6 Days Tanzania wildebeest migration with Air Balloon Safari.
This 6-day itinerary is the definitive Tanzania safari, that is majorly inspiring Great Wildebeest Migration across the vast plains of Serengeti National Park. This safari is crafted to place for you in the best possible location to witness this natural spectacle, combining classic game drives with the once in a lifetime thrill of a Hot Air Balloon safari over Serengeti in the morning. The itinerary also includes a visit to the wonderful Ngorongoro crater making it a wonderful and then luxurious exploration of the Tanzania’s Northern Circuit.
Tour Highlights.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha and transfer to Tarangire National Park.
Day 2: Transfer to the Serengeti National Park (Central, North and South Serengeti).
Day 3: Full day tracking the great migration.
Day 4: Hot Air Balloon safari and central Serengeti game drives.
Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Rim.
Day 6: Ngorongoro crater Descent and Departure.
Detailed itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha and transfer to Tarangire National Park.
On the first day of your safari, your safari guide from African Vacation Safaris will pick you once you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha. You will be warmly greeted and then immediately your guide will drive you towards the beautiful Tarangire National Park (aa 2-to-3-hour drive). Tarangire is famous for its massive herds of elephants, and then the wonderful ancient baobab tress that dot its landscape. You will enjoy your Afternoon Game drive here, while searching for the lions, leopards and then spectacular variety of birds. Tarangire provides an excellent introduction to the diverse ecosystems of Northern Tanzania before going into the excellent migration experience. Later you will be transferred to your lodge for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 2: Transfer to the Serengeti National Park (Central, North and South Serengeti).
On the second day of the safari, wake up early in the morning and enjoy breakfast. After the breakfast you will check out from the lodge and then meet your safari guide for the final brief morning game drive in Tarangire national park to see the early risers. After you will begin the drive to Serengeti national park.
This is a longer transit day, but the destination is worth it. Importantly your accommodation within Serengeti will be specially chosen Mobile Tented Camp, these camps move seasonally to ensure you are always close to the main herds of the Great Migration. Your guide will drive you directly to the current location of the massive columns of the wildebeests, zebras, thus increasing your viewing opportunities. You will arrive at the mobile camp in the late afternoon just in time with a brief enroute game viewing. Later you will be served with dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Full day tracking the great migration.
On the third of the safari, this day is dedicated entirely to tracking the Great Migration. Your experienced guide will know the local movements and then the best viewing points to find the main herds. This is a thrilling experience, witnessing hundreds of thousands of wildebeests and zebras moving as one across the plains, often accompanied by the big cats who follow them closely. The exact location and focus of the day will depend on the time of the year.
December-March (South); this is focused on the short-grass plains of Ndutu where the calving season takes place.
May-July (central/West); this is focused on the Grumeti River crossings and the moving columns.
August-October (North); this is focused on the famous and then dramatic Mara River crossings. You will enjoy a full day of game viewing, capturing the truly unique sight of this wonderful wildlife spectacle.
Day 4: Hot Air Balloon safari and central Serengeti game drives.
On the fourth day of the safari, is the true bucket list highlight; the Hot Air Balloon safari. You will be picked up very early in the morning and then driven to the launch site. As the sun rises, you will float silently over the Serengeti plains, watching the world next to you. This offers you the massive sighting of the landscape and the vastness of the migrating herds. Upon landing, you will be treated to a luxurious Champagne Breakfast se tup right in the middle of the bush. After this incredible experience, your guide will meet you for the midday game drive, that is spotting the massive wildlife of the central Serengeti (seronera valley) that is renowned for its high density of the leopards, lions and cheetahs. Later you be transferred to your lodge for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Rim.
On the fifth day of the safari, after a final relaxed breakfast in Serengeti you will drive towards the greener highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Ara. The drive offers a last opportunity for game viewing as you exist the park. Upon reaching the highlands, you will climb the slopes to Ngorongoro crater rim. You will check into your lodge and then enjoy lunch while having the elevated view of the entire crater below. Later in the evening you will have the chance to relax and then prepare for your descent into the ‘’Eighth Wonder of the World’’ tomorrow.
Day 6: Ngorongoro crater Descent and Departure.
On the final day of the safari, wake up early in the morning and enjoy breakfast. After breakfast you will descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, this is a protected natural attraction is a wildlife paradise that allows you to see the incredible density of animals in a contained area.
The crater floor is arguably the best location in East Africa to spot the endangered Black rhino, completing your search for the Big five. You will spend a thrilling morning exploring the various micro-climates, from grasslands to the soda lake, later you will enjoy your picnic lunch inside the crater. In the early afternoon you will ascend the crater and begin your drive back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Internation Airport (JRO) for your connecting flight home that will make your safari come to the end.
End of 6 Days Tanzania wildebeest migration with Air Balloon Safari
Safari inclusions.
Accommodation.
Hot air balloon experience.
All park fees.
Safari guide.
Safari vehicle.
Bottled drinking water.
Safari exclusions.
International flights.
Visas.
Optional activities (Maasai village visit, Olduvai Gorge entry, night game drives).
Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks.
Gratuities (tips for your safari guise, balloon pilot, camp staff (highly recommended).