6-Day Umbwe Route & 7-Day Safari
from $8,280 adult
6 day trek7 day safari
Please call us to add international flights from most major U.S. cities.
Business class flights available.
Photo credit: Peter Gaylord
Photo credit: Andy Biggs
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
Tarangire National Park
Depart Arusha for Tarangire, Tanzania’s fourth largest park and one of the best places to view enormous elephant herds. Relax at your private Thomson Nyumba Camp, set amongst the park’s dramatic baobab trees. Enjoy delicious dinners and nights around the campfire, under the brilliant stars.
Overnights: Thomson Tarangire Nyumba
Days 12-13
Ngorongoro Crater
Drive towards the Great Rift Valley, into the verdant highlands. Enter into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and stop at a Maasai boma to learn more about this unique culture. Continue on to your Nyumba which is on the crater rim, with time to enjoy a snack before dinner. Because of this camp’s special location, you have a short drive down to the crater floor and more time to marvel at the highest concentrations of animals in East Africa. Take photos of lion and leopard, zebra and wildebeest, hippo and flamingo, and old bull elephants.
Overnights: Thomson Ngorongoro Nyumba
Days 14-15
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 16-17
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 your day room before your flight home.
Day Room: Mount Meru Hotel
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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Thomson Tarangire NyumbaAn authentic experience awaits you at this private camp in Tarangire. Conveniences like solar lighting and ensuite bathrooms with hot showers add a comforting touch to this safari retreat. In the evenings, enjoy dinner prepared from local ingredients, and chat with friendly staff and fellow travelers as you watch the sun set behind towering baobab trees. |
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Thomson Ngorongoro NyumbaThe Ngorongoro camp is set on the eastern edge of the Ngorongoro Crater’s rim and offers the best possible access in and out of the crater, as well as a more private, remote experience. In the morning, you have the eastern floor of the crater almost completely to yourself. In the evenings, when you return to camp, you'll be greeted with the hospitality that is a hallmark of all our camps. Settle in to your spacious tent, enjoy a hot safari-shower in your ensuite facilities, head to the campfire for a drink before dinner, and enjoy a traditional Tanzanian meal -- a specialty of the camp chefs here. Don't forget to bundle up at this camp, as temperatures can be as low as 40 degrees from May to October. |
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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 16 | $8,180 | Sold Out | |||
| June 11 | June 27 | $8,180 | Sold Out | |||
| June 17 | July 03 | $8,180 | Sold Out | |||
| June 28 | July 14 | $8,280 | Sold Out | |||
| July 10 | July 26 | $8,280 | Sold Out | |||
| July 27 | August 12 | $8,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| August 08 | August 24 | $8,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| August 21 | September 06 | $8,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| September 04 | September 20 | $8,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| September 13 | September 29 | $8,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| September 29 | October 15 | $8,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| October 05 | October 21 | $8,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| October 17 | November 02 | $8,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| October 31 | November 16 | $8,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| December 18 | January 03 | $8,580 | Reserve Now | |||
| December 26 | January 11 | $8,580 | Sold Out | |||
| 2014 | ||||||
| January 11 | January 27 | $8,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| January 19 | February 04 | $8,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| January 26 | February 11 | $8,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| February 08 | February 24 | $8,280 | Limited Availability | Reserve Now | ||
| February 16 | March 04 | $8,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| February 24 | March 12 | $8,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| March 09 | March 25 | $8,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| March 17 | April 02 | $8,280 | Reserve Now | |||
"I can’t help but smile every time someone asks me how my trek was. Best vacation ever!!!! Hands down!!!!"
- Sabrina T., Kilimanjaro Umbwe Trek
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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 ExtensionRuaha National ParkFly to the remote southern wilderness of Ruaha National Park, the largest and one of the least explored parks in East Africa. Explore uncharted territory and learn wildlife tracking tips from expert guides. Here, tracking is as much an artform as a practical pursuit; this is a different style of wildlife viewing than in northern Tanzania, where wildlife is more densely concentrated. Spot leopard, cheetah, and African wild dog in comfortable open-sided vehicles. In the afternoon, relax on your private veranda with a drink and at the end of the day, savor torch-lit dinners on the banks of Mwagusi Sand River.
Recommended length of stay: Minimum 4 days
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