Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro (Umbwe route)
2.5
Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro (Umbwe route)
By Kilimanjaro Wonders Expedition Safari
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About
The Umbwe Route is steeper and shorter than the Machame Route. Once at the Barranco Hut you continue on with the other Machame hikers. The descent is down the Mweka trail.
Since it is a very short and direct route, it is not recommended for people with little altitude experience.
Lowest price guaranteeFree cancellation
Ages 10-120
Duration: 6 days
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Audio guide: English
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Written guide: English
Print or digital reading material such as a guide, map, brochure, etc.
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- Return transportation from Moshi to/from the starting/finishing point on the mountain
- Qualified guides with mountain crew and National park fees
- Tents and sleeping mattresses and Cutlery / Crockery / Eating utensils
- Mess tent (for dining) / Mini camping chairs / Tables / Candles, Rescue fees and Pulse oximeters
- First aid kit, Guides, porters, cook, waiter salaries and Boiled water on the mountain
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner) Guides, porters, waiter, cook accommodation
- Entry/Admission - Mount Kilimanjaro
- Entry/Admission - Mount Kilimanjaro
- Entry/Admission - Mount Kilimanjaro
- Entry/Admission - Mount Kilimanjaro
- Entry/Admission - Mount Kilimanjaro
- Entry/Admission - Mount Kilimanjaro
What's not included- Guides, Porters, Cook & Waiters tips, Meals and drinks not specified and Gear for your climb
- Items of personal nature, Visas and Emergency oxygen
- Start:Traveler pickup offered.
- Umbwe, TanzaniaOur Trekking start here
Pickup details- Also we can follow where you are such as Airport or any Hotel nearest/around Kilimanjaro
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 113391P8- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 113391P8
From
$1,899.00
per adult
Select date and travelers
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- SelmaNbuddies0 contributionsExceptional Trekking ExperienceThe outstanding services provided by Kilimanjaro Wonders Expeditions Safari on our Kilimanjaro trek were exceptional. We had guides Felix and Musa with us and both were so knowledgeable about the Kilimanjaro route, best way to approach the trek and closely observed a strict service code putting our safety first. They were really genuinely happy to have us with them and made us feel like part of their family. Accommodation was in tents at the designated campsites. The porters were responsible for most of the tasks at the camp, which they did very well and were always eager to help. I have to mention Kilowa our chef who was amazing with the food. We had a very good experience with this operator and we recommend them to anyone planning a trip to climb Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.Written November 23, 2024
- Fanoela0 contributionsCaring and Loving PeopleOur recent Kilimanjaro trek with KWESA was everything we expected and much more. I got to successful summit the tallest mountain in Africa together with my wife and we had the time of our lives as we did the joint attempt. I must say that we were surprised at how physically tasking the trek was. It sapped all our strength that by the time we got to the summit we could hardly walk, due to the cold, low oxygen levels and the fatigue of six days of intense trekking. We were lucky to be paired with guides Brian and Jude. They were very professional and experienced on Kilimanjaro, knowing tha best way to approach the trek, how to conserve energy, coax the body to gradually acclimatize and tale the trek one step at a time. We were in safe hands and with their support encouragement we made it to the summit in perfect health. I love their approach to enjoy each and every step of the journey and not to focus wholly on getting to the summit. They made us realize that journey to the summit was beautiful and we really enjoyed the magical views, the blinding sun over the ice, the strong gusts and the clean mountain air. It is all so amazing, taking the time to reflect on the life choices we’ve taken and whats really important. I strongly recommend that anyone thinking of Kilimanjaro should contact a reputable operator like KWESA who will not only take care of you but also do so with love.Written November 16, 2024
