106c4 Climb Mount Kilimanjaro | 6-Day Umbwe Route | Thomson Safaris




6-Day Umbwe Route

from $4,290 adult

6 day trek
10 days door-to-door

Please call us to add international flights from most major U.S. cities.
Business class flights available.

                        
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A Thomson Safaris trekker climbs the Umbwe Route on Kilimanjaro Photo credit: Peter Gaylord
Thomson Safaris guests on the Umbwe Route Photo credit: Timothy Heffernan

Trip Highlights

Shortest safe summit bid
Far less traveled than Marangu & Machame
Steeper trails
Breathtaking views
Climb with a National Geographic Best Adventure Travel Company On Earth

Areas Visited

Rainforest
Barranco Valley
Barranco Wall
Karanga Valley
Uhuru Peak


Celebrating at Uhuru Peak after completing a Kilimanjaro trek

Days 1-2
Depart North America / Arrive Arusha, Tanzania

Upon your evening arrival, a Thomson staff member will greet you at the airport and escort you to tonight’s lodge, nestled in the hills outside Arusha.

Overnight: Rivertrees Country Inn


Day 3
Acclimatization & Hiking Day in Arusha National Park

After a comprehensive climb briefing with your guide, spend a full day exploring Arusha National Park. You’ll appreciate the time to stretch your legs on scenic acclimatization hikes, and you may even catch your first glimpses of African wildlife in their natural habitat. Return to your cozy lodge in the late afternoon to rest up for tomorrow.

Overnight: Rivertrees Country Inn


Day 4
Begin Trek to Umbwe Caves Camp

After a hearty breakfast you’ll head to Umbwe Gate to sign in, enjoy lunch at the trailhead, and then begin your climb. Accompanied by expert porters, fully outfitted in all-weather uniforms, you'll hike through lush rainforest to your first mountain camp. Savor a hot dinner and time to stargaze. 

Overnight: Umbwe Caves Camp (9,500’)
Hours trekking: 6-7


Day 5
Umbwe Caves to Barranco Camp

Wake early for a steaming cup of coffee, and then journey onward past waterfalls and senecios into the Great Barranco Valley, nearing tonight’s camp. Keep your eyes to the sky, where Uhuru Peak can be seen as the clouds part.

Overnight: Barranco Camp (13,004’)
Hours trekking: 6-7


Day 6
Barranco to Karanga Camp

Jump-start your day with a steep rock scramble up the Barranco Wall before crossing the rolling ridges of Karanga Valley. The glaciers of Kibo—Kili’s first volcanic cone—loom in the distance.

Overnight: Karanga Camp (13,231’)
Hours trekking: 4-7


Day 7
Karanga to Barafu Camp

Today you’ll hike a steady incline over barren, rocky landscapes. The cold air and mist-shrouded views will invigorate you as you approach tonight’s camp and prepare for a nighttime summit bid.

Overnight: Barafu Camp (15,331’)
Hours trekking: 5-6


Day 8
Barafu to Summit / Mweka Millennium Camp

Wake before midnight and begin the challenging ascent to the summit. On the way, you’ll stop for tea and sunrise views over Mawenzi, Kili’s highest volcanic cone. Take time to celebrate your victory and capture some memorable photos before descending 6,800 feet to tonight’s camp.

Overnight: Mweka Millennium Camp (12,500’)
Hours trekking: 6-8 to Summit / 4-7 to Mweka Millennium Camp


Days 9-10
Complete Trek / Return to North America

After a restful night’s sleep, journey through dense rainforest to Mweka Gate for a farewell lunch with your guides. Transfer to a day room in Arusha where you can take a hot shower and rest before your evening flight home. 

Day room:  KIA Lodge
Hours trekking:  4-6


Continue your exploration of Tanzania with a wildlife safari extension!
View this itinerary with a 5-day or a 7-day safari add-on.

Extend your discoveries with one of our optional trip extensions. Stroll the colorful streets on the island of Zanzibar … catch intimate glimpses of gorillas in the Virunga Mountains … search for wildlife across uncharted plains in Ruaha National Park … and more.


Additional Details:

Single Accommodations: $310

Personal Porter: $280

International Flights available from most U.S. cities on Delta/KLM
Ask us about our competitive Business Class fares

Rivertrees Country Inn

Reminiscent of its legacy as a former German colonial farm and coffee estate, Rivertrees Country Inn blends simple elegance and modern convenience. Wake up in your farmhouse-style room to the sound of the rushing Usa River, and enjoy a hearty breakfast in an open-air, thatched-roof dining area. 

Thomson Mountain Camps

A comfortably rugged experience on your way to the roof of Africa …

A challenging journey deserves specialized accommodations. Our mountain camps include double occupancy, all-weather tents with customized fly-sheets, upgraded zippers, and full-ground pads. Camps are set up and broken down each day by your expert porters. Private toilet tents, solar-lit dining tents with tables and chairs, and hot basins of water are all provided.

After full trekking days, savor hot meals prepared by the camp’s chef, expertly trained in hygienic food preparation. In the afternoons, piping tea and hearty snacks will be waiting for you. And there’s nothing quite like starting each day with a breath of crisp mountain air.      

Kia Lodge

Located right outside Arusha, Kia Lodge offers the perfect location near Kilimanjaro’s airport. Your cozy bungalow sits among lush gardens. Sip a cocktail on the veranda as a cool breeze whispers by … take an evening dip in the pool … dry off by a crackling fire pit and admire sunset views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Depart US Return US Adult Notes
2013
May 31 June 09 $4,190 Sold Out
June 11 June 20 $4,190 Sold Out
June 17 June 26 $4,190 Sold Out
June 28 July 07 $4,290 Sold Out
July 10 July 19 $4,290 Sold Out
July 27 August 05 $4,290 Reserve Now
August 08 August 17 $4,290 Reserve Now
August 21 August 30 $4,290 Reserve Now
September 04 September 13 $4,290 Reserve Now
September 13 September 22 $4,290 Reserve Now
September 29 October 08 $4,290 Reserve Now
October 05 October 14 $4,290 Reserve Now
October 17 October 26 $4,290 Reserve Now
October 31 November 09 $4,290 Reserve Now
December 18 December 27 $4,590 Reserve Now
December 26 January 04 $4,590 Sold Out
2014
January 11 January 20 $4,290 Reserve Now
January 19 January 28 $4,290 Reserve Now
January 26 February 04 $4,290 Reserve Now
February 08 February 17 $4,290 Limited Availability Reserve Now
February 16 February 25 $4,290 Reserve Now
February 24 March 05 $4,290 Reserve Now
March 09 March 18 $4,290 Reserve Now
March 17 March 26 $4,290 Reserve Now

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