Are You Up For The Challenge? Climbing Kilimanjaro Using The Umbwe Route!

Towering above the Tanzanian landscape, Mount Kilimanjaro stands as a silent challenge to those with a heart for adventure. Among the numerous Kilimanjaro Routes leading to its icy summit, the Umbwe Route is known as the most challenging yet rewarding path and beckons to the most daring climbers.

Starting from the southern part of Mount Kilimanjaro, this Umbwe Route is known for its steep, and direct ascent. Only experienced and physically fit hikers who can acclimatize at high altitudes should preferably choose it for Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing expeditions.

Are you among one who would risk taking up this Kilimanjaro Route? If yes, the below post is for you which focuses on details of Kilimanjaro’s most difficult route. Let’s read to know more.

Some Quick Facts About The Umbwe Route

It was earlier known for being the steepest and most direct path for Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing.

• Initially, it used Arrow’s Glacier Path and Western Breach to reach Uhuru Peak. But after some tragic incidents surfaced in 2006, the western breach approach was closed.
• In 2007, the Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro reopened with modifications; now it joins the Machame Route on the second day of the trek.

This revised itinerary ensures a safer and more manageable ascent while still offering the opportunity to conquer Uhuru Peak.

Note: Climbers considering this route should be well-prepared physically and mentally. If interested in taking up this challenge, you can consult our experienced guides or tour operators who can provide guidance and support throughout the journey.

Umbwe Route at a Glance

• Difficulty Level: High
• Success Rate: 60-70% (variable based on fitness and acclimatization)
• Duration: 5-7 Days
• Distance: Approximately 53 km or 32 miles
• Scenery: Diverse, from tropical rainforests to alpine landscapes

Where It Is Located?

It is situated in Tanzania, in East Africa. Starting in the south, it swiftly ascends towards the west of the mountain. It is less frequented, providing a unique sense of solitude and connection with nature.

The route provides breathtaking views of the surrounding rainforest and the diverse flora and fauna that call this region home.

How Challenging Is The Umbwe Route?

The Umbwe Route Mt Kilimanjaro is not for the faint-hearted. It is known for its steep ascents and descents, with sections that require climbers to scramble and use their hands for support.

The route is physically demanding and requires a high level of fitness, as well as mental resilience to overcome the difficulties posed by the trail.

The Distance And Duration

The total distance covered on the this Route is approximately 53 kilometres (33 miles) round trip. The duration of the climb usually takes about 6 to 7 days, allowing climbers to acclimatize to the altitude gradually. This extended duration helps improve the chances of successfully reaching the summit.

Scenery On Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro

• During the initial two days of the trek, adventurers will have to traverse through tree plantations and venture into scenic rainforests.
• This journey then leads the climbers towards the challenging Arrow’s Glacier Path and Western Breach, where you have to scramble your way up to the remarkable Reutsch Glacier path.
• This is situated at an altitude of 5800 meters. Here climbers on Kilimanjaro Trek get the opportunity to spend the night close to the renowned glacier, Furtwangler Glacier.
• Further on, trekkers can start from the Crater camp and go for an hour’s hike to the awe-inspiring Reusch Crater or simply move around the areas near the magnificent Furtwangler Glacier.

Highlights of Umbwe Route: Reusch Crater on the Umbwe Route is a sight to behold, boasting a nearly perfectly circular shape and an ash pit that reaches depths of 400 feet (120 m) and spans an impressive width of 1,300 feet (400 m). This hidden gem is a rare sight that few tourists have the privilege of experiencing on Kilimanjaro Tours.

Umbwe Route Success Rate

It stands out as one of the shortest pathways to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. However, it is important to note that this route poses challenges in terms of acclimatization due to its steepness and limited time spent on the mountain.

Although official statistics are not available, it is widely acknowledged that the average Umbwe Route Success Rate, encompassing all operators, stands at approximately 70%.

The Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro Via The Umbwe Route

Choosing the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro is crucial to your summit success. This is true for the most strenuous Umbwe Route too.

• The optimal times to venture during the dry seasons. This is typically from late June to October and from late December to early March.
• During these periods, the risk of rainfall is minimal, making the climbing conditions more favorable.

However, it’s important to note that even during the dry seasons, Mount Kilimanjaro’s weather can be unpredictable, and climbers should be prepared for various weather conditions, including extreme cold, rain, and strong winds.

Quick Glance At The Umbwe Route Itinerary

At Tanzania Tribe Safaris, we offer Umbwe Route climb on a six-day itinerary. The five-day Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro is not recommended by our experts. It is because the success rates are low and there is no scope for acclimatization days on a 5-day itinerary.

The following is a proposed 6-day Umbwe Route Itinerary which you can choose during Kilimanjaro Tours with us.

Triumph And Transformation: Conquering Kilimanjaro’s Umbwe Route

TheKilimanjaro Umbwe Route is not a trail that can be used by everyone. It is only for those who are daredevils. With proper preparation, training, dedication, and passion for climbing, you can always achieve this impossible feat of Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing via Umbwe Route.

Along with that, the guidance of experienced guides and porters is also inevitable. It’s also essential to remember that success on the Umbwe Route is not solely measured by standing at the Uhuru peak but by the personal growth and unforgettable memories created throughout the journey.

So, if you’re ready to push your limits, consider the Umbwe Route as your pathway to conquering the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro and creating a benchmark for yourself.