- ElizabethdN2535LF0 contributionsAbsolutely WonderfulMy husband and I had a memorable Kilimanjaro trek to celebrate our anniversary. We are overjoyed with our choice because of the great crew and support service. The experience with this crew was way better than we ever thought because they were really exceptional. Bramwell and Seroney were outstanding guides. They took us like part of their family, ensuring our safety and comfort throughout the trek. We followed their advice and lead which was tough but manageable. These guys were genuinely concerned about our health, taking regular health checks, ensuring that we ate and hydrated well, slept in comfortable places. The porters worked hard to set up camp, keep it clean and ferry the supplies from one campsite to the next. We are truly grateful to Kilimanjaro Wonders Expedition Safari and highly recommend them to any person seeking to attempt for Kilimanjaro's summit. They are absolutely wonderfulWritten November 8, 2024
- 733stines0 contributionsGreat Trekking ExperienceWe did the Lemosho route with guides Musa and Jonathan is unforgettable. We owe our success to the amazing crew because they were excellent. Their constant care and attention reassured us that we were in good hands and had made the right decision in choosing KWESA. Musa the lead ensured that his crew was there for us at all times. Be it the excellent food from Shaban our cook, the comfortable tents were set up by the porters, the coffee in bed, the toilet duty....... Nothing was too much trouble for this people. They really gave us excellent support that got us to the summit safely and back. Thank you Teacher for the excellent work you did to plan all the details. It turned out great and we are super grateful.Written October 17, 2024
- Coastal645049398280 contributionsOverall, it didn't meet the expectations of the tour description.Kilimanjaro Wonders Expedition Safari received a negative review for poor organization and lack of communication. The guide was inexperienced, leading to a disappointing experience. Accommodation and transport were subpar, with long delays. Wildlife sightings were sparse, and the safari felt rushed. Overall, it didn't meet the expectations of the tour description.Written October 14, 2024
- raimondsu20220 contributionsFlawless SafariTeacher made it all possible. We were travelling together with another couple and we really enjoyed the safari vacation to Tanzania. I had worked with Teacher to book the trip and it turned out that we made the right decision in choosing this local company. We were well cared for from the moment we arrived and throughout the entire safari up to the last goodbyes. Our guide Festo made our trip very good. He is the true definition of all round safari guide. He spoke perfect English, a very likeable person, an excellent driver, highly knowledgeable on everything we encountered during safari.. the plants, animals and cultures too. He treated us so well and also sought our opinions before he made pertinent decisions. He factored our needs and wishes into the daily program. Teacher managed to get us booked in some very nice boutique properties, that had excellent services with reasonable charges. We enjoyed the overall safari experience as it was perfectly planned and executed. I cannot possibly find any fault with any aspect of the safari.Written October 13, 2024
- elifbY1605NU0 contributions6 Days Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro SafariWe organized our trip to Tanzania with KWESA and it was awesome. Teacher helped make all the necessary arrangements with the transport, accommodations, permits and fees for the parks, hot air balloon trip, Hadzabe Bushmen visit.....actually he was responsible for all the logistics in Tanzania, and he did an excellent job. Our guide Mathias was knowledgeable, easy going and an excellent driver. He knew his way around the Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro circuit like the back of his hand. He was able to find numerous animals ranging from lions, zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, warthogs, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, vultures and many different birds. The itinerary flowed like clockwork, as Teacher has done an amazing job to get every detail right. The accommodations were beautiful and really luxurious as we enjoyed staying in comfortable places with excellent service. Thank you KWESA for an amazing experience!Written October 10, 2024
- Journey584312549530 contributionsThe silent and stern mountains, the sincere and kind people. Hakuna matata.This trip was a journey of transformation, where a modern East Asian city dweller faced nature with the help of a team of reliable and sincere Tanzanians. My guide, Adam, with over 20 years of experience and medical knowledge, was kind and supportive, helping me through headaches and nausea, and even assisting other climbers along the way. Geoffrey, another guide, was energetic and humorous, lightening the mood and helping me with gear when I was exhausted. The organizer, Adward, ensured every detail was flawlessly arranged and stayed responsible until the end of the trip. Thanks to their care, I reached the summit and achieved my dream. This team was incredible, and I couldn't have done it without them. I hope you can also fulfill your dreams. We came as customers but left as family.Written October 8, 2024
