7-DAY CUSTOMIZED HOT AIR BALLOON SAFARI IN SERENGETI, RUAHA, AND TARANGIRE

Day 1: Arrival in Serengeti

Morning

  • Private transfer from Serengeti Airport to your luxury private safari camp. Options include Serengeti Bushtops, Singita Sabora Tented Camp, or Four Seasons Serengeti, offering an elevated level of privacy and luxury.

  • A welcome drink and a private check-in process, allowing you to relax before heading into the park.

Afternoon

  • Private guided game drive tailored to your interests (e.g., photography-focused, bird watching, predator tracking). Your guide will customize the route based on the wildlife you'd like to see or specific photo opportunities.

  • Return to the camp for an exclusive bush lunch by the Serengeti River or at a scenic lookout.

Evening

  • Sunset drinks on a private viewing deck. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Serengeti as the sun sets.

  • Private dinner set in a bush setting or back at your luxurious camp with a customized menu of your favorite dishes or African specialties.

Accommodation

  • Serengeti Bushtops or Singita Sabora Tented Camp or similar

Day 2: Hot Air Balloon Ride & Serengeti Exploration

Early Morning

  • Experience the thrill of a hot air balloon safari over the central Serengeti. Tailor the experience for a private balloon for just your group, offering more intimacy and flexibility. The private champagne breakfast can be set up at a beautiful location where you can enjoy a peaceful moment surrounded by nature.

Late Morning

  • Continue exploring the Serengeti with a customized game drive to remote parts of the park. Focus on specific wildlife viewing such as the Big Five, birdwatching in the marshes, or even tracking the migrating wildebeest if it’s the season.

Afternoon

  • Lunch at a luxury picnic spot with a full spread of gourmet options—fresh salads, grilled meats, and desserts, set against the backdrop of the Serengeti.

Evening

  • Return to your camp for a relaxing evening. If you prefer, arrange for a private cultural experience with the Maasai people, learning their traditions and stories around a campfire.

Accommodation

  • Serengeti Bushtops or Singita Sabora Tented Camp or similar

Day 3: Serengeti to Ruaha

Morning

  • Private charter flight to Ruaha National Park, where you will arrive in style and transfer to your exclusive lodge like Jongomero Camp or Mdonya Old River Camp.

Afternoon

  • After settling in, embark on a private game drive designed to explore the Great Ruaha River. The guide will take you to the best vantage points to see elephants, lions, and giraffes drinking from the river.

Evening

  • Dinner by the campfire under the African stars, with a specially curated family-style feast prepared by the lodge chef. Enjoy an intimate experience as you listen to the sounds of the wild.

Accommodation

  • Jongomero Camp or Mdonya Old River Camp or similar

Day 4: Full Day in Ruaha

Morning

  • Start the day with an early safari walk led by a local guide. This gives you an immersive experience of the park’s ecosystem, focusing on smaller details like flora, insects, and tracks left by predators.

Afternoon

  • Enjoy a private lunch at a scenic spot in the park, or back at the lodge, followed by a leisurely afternoon for relaxation. Perhaps take advantage of the lodge’s spa services for a revitalizing massage or facial.

Evening

  • Another night game drive, where you can specifically request to see nocturnal wildlife, such as leopards, hyenas, and nightjars. This is perfect for those who enjoy the mystery of the African night.

Accommodation

  • Jongomero Camp or Mdonya Old River Camp or similar

Day 5: Ruaha to Tarangire

Morning

  • Private flight to Tarangire National Park for your next adventure. Enjoy a charter flight with a view of the Great Rift Valley and surrounding landscapes.

  • Upon arrival, transfer to Swala Camp or Tarangire Safari Lodge, which offers spectacular views and is close to prime wildlife areas.

Afternoon

  • Go on an afternoon game drive, where you’ll focus on the iconic baobab trees and search for herds of elephants. Tarangire is a haven for elephant sightings, and you may get up close to these majestic creatures.

Evening

  • Enjoy a private dinner under the stars in a remote, beautiful setting. Your chef will prepare a custom menu based on your preferences, paired with fine wines.

Accommodation

  • Swala Camp or Tarangire Safari Lodge or similar

Day 6: Hot Air Balloon & Full Day in Tarangire

Early Morning

  • Embark on a private hot air balloon safari over Tarangire, where you’ll soar over the baobab trees and vast savannah. Enjoy an intimate private breakfast in the bush after the flight, with freshly prepared meals and a stunning view of wildlife below.

Late Morning

  • Game drive to explore the park’s varied habitats. Focus on spotting unique wildlife or ask your guide to specialize in certain activities, such as birdwatching or tracking predators.

Afternoon

  • After lunch, choose to either relax back at your lodge or take part in a cultural experience, where you can visit a nearby Maasai village to learn about their way of life.

