Umbwe Route
Umbwe Route
The Umbwe Route is a challenging path for those undertaking Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing. Known for its steep incline and rapid pace, this route is demanding and thrilling.
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Umbwe Route At A Glance
- Total Distance– 53 km/33 miles
- Difficulty –High (extremely challenging)
- Duration– 4-6 days for the ascent; Total, including descent, takes 5-7 days
- Success Rate- Low
- Height– Reaches the summit at Uhuru Peak at an altitude of 5895 meters (19341 feet)
- Location – Umbwe Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the south.
Highlights And Considerations
Our climbing experts at Tanzania Tribe Safari consider Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro the most challenging among the different climbing paths. Owing to its sharp ascent, this path must provide more acclimatization time, accounting for its lower Umbwe Route Success Rate.
Key Highlights
- Stunning panoramic sights
- A test of skill for experienced climbers
- Less congested
Points To Consider
- Reduced acclimatization duration
- Lower probability of summit success
- Less picturesque compared to other routes
- More strenuous ascent
Moreover, other Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes, like the Lemosho Route, might offer better climbing experiences. Therefore, the Umbwe Route should only be chosen by robust hikers with a fast acclimatization capacity at high altitudes.
Best Time To Climb The Umbwe Route
Like other Routes Up Kilimanjaro, the Umbwe Route experiences various weather conditions. The lower sections of the trail pass through a lush rainforest, which can be wet and humid.
As climbers ascend, temperatures drop, and the landscape transitions to the alpine desert and, eventually, arctic conditions near the summit. The Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro via the Umbwe Route is during the dry seasons from January to mid-March and June to October.
The Umbwe Route Itinerary
Even though the Umbwe Route has a reputation for being the most strenuous climb, it’s essential to understand that it’s still just a trek, and there’s no actual climbing required.
The route is steep, and you may find yourself grabbing tree roots to pull yourself up the slope sometimes. But the beautiful scenery and peaceful solitude make it all worthwhile.
When planning your Umbwe Route Itinerary, you’ll find that a six-day journey is recommended. Although it can be done in five days, we strongly suggest adding an extra day to your plan.
This additional time allows you to get used to the high altitude and gives you the best chance to reach the top. Usually, this means a stop at Karanga Campsite at the end of Day 3.
The route originates from the southern side and veers eastward once Barranco Camp is reached. It passes beneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field along the Southern Circuit. The summit is reached from Barafu, while the descent follows the Mweka route.
Below is the summary of the 6 Days Umbwe Route Itinerary:
| DAY | FROM-TO | DISTANCE | TREKKING TIME | ZONES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 |
Umbwe Gate (1600 meters) to Umbwe Camp (2490 meters) |
11 km/7miles |
5-7 hours |
Rainforest |
| DAY 2 |
Umbwe Camp (2940 meters) to Barranco Camp (3976 meters) |
6 km/ 4 miles |
4-5 hours |
Low-alpine moorland zone |
| DAY 3 |
Barranco Camp (3976 meters)- Karanga Camp (3995 meters) |
5 km/3 miles |
4-5 hours |
Low-alpine zone/High-alpine zone |
| DAY 4 |
Karanga Camp (3995 meters)- Barafu Camp (4673 meters) |
4 km/2 miles |
4-5 hours |
High-alpine zone |
| DAY 5 |
Barafu Camp (4673 meters)- Uhuru Peak (5895 meters) |
5 km/3 miles |
7-8 hours |
Glacial zones and all preceding zones. |
|
|
Uhuru Peak (5895 meters)-Mweka Camp (3068 meters) |
12 km/7 miles |
4-6 hours |
Glacial zones and all preceding zones. |
| DAY 6 |
Mweka Camp (3068 meters)-Mweka Gate (1640 meters) |
10 km/6 miles |
3-4 hours |
Rainforests |
All About Umbwe Route
Sceneries Along The Way
Although the Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro offers less picturesque views than other trails due to its rapid and steep ascent, it still features stunning landscapes. The route encompasses rainforests, moorlands, and high-altitude deserts, all contributing to its unique beauty.Crowds On Umbwe Route
One of the most significant advantages of the Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route is the lack of crowds. The route’s challenging reputation means it attracts fewer climbers, providing a more serene and peaceful experience than the more popular routes. It also allows for a stronger connection with nature and more splendid solitude, offering an opportunity for a more intimate Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing experience. Another point worth mentioning here about Mount Kilimanjaro is that it remains one of the least busy paths on the mountain, especially during the initial two days. Encountering large groups is rare on this Kilimanjaro route. Also, the trail could be exclusively yours if you trek during the off-peak season.Accommodations On The Umbwe Route
Accommodation on the Umbwe Route is primarily in tents at designated campsites. These campsites are less crowded than those on other routes, offering climbers a more peaceful and quiet experience. Basic toilet and washing facilities are available at each camp.Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro Cost
The 6-day Umbwe Route Cost is $1,420 per person, based on a shared arrangement for ten individuals. Are you interested in scaling Kilimanjaro during the full moon? Contact us for the dates and pricing for the full moon Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages via the Umbwe route. Take advantage of this mesmerizing experience!Umbwe Route Success Rates
Due to the challenging nature, the Umbwe Route Success Rate is generally lower than other routes. The rapid ascent can increase the risk of altitude sickness, making acclimatization more difficult. However, experienced climbers who are well-prepared and take their time can still achieve a high success rate on this route.What's Our Take On The Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route?
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