From $1,450
A steep and quiet six-day Kilimanjaro climb via Umbwe, with hotel nights before and after the trek.
5.0 Umbwe takes a direct path up Kilimanjaro's southern slopes through rainforest and along a narrow ridge before joining the Southern Circuit at Barranco.
The rapid altitude gain makes this a demanding route for experienced, well-prepared trekkers. A seven-day variation with extra acclimatization can be discussed with the team.
Arrive in Arusha or Moshi, settle into the hotel and complete a trek briefing and equipment check.
Meet the Betheli Expeditions team, review the route and prepare for the steep first days on Umbwe.
Day 1 | Accommodation
LuxuryEnter the rainforest and climb steadily through dense vegetation to Umbwe Cave Camp.
Roots and steeper trail sections set the tone for this direct route. The day gains approximately 1,300 metres over around six hours.
Day 2 | Accommodation
BudgetContinue along the dramatic ridge and enter the Barranco Valley beneath the Barranco Wall.
As the forest thins, views may open toward Kibo and the southern glaciers before the route joins the Southern Circuit.
Day 3 | AccommodationBudgetClimb the Barranco Wall, then cross ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp.
Some sections require hands for balance, but this remains the standard trekking trail. The shorter day gives time to rest before moving higher.
Day 4 | AccommodationBudgetClimb through the alpine desert to Barafu Camp and prepare for the summit attempt.
After arriving, eat early, organize clothing and equipment, and rest as much as possible before the pre-dawn departure.
Day 5 | AccommodationBudgetClimb to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak, then descend past Barafu to Mweka Camp.
Expect a long and physically demanding day, with approximately six to eight hours ascending and five to eight hours descending.
Day 6 | AccommodationBudgetDescend through rainforest to Mweka Gate and transfer to the hotel in Arusha or Moshi.
Complete park formalities, receive the applicable summit certificate and meet the Betheli vehicle for the return transfer.
Day 7 | AccommodationLuxuryRest after the climb and continue to the airport or another Tanzania experience.
Use the post-trek hotel day to recover and organize onward travel, with safari or Zanzibar extensions available separately.
Day 8 | AccommodationLuxuryThe package includes the six-day mountain trek, hotel nights and the specified safety and support services.
The practical arrangements that prepare you for the journey.
Private road transfers between the agreed base hotel and the trailhead.
A pre-trek briefing and equipment review with the Betheli Expeditions team.
Two hotel nights in Arusha or Moshi, one before and one after the trek.
The core services used throughout the trek.
A professional English-speaking guide, mountain cook and supporting porters.
Tented accommodation and shared camping equipment on the mountain.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner as listed for each itinerary day.
Applicable park entry, camping or hut, and rescue fees for the trek.
Boiled drinking water supplied during the trek.
Equipment and local coordination for the journey.
First-aid supplies and communication equipment carried by the mountain team.
Day-to-day support from the Betheli Expeditions team before and during the trip.
Share your preferred dates, travel style and priorities. Our local team will shape the route, pace and details around your journey.
Start planning
Real stories from travelers who climbed, explored, and relaxed with Betheli Expeditions.
Tanzania Safari
5.0Every minute of the safari was fantastic and impressive, we left satisfied and are already planning to return. It was professionally organized, congratulations! Sam, our guide, demonstrated exceptional professional expertise, and it was a pleasure to listen to him during the daily tours.
Marangu Route
5.0Our guides were incredible — they were experienced, knowledgeable, and made sure we were well taken care of every step of the way. The hike itself is beautiful, with lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and spectacular views of the mountain.
Mount Kilimanjaro
5.0Unique and indescribable experience as beautiful as , we spent 5 days trekking on Mount Kilimanjaro and our guides and all of them were unique and really good in accompanying us in this adventure! Rating 10, thank you!!!
Machame Route
5.0Wonderful trekking and fantastic team. We met serious, kind and specialized people. They attended us on the trek making us feel at home. All of us reached the top of the mountain!!! I highly recommend Betheli expedition
Mount Meru
5.0Our trip up Mt. Meru with Richard, Paul, Kennedy and all the guides and porters was excellent. Betheli Expedition staff catered to our every need and request with no complaints and always with a smile on their faces. We were a group of 12 women on our yearly trek together and we truly enjoyed ourselves!
Mount Meru
5.0Betheli organised a fantastic trek up to the top of Mount Meru at short notice. We were supported on the trip by a fantastic team - led by our guide Richard - who provided tasty food, carried everything we could possibly need, kept us going up the tricky climb, and even taught us some Swahili along the way!
Kilimanjaro
5.0Very well organized, professional, helpful, dedicated team, ready to fulfill each request at any time with experienced and devoted guides.
Useful answers for the first conversation and the planning that follows.
International flights are generally excluded unless clearly stated. Domestic flights may be included depending on your itinerary. Your written quote will specify which flights and transfers are covered.
Kilimanjaro is a challenging high-altitude trek. Standard trekking routes do not require technical mountaineering skills, but long walking days, cold temperatures and summit night demand preparation and determination. Regular hiking and fitness training help, but even very fit climbers can develop altitude sickness. A gradual ascent and enough acclimatisation time are essential.
Tanzania offers excellent opportunities to see the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino—particularly when combining the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. The Great Migration moves through the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem throughout the year, following rainfall and fresh grazing. We plan around seasonal movements, but exact locations and river crossings remain unpredictable.
Choose Zanzibar’s north coast—Nungwi or Kendwa—for golden sunsets, lively beach stays and swimming generally less affected by tides. For village experiences and a changing tidal shoreline, consider Matemwe in the northeast or Paje and Jambiani in the southeast. Mafia and Pemba offer quieter escapes close to nature. We will help you find the coast that fits your preferred pace and experience.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many visitors need a visa, while others are exempt or require approval before travelling. Check the official Tanzania Immigration website before booking. Your passport should have at least six months’ validity and one unused visa page.
Absolutely. Experience the challenge of Kilimanjaro, the wonder of a wildlife safari and the tranquillity of Zanzibar in one personalised itinerary. We arrange the connections, accommodation and activities, with time to rest and appreciate every part of your journey.
