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Tour overview
For those interested in Tanzania’s wildlife treasures, the 2-Day Midrange Tarangire Balloon Safari is a wonderful choice. This private safari is skillfully prepared for travelers short on time, offering them a thrill-filled adventure in the Northern Circuit. This midrange package is unique in that it includes a hot-air balloon ride over Tarangire National Park alongside private game drives, which afford views of elephant herds, the iconic baobab trees, and the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. This tour is best suited for solo travelers, couples, or small groups with limited time who desire a premium yet affordable experience. Enjoy comfortable budget tented camps, hearty meals, and an English-speaking guide. The highlight—a tranquil balloon ride at dawn—offers a bird’s-eye view of Tarangire’s far-reaching savannahs, while a guided walk reveals its diverse ecosystems and unforgettable wildlife tailored for nature lovers.
Located at an altitude of 1400 meters (4593 feet), Tarangire National Park covers a total area of 2850 km². It is popularly known as the “Elephant Capital of Tanzania” due to its large elephant populations, which rise to hundreds during the dry season between June to October. The park also encompasses a variety of ecosystems like acacia woodlands, riverine forests, seasonal swamps that nourish the Tarangire River, and open grasslands. In addition to elephants, Tarangire boasts a diverse wildlife population as it is also home to giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, cheetahs, and even rare tree-climbing pythons. To add on, there are over 550 different species of birds, such as the ashy starling and the yellow collared lovebird. One of the most popular activities in the region is hot-air balloon safaris, which allow visitors to experience Tarangire’s wildlife from above. Game drives also allow tourists to interact with carnivores and herbivores from close range. The tented camps in the area are semi-luxury and provide the visitors with beds, private bathrooms, and shared dining areas. This adds to the authentic feel of the safari.
This itinerary is perfect for the dry season between June and October due to the clear skies, concentrated wildlife, and ideal ballooning conditions. It can also be done year-round, with January to February showcasing lush greenery with fewer crowds, and March to May displaying verdant landscapes despite some rain. From Arusha, expect a two-hour drive to Tarangire, a one-hour balloon ride, and between four and six hours of game drives and rest at the camp. This ensures adventurers receive a well-balanced experience. Compliance with the Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) regulations for sustainable eco-friendly waste management and fair treatment to employed guides, balloon operators, and camp staff showcases TANAPA’s core commitment to sustainability. This safari is enriched with a private Maasai village visit near Tarangire, which aids in authentic cultural insights while providing community livelihood support. Travelers will enjoy the budget-friendly, midrange accommodation safari, which includes private game drives and balloon rides as well as exclusive tours of Tarangire’s wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
Day To Day Itinerary
The first part of your 2-Day Midrange Tarangire Balloon Safari starts with a personal pick-up from your hotel in Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport at 5:00 AM. You will embark on a 2-hour drive (120km) to Tarangire National Park in a comfortable 4x4 with a pop-up roof. You will reach the balloon launch area by 7 a,m and after a short welcoming briefing, you will be taken up in a hot air balloon from 7:15 to 8:15. You will drift over Tarangire savanna’s watching herds of elephants and giraffes as well as baobab tre, es with your pilot giving you wildlife insights. After landing by 8:30, you will get a bush breakfast in a scenic park setting where fresh fruits, pastries, eggs, and sparkling juice will be served. We will toast and celebrate the flight, and at 9:30 AM, you will begin a private game drive till 12:30 PM. You will explore acacia woodlands and the Tarangire River, where you will see lions, leopards, and more than 550 bird species while your guide gives you climate-tailored commentary. We will halt for a packed lunch at 1:0near the baobab tree, where sandwiches, fruits, and juices will be served. After a leisurely lunch, your afternoon game drive will continue from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. You will be looking out for tree-climbing pythons or cheetahs and stopping at a hippo pool for a glance at hippos and crocodiles. Drive 20 minutes to a budget tented camp located just outside Tarangire and arrive by 4:30 PM. The camp features comfortable tents that have beds, private bathrooms, and shared dining areas. Dinner is served at 6:30 PM and features grilled meats, vegetables, and other Tanzanian food. After dinner, enjoy stargazing and a discussion with your guide about the wildlife in Tarangire. Head to your tent and cherish the day’s aerial and ground-level encounters, as well as the excitement for the cultural exploration to come.
Accommodation: Budget tented camp close to Tarangire
Meals: Breakfast (bush), lunch (packaged), dinner
Activities: Tarangire transfer, private hot air balloon safari, morning bush breakfast, game drives, visit to hippo pool, lunch to-go, group dinner, stargazing.
Start your day at 6:00 AM with a filling breakfast from the camp consisting of eggs, bread tea, which will keep you energized for the morning activities. At 6:30 AM, depart for a private morning game drive in Tarangire National Park from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM, where you will explore other parts of the park with hopes of spotting herds of elephants, buffalo, and even colorful birds like the lilac-breasted roller. Your guide will make sure totailorr the route according to your preferences. While driving to your next spot, there is a scenic view on the Tarangire River where you can capture panoramic photographs with baobab trees, which is a must. At 10:00 AM, drive 30 minutes to a nearby Maasai village where you will be engaged in a private cultural tour from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, where you can interact with the community members for fire-making, dances, bead work, and even purchase handcrafted beaded jewelry. A light snack will be served during the tour, which includes maize porridge.
