Top 12 Tours & Things To Do In Serengeti

Serengeti National Park is a world-famous wildlife destination for a reason. Its sprawling plains teem with lions, elephants, giraffes, and the incredible annual migration of wildebeests and zebras. Whether you’re looking for a breathtaking hot air balloon ride or a multi-day luxury lodge safari, this region offers experiences that stay with you long after you leave.

We particularly love the Nyssa Luxury Balloon experience for its combination of aerial adventure and a luxury bush breakfast—imagine floating above herds of elephants at sunrise, champagne in hand, with stunning views in every direction.

For the thrill of a longer, more in-depth exploration, the 3-day Serengeti Trails with Kojuu Safaris delivers a genuine, local-guided adventure through some of Tanzania’s most iconic landscapes.

Serengeti is ideal for travelers who want a mix of adrenaline, comfort, and authentic wildlife encounters. From early morning hot air balloon flights to multi-day safaris, this list covers a wide range of experiences suited for different budgets and interests.

Quick Overview

The best tours in Serengeti include balloon safaris, multi-day guided safaris, and specialty trips like hot air balloon rides combined with bush breakfasts. Many tours highlight unique features like private lodges, expert local guides, and exclusive aerial views. If you’re interested in a quick day trip, options like the Serengeti Day Trip Safari from Mwanza bring the park to life in just a day.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, the 5 Days – Best Of Tanzania Northern Zone, Lodge Safari provides a well-rounded adventure with visits to multiple parks and cultural insights.

And if you want to indulge in luxury, the 5 Days Tanzania Luxury Serengeti Tour offers a high-end safari experience in style.

Below, you’ll find detailed overviews of each tour, helping you choose the right adventure for your Serengeti trip.

1. Nyssa Luxury Balloon in Safaris and Serengeti

Starting with one of the most iconic Serengeti experiences, the Nyssa Luxury Balloon combines a one-hour hot air balloon flight with a luxurious bush breakfast. You’ll be picked up early morning from your lodge, enjoying a coffee as the balloon is prepared. As you ascend at dawn, you’ll see the stunning landscape unfurl beneath you, with giraffes, elephants, lions, and zebras in their natural habitat.

The pilot shares interesting insights about wildlife and local culture during the flight. After landing, a champagne toast and a gourmet breakfast under acacia trees complete the memorable experience.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the Serengeti while indulging in comfort. The reviews are glowing—rated 5.0/5 from 69 reviews—highlighting its unbeatable combination of adventure and luxury. At $550 per person, it offers excellent value for an experience that’s both exhilarating and serene.

Bottom Line: An unforgettable way to see the park from above, ideal for romantic getaways or special occasions.

2. 3 days Serengeti Trails with Kojuu Safaris Africa – Comfort Plus

For those craving a deeper dive into the Serengeti, the 3-day Serengeti Trails with Kojuu Safaris offers a comprehensive, locally-guided exploration. Over three days, you’ll traverse the endless plains, stopping at key wildlife hotspots while learning about the ecosystem from guides born and raised here.

The itinerary includes game drives in prime locations, visits to the Ngorongoro conservation area, and overnight stays inside the park—an experience that gets you close to the action. The guides’ knowledge about the big five, migration patterns, and local culture ensures an authentic experience.

Rated 5.0/5 from 8 reviews, this tour emphasizes personalized service and culture. It’s priced at $2,207.62 per person, reflecting its focus on comfort and expert guiding.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a well-rounded, immersive safari with local insights and inside access.

3. Extraordinary Hot air Balloon ride in Serengeti | BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS CO L.T.D

At number 3, the Extraordinary Hot Air Balloon offers a 1.5-hour flight that promises some of the most stunning views in Africa. The flight begins at sunrise, floating gently over the plains, acacia trees, and herds of migrating wildlife.

This experience is truly about feeling small in a vast landscape—elephants, lions, and cheetahs often appear within range. The tour includes a champagne toast upon landing, and a light breakfast in the bush rounds out the adventure.

With a perfect 5.0/5 rating from 6 reviews and a price of $710 per person, this is one of the more premium options but delivers in unforgettable scenery and photo opportunities. The unique aspect is the flight’s flexibility—since winds dictate the route, every trip is a new story.

Bottom Line: The quintessential Serengeti experience for photographers and adventure lovers seeking breathtaking aerial views.

4. 3 Days Leopard Safaris

For the dedicated wildlife enthusiast, the 3 Days Leopard Safaris offers a focused chance to spot the elusive big cats, especially leopards, across Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Starting early from Arusha, the tour includes a drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area en route to Serengeti, where game drives are scheduled until sunset.

During the second day, you’ll venture into the central parts of Serengeti, matching your route to the movement of herds and predator sightings. The itinerary emphasizes prime game viewing, including lions, cheetahs, and yes, leopards.

Rated 5.0/5 from 4 reviews, the tour’s highlights are the concentrated big cat sightings and the chance to explore two top parks in one trip. At approximately $1,277, it’s a good value for a deep wildlife experience.

Bottom Line: Best suited for wildlife lovers prioritizing predator sightings, especially leopards, with a focus on big cat behavior.

5. 4 Days Private Midrange Lodge Safari to Serengeti & Ngorongoro

If comfort and flexibility are your priorities, the 4-day private lodge safari offers a balanced mix of wildlife viewing and relaxing accommodation. It covers Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, with stays at well-appointed lodges. The itinerary includes game drives in prime locations, visits to Maasai villages, and opportunities to see the Great Migration (season-dependent).

The guides are experienced, and the lodges are chosen for their location and amenities, providing a good mix of nature and comfort.

