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.

This adventure begins south of Mount Kilimanjaro, with the Kilimanjaro Route ascending quickly to the Barranco Camp. It then proceeds under the Southern Ice Field, concluding at Barafu.

For those eager to tackle this exciting challenge, Tanzania Tribe Safari offers a 6 Days Umbwe Route climb. The package tests your endurance while rewarding you with an extraordinary mountaineering experience.

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.
DAY 5		Uhuru Peak (5895 meters)-Mweka Camp (3068 meters)	12 km/7 miles	Glacial zones and all preceding zones.	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

The Umbwe Route is the shortest, steepest and hardest Kilimanjaro Route. It’s not ideal for most trekkers, as it doesn’t give your body much time to acclimatize to the increased elevation. Find out all about Umbwe Route in below.

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?

The Umbwe Route is a challenging and rewarding experience that offers experienced climbers a once-in-lifetime adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro. Its steep trails, remote atmosphere, and diverse scenery make it a unique and exhilarating experience. However, due to the difficulty and rapid ascent, it is best suited for seasoned high-altitude trekkers with prior experience and a high level of physical fitness. Climbers who want to take up a very challenging Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing experience, this is for you!

So, in our opinion, you can choose the Machame Route for Kilimanjaro Climb only if you want to ace this challenging trek, as the route has a high chance of summiting the mountain. Also, if you have no problems with the trail being a little crowded, you can choose this Kilimanjaro Climbing Route.

Kilimanjaro Umbwe Routes

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Umbwe Route Faq's

How long does it take to climb the Umbwe Route?

The Northern Circuit route has the highest success rate of Kilimanjaro climb.

What is the success rate of climbing the Umbwe Route?

Due to its challenging nature and rapid ascent, the success rate on the Umbwe Route is generally lower compared to other routes Kilimanjaro Route. However, experienced climbers who are well-prepared and take their time to acclimatize can still achieve a high success rate.

What is the best time of the year to climb the Umbwe Route?

The Best Times To Climb The Umbwe Route are during the dry seasons, which occur from January to mid-March and June to October. Climbing Kilimanjaro during these periods generally offers more stable weather conditions and a lower risk of encountering heavy rain or snow.

What are the top three tips to increase Kilimanjaro Success Rates?

Climbing the Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro typically takes 5 to 7 days, depending on the chosen itinerary and the climber's pace. The duration can also be influenced by acclimatization and weather conditions during the trek.

How difficult is the Umbwe Route?

The Umbwe Route is considered the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro due to its steep terrain and rapid ascent. It is best suited for experienced climbers with a high level of physical fitness and prior trekking experience. Proper preparation and acclimatization are crucial for a successful Mount Kilimanjaro Climb on this route.

What’s the scenery like on Umbwe Route?

The Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro offers diverse and breathtaking scenery, starting with a lush rainforest at the lower elevations. As climbers ascend, the landscape transitions through heather and moorland zones, the alpine desert, and eventually the arctic conditions near the summit. The route also offers stunning views of Kilimanjaro's glaciers and the dramatic Western Breach.