Leave the village at 12:30 PM and enjoy a packed lunch consisting of sandwiches and fruits during the 1:00 PM lunch break. Continue with the 2-hour drive for the private transfer back to Arusha (120 km). You will be arriving at 3:30 PM at your hotel or even Kilimanjaro International Airport, completing the tour. Depart with wonderful memories of Tarangire’s elephants and the balloon safari aerial views, along with the Maasai cultural richness. Although it was a midrange budget-friendly trip designed for wonder and awe, you will remember it.
Accommodation: N/A, Return to Arusha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch: packed, snack provided during Maasai visit
Activities: Morning private game drive, visit Tarangire River viewpoint, private visit to a Maasai village with packed lunch, transfer to Arusha.
Includes And Excludes
Includes And Excludes
- Private 4x4 game drives with a pop-up roof vehicle
- Hot-air balloon safari over Tarangire National Park (1-hour flight, including bush breakfast)
- Midrange accommodations (budget tented camp near Tarangire)
- All meals during the safari (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner)
- Park entrance and conservation fees for Tarangire
- Private transfers to/from Arusha (hotel or Kilimanjaro International Airport)
- Private guided Maasai village cultural visit
- Services of a dedicated, certified English-speaking guide
- Purified drinking water and soft drinks during game drives
- Binoculars and field guides for wildlife and birdwatching
- International flights to/from Tanzania
- Tanzanian visa fees
- Mandatory travel insurance
- Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, gratuities for guide/staff)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Meals not specified (e.g., dinner on Day 2 in Arusha)
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari
- Optional activities not listed (e.g., extended cultural tours)
- Personal toiletries and travel gear
Prices
| Dates | 2 People | 4 people | 6 people | 8 people | 10 people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Season | $ 1,338 | $ 1,223 | $ 1,184 | $ 1,223 | $ 1,199 |
| Low season | $ 1,238 | $ 1,123 | $ 1,084 | $ 1,123 | $ 1,099 |
Price per person
FAQs about 2-Day Midrange Tarangire Balloon Safari
1. What is included in the 2-Day Midrange Tarangire Balloon Safari?
The package includes private 4x4 game drives, a 1-hour hot-air balloon safari with bush breakfast, midrange accommodations (budget tented camp), all meals during the safari (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner), park fees, private transfers to/from Arusha, a private Maasai village visit, a certified guide, purified water, and binoculars. Exclusions include international flights, visas, travel insurance, personal expenses, alcoholic beverages, unspecified meals, and optional activities.
2. Is this safari suitable for travelers new to balloon safaris or wildlife tours?
Yes, this private safari is ideal for first-time travelers, offering a safe, guided hot-air balloon ride over Tarangire, private game drives, and a dedicated guide, ensuring an engaging, comfortable introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife and aerial experiences, suitable for all fitness levels.
3. What is the best time to book this Tarangire balloon safari?
The dry season (June to October) is optimal for wildlife viewing and ballooning with clear skies and concentrated animals, ideal for spotting elephant herds. The short dry season (January to February) offers lush landscapes and fewer crowds, while the wet season (March to May) may involve muddy roads but is feasible with preparation.
4. What are the accommodations like on this midrange safari?
Accommodations consist of a budget tented camp near Tarangire, offering comfortable tents with beds, private bathrooms, and a communal dining area, providing a midrange balance of comfort and wilderness immersion for an authentic safari experience.
5. How does this package ensure sustainable and authentic cultural engagement?
The private Maasai village visit is led by community members, providing authentic insights and supporting livelihoods through craft purchases, conducted respectfully. Safari and balloon operations adhere to TANAPA regulations, minimizing impact through waste management, while guides and staff receive fair wages, reflecting ethical tourism.
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Reviews
My safari with Visit to Tanzania Destination was absolutely unforgettable! The team organized a seamless 5-day adventure through Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Our guide, Juma, was incredibly knowledgeable, spotting wildlife I’d never have seen on my own. The lodges were comfortable, and the food was fantastic. I’m already planning my next trip to climb Kilimanjaro with them! Highly recommend for anyone wanting an authentic Tanzanian experience.
Zanzibar was a dream come true thanks to Visit to Tanzania Destination! The beaches in Stone Town were stunning, and the spice tour they arranged was a highlight – so much history and flavor! Everything was perfectly planned, from transfers to the resort to snorkeling trips. The staff was friendly and attentive, making us feel so welcome. I’ll be telling all my friends to book with them!
Climbing Kilimanjaro was the adventure of a lifetime, and Visit to Tanzania Destination made it happen flawlessly. The guides were professional. & equipment was top-notch, and the porters were amazing—true heroes! The itinerary was well-paced, and summiting at sunrise was magical. This company knows how to deliver an epic experience. Thank you!
Our family booked a combined safari and Zanzibar trip with Visit to Tanzania Destination, and it was perfection. The kids loved seeing elephants and lions up close, and our guide’s storytelling kept them engaged. Zanzibar’s clear waters and relaxing vibe were the perfect way to unwind after the safari. The team handled every detail, making it stress-free. We’re so grateful for this incredible journey!
