9-Day Kilimanjaro Umbwe Climb and Tanzania Safari to Ngorongoro

Depart from Moshi and drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. While waiting for permit issuance, observe the preparations of the various crews before beginning your trek. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and winding trails as your guide shares insights into the local flora, fauna, and wildlife.

Be prepared for muddy and slippery conditions at the lower elevations, where gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. The trail follows a ridge through dense montane forest, and the camp is nestled among large trees and thick undergrowth.

Accommodation: Umbwe Camp

After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, leave the rainforest behind and continue along a steep ascending path on the Umbwe Ridge. The route then descends slightly toward Barranco Camp through the unique and beautiful Senecio Forest.

Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Start the day by descending into a ravine at the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then climb the steep, nearly 900 ft cliff, which is non-technical but still challenging.

From the top of the Barranco Wall, traverse hills and valleys before descending sharply into Karanga Valley. Another steep climb brings you to Karanga Camp.

Accommodation: Karanga Camp

Leave Karanga and join the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. Continue upward through the rocky section leading to Barafu Hut.

By this stage, you will have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers a variety of summit views. Make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner as you prepare for summit day, with views of the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.

Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Begin the climb around midnight, ascending the frozen volcanic dust by headlamp toward Stella Point on the crater rim, a journey of approximately six hours. As you arrive at Stella Point, witness the sunrise before continuing on a short trek to the highest point of the crater: Uhuru Peak.

Enjoy a brief break for photos and celebrations, then begin your descent down the steep and dusty slope. Stop for a tea break at Barafu before continuing downhill for about three hours to Mweka Camp (3080 m), your overnight stop.

Accommodation: Uhuru Peak

After breakfast at Mweka Camp, begin your descent through the lush rainforest. The trail winds gradually downhill through the lower altitudes, leading to the Mweka Park Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates.

Bid farewell to the mountain, and a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha.

In the early morning, you will be picked up by a Kitano Tours and Safari driver and driven to Arusha. Upon arrival, you will be smoothly transferred to your hotel, giving you time to rest and enjoy the atmosphere as you prepare for your Tanzania safari the next day.

Early in the morning after breakfast, your driver will take you to Arusha and then onward to Tarangire National Park. Here, explore a park known for its diverse bird species and abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, warthogs, ostriches, impalas, cheetahs, mongoose, buffaloes, and baboons.

After your wildlife-viewing adventure, enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the camp.

Overnight at Manyara/Mto wa Mbu

On the last day of your safari, enjoy an early morning breakfast at Tarangire National Park. After breakfast, begin your descent to the crater floor of Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera.

Look out for a wide range of animals, including lions, African elephants, buffalo, black rhinos, hippos, hyenas, cheetahs, and wildebeests. After your game drive in the crater, you will be driven back to Arusha.