural wonder.

Destination:

Northern Serengeti

Overnight:

Mara Mara Tented Lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Northern Serengeti (Full Day Tour) to Central Serengeti

After a final morning drive in the north, you begin your journey back to the Central Serengeti. This return trip takes about 5 hours. Along the way, you will visit different waterholes where hippos and crocodiles reside. It is common to see leopards hiding in the branches of sausage trees in the Seronera Valley. You will reach your central camp by evening.

Destination:

Northern Serengeti

Overnight:

Mara Mara Tented Lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Central Serengeti (Full Day Tour)

You will spend the full day exploring the Seronera area, which is known for its high density of big cats. Your guide will track lions, leopards, and cheetahs that stay in this area year-round. You might witness a lion pride on a hunt or a mother cheetah teaching her cubs how to stalk prey. The flat plains here make for excellent visibility and great photography opportunities.

Destination:

Central Serengeti

Overnight:

Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

luxury 4 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Reception - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Property grounds - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Exterior - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Standard Room - Individually furnished, free WiFi, bed sheets - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Breakfast, lunch and dinner served - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Standard Room - Balcony view - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Free daily English breakfast - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Day 8: Serengeti (Morning Game Drive) to Ngorongoro

Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti as you head toward the Ngorongoro Highlands. The drive takes about 4 hours. You will exit the park and climb to the crater rim, where the temperature cools down and the vegetation becomes lush. A positive moment today is the first view of the crater floor from the viewpoint, which looks like a lost world from above.

Destination:

Central Serengeti

Overnight:

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

luxury 4 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater (Full Day Tour) to Arusha

Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a 6-hour game drive. This collapsed volcano is home to over 25,000 large animals, including the rare black rhino. You will have a picnic lunch near the hippo pool. The concentration of wildlife in such a small area is incredible. In the afternoon, you will drive back to Arusha, a 190-kilometer trip taking about 4 hours, marking the end of your 9-day Serengeti Migration Balloon Safari.

Destination:

Ngorongoro Crater

Overnight:

Mount Meru Hotel

luxury 4 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch

TOUR PRICE/COST

We offer two pricing options:

Private Tour (Sharing Price)

The cost is shared within your private group. More people means a lower price per person.

Group Joining Tour

Join others on a fixed-date tour at a set per-person rate—ideal for solo travelers or small groups.

Tour Cost

No of pax	Adult Price	Child Price
1 Pax	From $4,204 pp	From $3,153 pp
2 Pax	From $2,899 pp	From $2,174 pp
3 Pax	From $2,464 pp	From $1,848 pp
4 Pax	From $2,247 pp	From $1,685 pp
5 Pax	From $2,116 pp	From $1,587 pp
6 Pax	From $2,029 pp	From $1,522 pp
7+ Pax	From $1,967 pp	From $1,475 pp

PRICE INCLUSIONS & PRICE EXCLUSIONS

Inclusions

✓ All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)

✓ All Taxes/VAT

✓ All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)

✓ Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)

✓ Rescue fee

Exclusions

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

International flights to/from the start/end of the tour

Personal items

Tips: tipping guideline

The Booking Form

9 Days Serengeti Migration Balloon Safari

Experience the 9-day Serengeti Migration Balloon Safari. Witness the Great Migration from the air and explore Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and the Northern Serengeti.

N.B: After you send your booking we will get back to you with in 24 hours.

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Booking form

This form has four short pages please enter valid details. Filling this forms marks the official first step of your booking with us. After its submission you will receive an e-mail in the coming few hours telling you what to do next.

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Number of Adults

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Dates & Reach

When do you want to travel?

Before you book

FAQs about 9 Days Serengeti Migration Balloon Safari

What is the best time to book a 9-day Serengeti Migration Balloon Safari?

The best time is from July to October when the migration is in the Northern Serengeti and river crossings occur. During these months, the weather is dry and clear which is perfect for hot air balloon flights.

How long does the hot air balloon flight last during the safari?

The flight typically lasts about one hour depending on the wind conditions on that morning. You will take off at dawn and land in time for a traditional bush breakfast in the wilderness

What should I wear for the balloon flight on my 9-day Balloon Safari?

It is recommended to wear warm layers because the early morning temperatures in the Serengeti are quite cold. Long trousers and sturdy shoes are also important as you may walk through tall grass after landing

Is the balloon flight safe for children on a 9-day Balloon Safari in Serengeti Migration?

Yes, children over the age of seven are usually allowed to fly if they meet the height requirements of the balloon basket. It is a very safe and smooth experience that provides a great view of the wildlife below.

Can I see the Big Five during this 9-day Serengeti Migration Balloon Safari?

Yes, this itinerary visits Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater which are the best places to see the Big Five. You have a very high chance of seeing lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and the rare black rhino.

What kind of vehicles are used for the ground game drives?

We use 4x4 Land Cruisers that are specially modified for safaris with pop-up roofs for better viewing. These vehicles are essential for navigating the rough terrain of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro

Are meals included in the 9-day Balloon Safari package?

All meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided from the time you start the tour until you return to Arusha. We also provide bottled water throughout the day during your game drives.

How much luggage can I bring on the safari?

It is best to bring soft-sided bags rather than hard suitcases because they fit better in the safari vehicle. We recommend a limit of 15 to 20 kilograms per person to ensure there is enough space for everyone.

Can I customize the 9-day Serengeti Migration Balloon Safari to include more days?

Yes, we can add extra days in Zanzibar or more time in the Serengeti if you want a longer holiday. You can also change the accommodation levels from luxury to mid-range based on your budget

What happens if the weather is too bad for the balloon flight?

If the flight is cancelled due to strong winds or heavy rain, you will be offered a full refund for the balloon portion of the trip. Safety is always the priority for the pilots and ground crew.

Balloon Safari

5/5

The 9-day Serengeti Migration Balloon Safari was the best trip of my life, especially seeing the river crossing from above.

By: Lucas Meyer

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