Rated 5.0/5 from 4 reviews, this tour is ideal for travelers who want to avoid rough camping but still see the highlights of northern Tanzania. Price-wise at ~$2,596, it offers good value considering the accommodations and inclusions.

Bottom Line: A solid choice for those who desire a comfortable, multi-park safari with cultural experiences included.

6. Serengeti Balloon Safari and authentic bush breakfast

This Balloon Safari and Bush Breakfast combines the thrill of floating over the plains with a gourmet breakfast in the bush. The balloon ride lasts about 5 hours, starting pre-dawn in Kogatende (June-November) or Ndutu Lake (December-March).

Expect to see elephants, zebras, and hippos from the air, with the experience tailored to the wind’s path. Upon landing, a celebratory breakfast with bubbly and a traditional-style meal completes the trip.

Rated 5.0/5 from 2,480 reviews, the tour costs $550 per person, making it an accessible luxury experience. The highlight is the blend of adventure and fine dining amidst wild scenery.

Bottom Line: An ideal choice for those who want a memorable, scenic, and luxurious start to their Serengeti day.

7. Serengeti Day Trip Safari from Mwanza

For travelers short on time, the Serengeti Day Trip Safari from Mwanza offers a chance to experience the park’s iconic landscapes and wildlife in a single day. The tour includes early breakfast, wildlife viewing, and lunch, with opportunities to see herds crossing the Mara River and animals grazing among acacia trees.

It’s a packed day that gets you close to some of the best sights without sleeping over, ideal for a quick extension from Mwanza.

Rated 5/5 from 2 reviews, it’s priced at $650 per person, offering good value for a full day in the park.

Bottom Line: Great for travelers with limited time who want a taste of Serengeti’s wildlife and scenery.

8. 5 Days – Best Of Tanzania Northern Zone, Lodge Safari

This 5-day tour is perfect for those wanting a comprehensive experience of Tanzania’s top parks. It includes Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara, with comfortable lodge accommodations. Highlights include witnessing the migration, spotting big game, and exploring Maasai culture. The itinerary balances active game drives with relaxing evenings in lodges, offering a true safari experience.

Rated 5.0/5 from 1 review, it’s priced at $2,600 per person—considered good value given the diversity of parks and included amenities.

Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers wanting a broad, multi-park safari with comfort and cultural insights.

9. Tanzania Private Classic Safari – 7 Days

For those seeking an extended, personalized experience, the 7-day Tanzania Private Classic Safari offers a tailored itinerary starting in Arusha. It combines visits to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, with private guides, exclusive accommodations, and flexible scheduling.

Highlights include seeing lions, cheetahs, elephants, and birdlife in diverse habitats. The tour is designed for travelers who want a bespoke, comfortable adventure.

Rated 5.0/5, the price is $3,180 per person. It’s a premium experience that’s well-loved for its customization and private service.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers who prefer a private, flexible, and in-depth safari experience.

10. Serengeti: Balloon Safari and Bush Breakfast

This Balloon Safari and Bush Breakfast is similar to our earlier pick but slightly varies in pricing and timing. It offers a scenic hot air balloon flight followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush, with a focus on spectacular aerial views and wildlife encounters. It’s particularly popular for romantic getaways or special celebrations.

Rated 1/5 from one review, it costs $599 per person, making it accessible and still offering stunning scenery.

Bottom Line: A reliable choice for a memorable morning in Serengeti, especially if you want to combine flight and breakfast.

11. 5 Days Tanzania Luxury Serengeti Tour

This luxury 5-day tour combines the best of Arusha, Tarangire, and Serengeti with high-end accommodations and expert guides. It includes game drives, cultural visits, and exclusive experiences designed for comfort and style. The itinerary is flexible, offering personalized attention and luxury lodges with top amenities.

Rated with no reviews yet, the price is $2,800 per person, reflecting its premium nature.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a luxurious, all-inclusive safari without sacrificing comfort.

12. Tarangire: Balloon Safari and Bush Breakfast

Finally, the Tarangire Balloon Safari offers a similar experience to Serengeti ballooning but over Tarangire’s less-visited landscapes. The early morning flight provides sweeping views of the savannah and wildlife, capped off with a champagne breakfast in the bush. It’s perfect for families and groups seeking a less crowded, more relaxed safari experience.

Rated with no reviews, it costs $550 per person, offering good value for a family-friendly adventure.

Bottom Line: A great alternative to Serengeti balloon rides for those looking for a peaceful, scenic flight and breakfast.

How to Choose the Right Tour in Serengeti

Picking the perfect adventure depends on your budget, time, and interests. If you want a quick but memorable experience, the Serengeti Day Trip Safari is ideal. For a full immersion with cultural insights, the 5-day Northern Zone lodge safari offers a great balance. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, the Balloon Safari with breakfast provides unforgettable scenery and luxury.

Budget-conscious travelers should consider the Serengeti Balloon Safari and bush breakfast, which balances affordability with quality. For those wanting maximum wildlife sightings, the Leopard Safari focuses on predator activity. Lastly, if comfort is key, the Luxury Serengeti Tour offers high-end lodges and private guides.

Booking early, especially for hot air balloon rides and multi-day safaris, ensures you get your spot during high season. Consider the best times—June to November for the migration and December to March for calving and greener landscapes.

Final thoughts

Serengeti offers a wealth of tour options suited for different tastes and budgets. Whether you opt for a quick day trip, a luxurious multi-day adventure, or an aerial flight that will leave you speechless, you can’t go wrong. Two standout choices are the Nyssa Luxury Balloon for a truly iconic experience or the 5 Days Northern Zone Safari for a comprehensive, comfortable exploration.

Remember to book early, especially for popular activities like balloon safaris, to secure your spot in this magnificent wilderness.