- E9541BDbeatricem0 contributionsA mix of hiking and beach therapyThe drive from Moshi to Tanga and the actual holiday was amazing. We had so much fun exploring the different places that time passed very fast. We drove from Moshi with Hassan to Amani Nature Reserve where we spent the afternoon exploring the pristine forest. The following day took us to Pangani in Tanga. We spent the day exploring through the historical buildings and later went on a cruise along river Pangani. We spent the following day snorkeling and scuba diving along the Pangani coast. The trip was much fun where we enjoyed life to the fullest.Written October 5, 2024
- OnAir089315177240 contributionsIncredible Kilimanjaro hiking on Rongai RouteI recently climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with Kwesa Tours on a 5-day Rongai Route, and it was truly a life-changing experience from start to finish. Everything was well-organized and full of warmth My guides, Mariki and Isayah, were exceptionally knowledgeable about the routes and terrain, providing valuable insights into the landscape, wildlife, and local culture. They were also incredibly motivating, especially during the tough moments and extreme weather conditions as well. The food provided on the trek was far better than I expected—delicious and nutritious meals that kept us energized for the long days ahead. The porters were absolute heroes, carrying our gear with such ease and always greeting us with smiles and positive energy. The summit day was intense but so rewarding! Reaching Uhuru Peak was one of the most fulfilling moments of my life, and I couldn’t have done it without the incredible support from the Kwesa team.Written September 22, 2024
- Kim_safari0 contributionsGreat Achivement with the KWESA Kili Boyz!Warm greetings coming from Seoul with love. We have not been able to forget the wonderful trip we had in Tanzania. It was everything Teacher told us it would be, and much more. Teacher was excellent with the planning and organization, he handled each and every aspect of the trip with fine precision such that we had a very smooth booking process. We had a great crew that made our trip special and enjoyable, they took excellent care and looked after our well being at all times. It was reassuring being around the team of expert guides, that knew what to do at all times. The equipment was also excellent, serving its purpose excellently. We enjoyed the panoramic views, clean fresh air and the actual trek! I felt so in touch with nature and one with the mountain. I am happy to report that we both summitted with comfortably. I owe the achievement to the excellent work put in by Edward and the Kili Boyz!Written September 17, 2024
- W6251EGmichaelz0 contributionsBest experience ever!Teacher and his team at Kwesa Tours led our group of 20 from the USA (CO, IL, IA, and TX) via the Marangu route to the summit of Kilimanjaro. It was one of the most fun, safe, challenging, and life changing experiences. The Kwesa Team took care of us at every step from the preparations, briefings, dining, hiking, and ultimately the preparation for the summit attempt. Most of our group was successful in summiting in large part due to the assistance and fortitude of the Kwesa team. We all felt confident about our safety (especially since Teacher has climbed over 1,000 times), and the Kwesa Team shared our objective to get to the top as a whole. I am grateful for Teacher’s friendship and the cooks, guides, and porters who looked after us so well. I don’t think we would have had such success in reaching the top if it wasn’t for this wonderful team. I would definitely choose Kwesa Tours again and would recommend them to my family and friends. It was a wonderful physical, mental, and cultural experience that I will never forget and I hope to recreate.Written September 16, 2024
- andrejs8280 contributionsKiliamanjaro climbing July 2024Climbing Kilimanjaro was the most amazing experience and Edward's Kwesa Tours and our amazing team of guides, cooks and porters made it possible. Our guides Haji and Mariki were amazing. They were informative, supportive and most of all fun to spend 7 days with. They successfully got our group of three up and back, plus they allowed my friend Patrik to paraglide flew down Kilimanjaro. Our cooks prepared amazing food every day and we ate very well. Our porters were amazing too. They took care of everything and even anticipated when you needed something before you knew you needed it. I highly recommend Kwesa Tours and Edward and his team! Come as a client, leave as family... Thank you Edward and the team.Written September 15, 2024
