Private safari
6-Day Kilimanjaro Climb · Umbwe Route
Kilimanjaro's steepest, most direct and least crowded ascent.
6 days Mount Kilimanjaro Best · Jan – Mar · Jun – Oct Private departureFrom $2,357 per person
What this journey holds.
Umbwe is the bold choice: steep, direct and beautifully wild. It climbs a narrow forest ridge before joining the Southern Circuit toward the summit, with far fewer climbers than any other southern route. This is a route for fit, experienced trekkers who are ready to earn every step and want a true expedition feel.
- Group size
- Private departure, 2–6 guests
- Vehicle
- Custom 4×4 Land Cruiser, pop-up roof
- Guide
- Licensed English-speaking driver-guide
- Pace
- Moderate, with early starts and unhurried sightings
- Fitness
- Easy; no walking required
- Start / end
- Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Arusha (ARK)
Three that we build the days around.
The dramatic forest ridge to Umbwe Cave Camp
Barranco Wall and the Karanga Valley
Stella Point at sunrise on summit morning
A rhythm, not a rigid schedule.
Every day bends around the animals, the light, and how you like to travel. This is our starting shape.
- 01Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
Transfer to your lodge in Moshi, then a climb briefing, equipment check and final preparation with your head guide. Overnight Lastanza Safari Lodge.
- 02Umbwe Gate → Umbwe Cave Camp
1,600 m → 2,900 m, 5–7 hours. A steep ridge trail through dense rainforest to your first camp.
- 03Umbwe Cave → Barranco Camp
2,900 m → 3,950 m, 4–5 hours. Steeply out of the forest into moorland, arriving beneath the Barranco Wall.
- 04Barranco → Karanga Camp
3,950 m → 4,040 m, 4–5 hours. Climb the wall, then cross ridges and valleys to Karanga for an important acclimatisation stop.
- 05Karanga → Barafu Camp
4,040 m → 4,645 m, 3–4 hours. Alpine desert to summit base camp. Early dinner and rest before the midnight climb.
- 06Summit day → Uhuru Peak → Millennium Camp
Stella Point before sunrise, Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m, then down to Millennium Camp; final morning through rainforest to Mweka Gate for certificates.
Nothing on the day of the shoot but the shoot itself.
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees
- Private English-speaking mountain guide
- Porter support for carrying mountain luggage
- Private mountain cook and fresh, energy-rich meals
- Dining tent, tables and chairs for every meal
- Airport pickup and transfer
- Rescue fee coverage as per park regulations
Not included
- International flights and visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Optional activities (balloon safari, walking safari, cultural visits)
- Tips for your guide and lodge staff
- Personal items, laundry and telephone charges
Tanzania, month by month.
This journey runs jan – mar · jun – oct. Here is how the year reads across the northern circuit.
Jan
Calving season in Ndutu
Feb
Peak calving, predator action
Mar
Green season, fewer vehicles
Apr
Long rains, lush and quiet
May
Rains ease, low season value
Jun
Dry season opens, herds move north
Jul
River crossings begin
Aug
Peak crossings, prime game viewing
Sep
Dry, concentrated wildlife
Oct
Excellent predator sightings
Nov
Short rains, dramatic skies
Dec
Herds return south to Ndutu
Verified views of Kilimanjaro.
Classic
The great northern Tanzania circuit, done properly, without cutting the corners that matter.
Explore this styleThe classical Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Manyara circuit - planned by people who know it in every season. Mid-range or luxury tented lodging, private vehicle, and a guide who trained under our team.
- Private 4×4 Land Cruiser & guide
- Mid-range or luxury tented camps
- All park & conservation fees
- Full board + soft drinks
- Airport meet & greet
Guest voices
“Our guide gave us the two most extraordinary weeks of our lives. Every morning was thought through - the light, the position, the story. We came home with photographs we'll frame for the rest of our lives.”
Anna & Peter Halvorsen · Oslo · Great Migration, 2025
From first note to first game drive.
Four steps, no pressure, and a human on the other end of every message.
01
Tell us your dates
Share travel dates, group size and what you most want to see. We reply within 24 hours.
02
We shape the route
A tailored itinerary with camp options at three price points, and honest advice on season and pacing.
03
Confirm and prepare
A 30% deposit secures camps and park permits. We send packing, camera and health notes.
04
Arrive and travel
Met at the airport, driven by your own guide, supported on the ground for the whole journey.
Before you ask.
- How many people share a vehicle?
- Every departure is private. Your party has the whole 4×4 to itself with a guaranteed window seat and pop-up roof for each guest.
- Can this itinerary be customised?
- Yes. Every route here is a starting shape. We regularly extend nights, swap camps, add Zanzibar or restructure days around photography light.
- What does the price depend on?
- Season, group size and camp category. The quoted rate is a per-person guide for two travellers sharing in mid-season; we confirm exact pricing with your dates.
- What is the payment schedule?
- A 30% deposit confirms the booking, with the balance due 45 days before arrival. Bank transfer and card payments are both accepted.
- Is it suitable for children or older travellers?
- Yes. We adjust drive lengths, road transfers and lodge choices to suit families and to keep travel comfortable at any age.
- What should I pack for photography?
- A long lens (400mm+), a wide zoom, spare cards and batteries. We supply bean bags in every vehicle and can arrange charging in the field.
