Mount Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route

The Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route is known for being the toughest and most challenging route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting from the south, it offers a short and steep climb. Once reaching Barranco Camp, the trail follows the southern circuit leading to the summit. The descent is done through the Mweka route. This route requires experienced climbers who are confident in their ability to adapt to high altitudes. Due to the fast ascent, there are limited opportunities for acclimatization, making it even more demanding. While there is less traffic on this route, the chances of success are lower compared to other routes. The distance covered Umbwe route is 53km or 32 miles it is recommended to allocate a minimum of 6 days, preferably 7 days, successful summit on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Mount Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route

Umbwe route is most it’s the most hardest and challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. The Umbwe Route is the path for climbers looking for a climbing challenge experience. It is a quiet path that can be very difficult, yet very rewarding at the same time. This is the route to choose if you want to test yourself on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, While the Umbwe route is a non-technical climb, it does offer steep ascents and requires trekkers to scramble over rocks and tree roots at certain points. It is the hardest and most direct route up the mountain and even features several exposed ridges that are not for the faint of heart. The fitness and stamina of hikers may be tested along the way and it is best for experienced mountain trekkers who are looking for a challenge.

Recommended Packages

recommend choosing the Umbwe route for an extraordinary adventure that combines challenge, beautiful landscapes, seclusion, and a greater chance of summiting Kilimanjaro..

Frequently questions asked by people about Umbwe route

Why Umbwe route considered to be the hardest route on Mount Kilimanjaro

The Umbwe route is widely considered the most difficult route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro due to its steepness, shorter duration for acclimatization, technical challenges, and limited traffic. The Umbwe route demands exceptional physical fitness, as climbers face steep ascents and descents. With fewer resources along the way, climbers must be well-prepared to overcome the challenges of the route

What is the Umbwe route Summit Success rate?

The Umbwe Route is one of the Shortest routes up Kilimanjaro which has a very poor chance for acclimatization due to its steepness and days spent in the mountain. the average success rate across all operators is 70%. However, We have a summit success rate of over 90% for the Umbwe Route!

What is the Scenery like on the Umbwe Route?

The first two days of the Umbwe Route trek are through tree plantations and then beautiful and rich rainforest, before continuing into the steep Western Breach and Arrow’s Glacier path, scrambling up to the Reutsch Crater (5,800 meters) where trekkers spend the night near one of Kilimanjaro’s last remaining glaciers, Furtwangler Glacier. From Crater Camp, one can take an optional one-hour hike to Reusch Crater, or simply explore the areas around Furtwangler Glacier. Reusch Crater is a magnificent sight. It is almost perfectly circular and the ash pit measures 400 feet (120 m) deep and 1,300 feet (400 m) wide. This is rarely seen by tourists.