Evening

  • Enjoy a sundowner at one of Tarangire's breathtaking viewpoints before heading back to the lodge for a final celebratory dinner.

Accommodation

  • Swala Camp or Tarangire Safari Lodge or similar

Day 7: Departure

Morning

  • Enjoy a final game drive through the park, focusing on areas that might have been missed or simply revisiting your favorite spots.

  • Depending on your flight time, enjoy a brunch at the lodge before transferring back to Arusha for your departure flight.

Accommodation

  • Depending on your flight schedule, the camp may arrange a private transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Customization Notes

  • Private Game Drives: All safaris can be customized for private drives and tailored to specific interests (e.g., photography, birdwatching, cultural immersion).

  • Luxury Experience: The itinerary focuses on high-end luxury, with private hot air balloon rides, exclusive dinners, and customized game drives.

  • Cultural Add-ons: Incorporate personalized cultural experiences like visiting Maasai villages or engaging with local communities.

  • Additional Activities: If you're interested in more relaxation, consider adding spa treatments, private bush picnics, or even yoga sessions by the river or in the bush.

  • Flexibility: The itinerary is adjustable based on your interests, whether you want to spend more time in certain parks or focus more on specific wildlife.

Clothing

  • Lightweight and breathable clothes for daytime safaris (long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect from the sun and insects).

  • Comfortable walking shoes (sturdy, closed-toe shoes for game walks or nature hikes).

  • Hats (wide-brimmed for sun protection) and sunglasses (with UV protection).

  • Swimwear (for pool or lodge, if available).

  • Jacket or sweater for early mornings and evenings (it can be chilly during game drives and hot air balloon rides).

  • Casual evening wear for dinners (some lodges may require smart-casual attire for dinner).

  • Light rain jacket (depending on season; particularly for green season travel).

Safari Essentials

  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting (high-quality ones can enhance your safari experience).

  • Camera and extra memory cards to capture wildlife, landscapes, and moments (with a zoom lens to get close-up shots of wildlife).

  • Camera accessories (chargers, power banks, camera bags).

  • Notebook or journal to document your safari experience and observations.

  • Safari guidebook (optional but great for learning about animals, birds, and plants).

Sun Protection

  • Sunscreen (high SPF for protection against the strong African sun).

  • Lip balm with SPF.

  • Aloe vera gel or after-sun lotion (in case of sunburn).

Health & Safety

  • Personal medication (enough for the duration of your trip).

  • Insect repellent (mosquitoes are common in some areas, particularly in the evenings).

  • Basic first-aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, motion sickness tablets, etc.).

  • Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes (for hygiene between game drives).

  • Travel insurance (including coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost baggage).

For Hot Air Balloon Ride

  • Comfortable clothing (light layers; avoid heavy jackets that might restrict movement during the balloon ride).

  • Closed-toe shoes (for getting in and out of the balloon basket safely).

  • Camera (it’s a moment you won’t want to forget, so make sure your camera is ready to capture the aerial views).

  • Hat and gloves (for early morning balloon rides, temperatures can be cool).

Personal Items

  • Passport and visa documents (depending on your nationality and the requirements for entry to Tanzania).

  • Cash (US dollars are widely accepted; smaller amounts are best for tips or purchases at local shops).

  • Credit/debit cards (check with your bank about international usage).

  • Travel documents (flight information, hotel confirmations, and any pre-arranged travel bookings).

  • Travel adapter for charging electronic devices (Tanzania uses a Type D and Type G plug with a standard voltage of 230V).

Optional Extras

  • A small backpack or daypack (for carrying essentials during game drives or excursions).

  • Portable power bank (to charge devices on the go).

  • A scarf or bandana (for dust protection during game drives).

  • Travel pillow (for comfort during transfers).

  • Books or magazines (for relaxing during downtime at the lodge).

  • Specialty camera equipment (e.g., drones, GoPro for capturing aerial shots).

What to Avoid

  • Brightly colored clothing (wear neutral tones like khaki, beige, or olive to blend in with the environment and not disturb wildlife).

  • Large luggage (since many of the parks are remote, travel with soft-sided luggage for easier handling).

  • Heavy perfumes or scented lotions (can attract insects and may disrupt wildlife).

Seasonal Considerations

  • Dry season (June to October): Bring lightweight, breathable clothes, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

  • Green season (November to May): A light waterproof jacket, long-sleeved shirts to protect from mosquitoes, and extra insect repellent are recommended.

Packing with these essentials in mind will help ensure you’re well-prepared and comfortable during your safari adventure.

Prices With Vat Included

  • $3,069 per person

  • $2,628 per person when 2 people travel

  • $2,446 per person when 3 people travel

  • $2,324 per person when 4 people travel