- JeffM44440 contributionsChoose KWESA!Edward “Teacher” Lazaro, owner and leader of Kwesa Tours and his fine team led our family and friends to the summit of Kilimanjaro! Our group of 20 from the U.S. (IL, CO and TX) selected the Marangu route because it is the only route where you use huts for the ascent and descent and we generally had a crew with no climbing experience. Teacher is a fascinating, principled, man who truly cares about his clients (we now call him our friend) and those values translate to his whole team. Bottom line: Teacher and his KWESA team took care of us from start to finish, focused on our self care and achieving our goal - get to the top!… safely. They provided support, preparation, briefings, nutrition (compliments to the cooks), hydration, and friendly encouragement throughout the trip. The trek was culturally and environmentally interesting, safe, fun, yet challenging … with no technical climbing. I highly recommend Kilimanjaro Wonders Expeditions.Written September 15, 2024
- michellekO9447JD0 contributionsExceeded All My ExpectationsI joined a group of five other climbers organized and perfectly executed by Kilimanjaro Wonders Expedition Safari. I started talking to Edward in April via email and he's proved to be a wonderful and trusted person. His responses were quick and always provided detailed explanations to my questions. He inspired confidence as his advice was always good. The whole booking process was transparent and above board, he explained what was included in the fees and how to manage the mandatory tips for the crew. I arrived in Tanzania on Sept 2 and as taken to my hotel. I finally met with Edward who also introduced me to Msaba who was the lead guide. They crosschecked my gear and helped me to hire some items that I needed. The actual trek was well planned and an epic adventure. I met with the other climbers and was particularly happy to have been paired with Selina from Spain as my tentmate. The crew was outstanding, they handled every aspect of our climb with surgical precision. From the expert knowledgeable guides Msaba, Martin and Ben who led us successfully to the summit. The porters were responsible for the campsites, ferrying the tents, supplies, setting up the tents and all the other amenities that we needed. Food was excellent at all times. There was plenty to eat and enough water, coffee, chocolates and shakes. If you are thinking of Kilimanjaro, be sure to contact Edward of Kilimanjaro Wonders Expedition Safari. Their service was outstanding and exceeded all my expectations.Written September 15, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Alex l
Perth, Australia1 contribution
Sep 2024 • Family
I had a disappointing experience with Kilimanjaro Wonders Expedition Safari. The communication was poor from the start, and the itinerary was not well-organized. Our guide lacked the necessary knowledge and enthusiasm, making the safari less enjoyable. The vehicles were in poor condition, leading to several breakdowns that wasted valuable time. The accommodations promised were not up to standard, with cleanliness and comfort being major issues. Additionally, the food provided was subpar and lacked variety. Overall, I felt that the tour was overpriced for the quality of service offered, and I wouldn't recommend this company for a safari adventure.
Written October 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts regarding your experience with us. We genuinely value all feedback, as it is essential for our growth and improvement. That said, we are quite concerned about the specifics you outlined in your review, as they do not align with our records of recent tours.
At Kilimanjaro Wonders Expedition Safari, we strive to provide our guests with well-planned itineraries, knowledgeable guides, and comfortable accommodations. The issues you described regarding communication, vehicle conditions, and the quality of food are particularly troubling, especially given our commitment to ensuring every guest has a rewarding experience.
As we are currently experiencing a low season with very few clients, we have a close relationship with each traveler and can account for their experiences. We would greatly appreciate your assistance in clarifying this matter by providing additional details, such as the date of your tour or any photographs from your trip. This information will not only help us investigate your claims but also address any misunderstandings that may have arisen.
We believe in maintaining high standards and wish to ensure our future guests are informed by accurate and honest reviews. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to hearing from you soon.
