UPEPO SAFARIS

DAY 1 Arrival

Karibu sana Tanzania, Upon arrival, your guide will pick you up from Kilimanjaro International Airport. From the airport, your guide will drive you to Killi Villa for your first overnight stay in Arusha. Your first overnight stay in Arusha allows you to relax / recover from your flight before our trip and also provides us ample time to prepare the safari trucks before we begin. Depending on your arrival time, your guide will give you a quick briefing for the day’s activities. If you arrive during the day, you’ll have enough time to explore Arusha town should you want. If you arrive at night, we suggest you get ample rest and prepare for tomorrow’s safari. Highlights to consider: Arusha Food Market, Arusha Maasai Market, Waterfalls, Town Tour, German Old Boma and Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre. Accommodations: Killi Villa https://www.kilivilla.com/

Day 2 Tarangire National Park

After breakfast you will be picked up from your hotel in the morning for a 1-2 hours’ drive to Tarangire National Park. This park is often referred to as ― paradise of the elephants. There will be significant chances to spot elephants in large groups gathering around the Tarangire River. Other animals to be spotted include leopards, lions, giraffes and even tree climbing pythons. Highlights to consider: Local Shopping Visiting Curio Shops. Accommodations: Osupuko Lodge - https://new.osupukolodges.com/tarangire

Day 3 Serengeti National Park

We begin the day with a game drive to Serengeti National Park (the 2nd largest and most renowned park in Tanzania) via Ngorongoro Crater. There will be an optional stopover at Olduvai Gorge which is the most prolific paleoanthropology site in the world; it has proven invaluable in furthering the understanding of early human evolution. Picnic Lunch to follow at Naabi Gate proceeding an excursion to finish the day in Serengeti National Park. Highlights to consider: Lake Manyara / Great Africa Rift Valley Viewpoint Ngorongoro Crater Viewpoint. Accommodations: An’gata Camps https://www.angatacamps.com

Day 4Serengeti National Park

Day 4 is an exciting day of Game driving throughout the Serengeti National Park. We will explore all that the Serengeti hosts; the diverse African wildlife, landforms, & vegetations abound in what is one of Earths greatest explorations. You will have the up-close opportunity to see the big 5, ugly 5, small 5, and one of the most spectacular migrations in the world - The Great Wildebeest Migration. Highlights to consider: Sunrise Game Drive Hot Air Balloon Ride - (not included) Retima Hippo Pool Picnic Site Sundowner Bonfire. Accommodations: An’gata Camps https://www.angatacamps.com

Day 5 Serengeti National Park

Day 5 is another day of game driving throughout Serengeti National Park. We will continue our exploration by tracking different species of wildlife and travel new paths to show you more of the Serengeti. There are 14,763km² + 35,000km² of coherent ecosystems in the Serengeti. Trust US, there is LOTS to explore! After we’ve had our last game drive inside Serengeti National Park, we will continue on our journey to the world renowned Ngorongoro Crater. Highlights to consider: Birdwatching at the Crater Rim Campsite Bonfire Night Time Wildlife Viewing. Accommodations: An’gata Camps https://www.angatacamps.com

Day 6 Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, we will begin our decent into the crater where will we track wildlife on the crater floor. Approximately 25,000 large animals, mostly ungulates, live in the crater. This includes elephant, buffalo, rhino, lions, leopards, wildebeest, hippos, spotted hyena, and many many more. On the way in/out of the crater we will have the chance to stop at Maasai Boma to witness their ancient culture and experience how they interact with wildlife and conservation of the crater. Highlights to consider: Maasai Village (not included) Hippo Pools African Galleria Tanzanite Museum Local Curio Shops. Accommodations: Best View Lodge https://bestviewlodge.com/

Day 7 Culture tour & Domestic Flight

We began our last day on safari with a culture tour through Mto Wa Mbu Village followed by your Domestic Flight to Zanzibar. Mto wa Mbu Village is well known as the boiling pot of cultures from all corners of Tanzania! Learn what people in Mto wa Mbu do for a living, their different modes of production and what exists in the many cultures. There is much to do in Mto Wa Mbu - have a taste of banana beer, visit the Makonde tribe, see the farms and have traditional food prepared by local woman in the village. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Arusha Airport where you’ll board your flight to Zanzibar. From there, Blue Escapes will pick you up from the airport where you’ll then begin your marine excursion.

Day 8 Stonetown, Spice Farm, Prison Island

Karibu Zanzibar! We will begin our days adventure by exploring the historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its winding alleys, bustling markets, and rich cultural heritage. We will also visit a traditional spice farm to learn about the island's aromatic spices and their uses. In the afternoon, we will take a boat trip to Prison Island, famous for its giant tortoises and intriguing history. From today onward, you’ll be staying on our yacht until your last day on the marine excursion.

Day 9 Diving at Mnemba Atoll Reef

We will set sail towards Mnemba, a private island and Atoll renowned for its turquoise blue waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life. We will spend the day diving or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, encountering colorful fish, sea turtles, and possibly even dolphins. Here, you’ll have the option to either snorkel or scuba dive - please be advised that your Scuba Certification is not included and if you don’t have it, you’ll need to be certified before diving.

Day 10 Morning Dive, Sail to Mafia Island

Today we’ll begin with an invigorating morning dive, exploring new underwater realms teeming with marine life. We’ve got all the equipment you’ll need, just pack a good underwater camera! These are memories you’ll definitely want to capture. After lunch, we will prepare for a scenic afternoon sail towards Mafia Island, enjoying the tranquil ocean views and the gentle sea breeze.

Day 11 Morning Sail, Sandbank + Paddleboard

We will wake up to a picturesque morning sail, then anchor at a stunning sandbank where we can relax, swim, and soak up the sun. We will take advantage of the calm waters by paddle boarding, exploring the surroundings, and embracing the serene environment as we head towards the south of Mafia Island.

Day 12 Diving / Snorkeling in Chole Bay

We will dive into the vibrant underwater world of Chole Bay, known for its rich biodiversity including sea turtles, groupers, and leatherback stingrays. We will spend the day diving or snorkeling, encountering a myriad of marine species and marveling at the colorful underwater landscapes.

Day 13 Diving / Snorkeling in Chole Bay

We will continue our underwater exploration in Chole Bay with more diving and snorkeling adventures. Each dive will offer new opportunities to discover the hidden treasures of the ocean, from sea horses to intricate coral formations. Whale Sharks,

Flight to Zanzibar Day 14

We will conclude our trip with a thrilling whale shark snorkeling excursion, swimming alongside these gentle giants in their natural habitat. While we promise to seek out the whale sharks to our best ability, we can never guarantee that we’ll find them. The chance are high however, being that Mafia host a large population of Whale Sharks year round - peak season being July - August. After this unforgettable experience, we will fly back to Zanzibar, cherishing the memories of our incredible sailing and diving adventure. Be sure to book your departure from Zanzibar’s International Airport if this is your last stop in Tanzania. If not, let US know how we can assist you in planning any additional activities you need / want!