6-Day Umbwe Route & 5-Day Safari
from $7,280 adult
6 day trek5 day safari
Please call us to add international flights from most major U.S. cities.
Business class flights available.
Photo credit: Michael Moitoso
Photo credit: Darrell Pardy
Trip Highlights
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Areas Visited
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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
Day 9
Complete Trek / Arusha
Enjoy your final day of trekking through thick forests to the park gate, where you’ll bid farewell to your guides and porters. Transfer to your lodge to take a well-earned shower and rest before continuing on your safari.
Overnight: Mount Meru Hotel
Hours trekking: 4-6
Days 10-11
Ngorongoro Crater
After a safari briefing, drive towards the Great Rift Valley into the verdant Ngorongoro Highlands, arriving at the stunning Gibb's Farm in time for a delicious gourmet lunch. The next morning, you will rise early and enjoy a full day of wildlife viewing in the Ngorongoro Crater. Here you'll be amazed as you witness some of the highest concentrations of animals in East Africa, including lion, zebra, wildebeest, hippo, rhino, elephant, flamingo, and a myriad of other species.
Indulge in spa services and various optional activities at Gibb's Farm (additional fees apply).
Overnights: Gibb's Farm
Days 12-13
Serengeti National Park
Drive west, stopping at Olduvai Gorge to learn more about this historic archeological site. Continue on to the Serengeti where you’ll traverse the vast plains teeming with wildlife. See lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, elephant, rhino, hippo, giraffe, zebra and the famous wildebeest migration. Enjoy your evenings in the bush, in Thomson’s beautiful, remote and exclusive Nyumba Camps.
Join an optional
hot air balloon ride
to take in sweeping views of the Serengeti from above. (Advanced reservations and additional fees apply).
Overnights: Thomson Serengeti Nyumba
Days 14-15
Serengeti National Park to Arusha / Return to North America
Take a scenic flight back to Arusha this morning where you'll enjoy a special farewell lunch and time for souvenir shopping. Relax in a day room before your flight home.
Day Room: Mount Meru Hotel
Interested in a longer safari? View our 7-day safari add-on option.
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: $800
Personal Porter: $280
Optional Hot Air Balloon Excursion: $490
International Flights available from most U.S. cities on Delta/KLM
Ask us about our competitive Business Class fares
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Rivertrees Country InnReminiscent 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.
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Thomson Mountain Camps
A comfortably rugged experience on your way to the roof of Africa …
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. |
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Mount Meru HotelThe Mount Meru Hotel has been a mainstay of Arusha accommodations since it opened in the 1960's, when Tanzania tourism was still in its infancy. It was recently renovated top to bottom, and the finished product is even better than the original. With reliable modern conveniences, a variety of dining options, a beautiful pool, and a central location, it is one of the best places to start or end your safari or trek. |
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Gibb's FarmFresh food, fresh air, and fresh perspectives abound at Gibb’s Farm. At the end of full days of exploration, relax in your eco-friendly cottage, set amidst the farm’s lush gardens. You can even ask the attentive staff to provide insight into local culture and history. |
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Thomson Serengeti NyumbasThese semi-permanent, seasonal camps are strategically plotted across the Serengeti according to wildlife migration patterns. Each location offers comfort in the heart of the wilderness. With spacious tents, cozy bedding, and ensuite bathrooms, you’ll have to take a look outside to be reminded that you’re deep in the bush. And no need to worry—with eco-friendly features like solar lighting, we’re not harming the landscape. |
| Depart US | Return US | Adult | Notes | |||
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| 2013 | ||||||
| May 31 | June 14 | $7,180 | Sold Out | |||
| June 11 | June 25 | $7,180 | Sold Out | |||
| June 17 | July 01 | $7,180 | Sold Out | |||
| June 28 | July 12 | $7,280 | Sold Out | |||
| July 10 | July 24 | $7,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| July 27 | August 10 | $7,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| August 08 | August 22 | $7,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| August 21 | September 04 | $7,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| September 04 | September 18 | $7,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| September 13 | September 27 | $7,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| September 29 | October 13 | $7,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| October 05 | October 19 | $7,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| October 17 | October 31 | $7,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| October 31 | November 14 | $7,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| December 18 | January 01 | $7,580 | Reserve Now | |||
| December 26 | January 09 | $7,580 | Sold Out | |||
| 2014 | ||||||
| January 11 | January 25 | $7,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| January 19 | February 02 | $7,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| January 26 | February 09 | $7,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| February 08 | February 22 | $7,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| February 16 | March 02 | $7,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| February 24 | March 10 | $7,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| March 09 | March 23 | $7,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| March 17 | March 31 | $7,280 | Reserve Now | |||
"Julie and I both reached the summit which gave us an amazing feeling. Needless to say, we both felt that the highlight of the entire trip was getting to know the people with whom we crossed paths including our porters, the guides, our fellow trekkers and the residents of Tanzania. It made an enormous impression on us."
- David & Julie M., Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route
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Video HighlightThe Kilimanjaro ExperienceWe were the first U.S. tour operator in Tanzania and have been working there exclusively for more than 30 years. Some companies claim many years of experience, but they base their numbers on staff members and not operations. Collectively, our office has more than 200 years of experience on Kilimanjaro and in Tanzania. |
Recommended ExtensionMahaleFly to the shores of Lake Tanganyika, which forms the westernmost border of Tanzania. A short boat ride takes you to your exclusive camp, a luxurious hideaway tucked along the shore. Hike the misty slopes of the Mahale Mountains in search of free-roaming chimpanzees. Catch intimate glimpses of grooming, feeding, and playing chimps. A stay at Mahale never disappoints!
Recommended length: 4 or 5 days
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