Written November 2, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Melanie S. Cameron
2 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
My encounter with Kilimanjaro Wonders Expedition Safari was unsatisfactory. The itinerary was disorganized and the communication was bad from the beginning. The trip was less entertaining since our guide lacked the requisite expertise and zeal. Due to the cars' poor condition, there were many failures that cost time. The promised accommodations fell short of expectations, with comfort and hygiene being the main problems. Furthermore, there was little variety and poor quality in the food served. Overall, I thought the tour was very expensive for the level of service provided, and I wouldn't suggest this business to anyone looking to go on a safari.
Written October 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear friend,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We truly value feedback from our guests, as it helps us improve our services. However, we are concerned about the details you’ve mentioned, as they do not align with the high standards we strive to maintain at Kilimanjaro Wonders Expedition Safari.
We have thoroughly reviewed our records and have found no evidence of hosting a tour matching your description during the recent period. As we are currently in low season, our number of clients is minimal, and we take pride in knowing each of them personally.
To better understand your experience and address any potential concerns, we kindly ask you to provide further details, such as photos from your safari or any specific dates. This information will not only help us clarify the situation but also assist in our commitment to improving our services.
We believe in fair competition and understand that sometimes businesses may face challenges, but we want to assure our future guests that our priority is always delivering exceptional experiences.
Thank you once again for your feedback, and we hope to resolve this matter swiftly.
Written November 2, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hotstep
New Baltimore, MI1 contribution
Jul 2019
My family of 4 (2 teens, my husband and I) and friends (a young couple) wanted to do something together so we decided to try and do Kilimanjaro together during the summer break . There were many travel agencies to choose from and after a thorough evaluation we decided to go with Kilimanjaro Wonders Expedition Safari based on the amazing reviews they had on various platforms. Teacher was our contact person and he helped us in selecting the Umbwe route which is the most challenging, with less traffic and very scenic too. The company provided very affordable prices, compared to all other companies. The services the company provided were top notch, starting from the staff to the. We climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro.
The trek was amazing, our chief guide, Joseph, was outstanding. He led a team of 3 other guides and 19 porters and Moses our cook and his assistant. He was very attentive and ensured that everyone was comfortable and enjoying the trip. They crew was very helpful, assisting us to climb where we couldn’t do it on our own, and encouraging us. The crew made the climb fun as they freely talked about their country, culture, and ways. They constantly checked on us to make sure that we were in peak health condition. Moses made delicious food and soups that left us asking for more. They kept us well fed, and ensured that we had enough water to stay hydrated during the climb. After 6 days, the 6 of us reached the Uhuru peak just before dawn. The view was breathtaking and we got to watch the amazing sunrise.
The experience we had in the hands of Kilimanjaro Wonders Expedition Safari was the best experience of our lives. The company prides itself in excellent customer service. I highly recommend the company for any trip you want to go on.
The trek was amazing, our chief guide, Joseph, was outstanding. He led a team of 3 other guides and 19 porters and Moses our cook and his assistant. He was very attentive and ensured that everyone was comfortable and enjoying the trip. They crew was very helpful, assisting us to climb where we couldn’t do it on our own, and encouraging us. The crew made the climb fun as they freely talked about their country, culture, and ways. They constantly checked on us to make sure that we were in peak health condition. Moses made delicious food and soups that left us asking for more. They kept us well fed, and ensured that we had enough water to stay hydrated during the climb. After 6 days, the 6 of us reached the Uhuru peak just before dawn. The view was breathtaking and we got to watch the amazing sunrise.
The experience we had in the hands of Kilimanjaro Wonders Expedition Safari was the best experience of our lives. The company prides itself in excellent customer service. I highly recommend the company for any trip you want to go on.
Written August 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Really appreciation to your feed back about our service. We are hoping you can spread it all over the World. Kindly regards. Edward
Written August 9, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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