The Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route, Success Rate: Challenging Route
While there are shorter routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach on Kilimanjaro, the Umbwe route is widely regarded as the most difficult and demanding. It is quite challenging to acclimatize due to the steepness and rapidity of the climb.
If you are a hiker seeking a real climbing challenge, you should consider the Umbwe Route. The journey is peaceful and rarely traveled, and although it might be challenging, the rewards are worth it. If you’re looking for a challenging climb on Mount Kilimanjaro’s slopes away from the throngs that tend to frequent the more popular trails, this is the way to go.
The Umbwe route isn’t technically difficult, but it does have steep climbs and spots where hikers have to struggle over roots and rocks. Not for the faint of heart, this is the most direct and notoriously difficult ascent of Kilimanjaro, complete with multiple exposed ridges.
This climb is ideal for seasoned mountaineers seeking a new challenge, as it may put hikers’ fitness and endurance to the test.
The Umbwe Route
The Umbwe route has a lower success rate than other routes due to its steep and direct approach.
In order to get the most of this climb, hikers need be in peak physical condition. The first few days consist of a relentless climb, unlike other routes that take it slow or meander up and down to help acclimate.
However, the breathtaking scenery more than compensates for the strenuous nature of the Umbwe Route. As hikers ascend the path, they will occasionally be treated to breathtaking views to the left and right.
Actually, the views at the beginning of this trail are among the best on the mountain, second only to those from the peak.
Additionally, Umbwe is among the least crowded ways to climb Kilimanjaro. Few people venture down this path due to its reputation as a challenging climb; as a result, it remains open and mostly unexplored.
Until the trail meets the Machame route close to Barranco Camp a few days into the ascent, hikers will feel more alone on the mountain because to this. Starting with Barafu Camp, it ascends towards the peak via the well-known Southern Circuit that passes beneath the Southern Ice Field. The descent from Kilimanjaro typically follows the Mweka Route.
If you appreciate challenging yourself in nature and want to experience the greatest views when climbing Kilimanjaro, the Umbwe route is the way to go. On Kilimanjaro, it is the most authentic mountaineering experience you can have.
Umbwe is available as a private or group climb of 6 or 7 days through Climbing Kilimanjaro. Day 3 at Barranco Camp is an acclimatization day in the seven-day variant.
Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route
Mount Kilimanjaro – Umbwe Route
The Umbwe Route Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find solutions to questions that are unique to the Umbwe Route.
How difficult is the Umbwe Route
Mount Kilimanjaro’s most difficult and, surprisingly, one of the shortest paths to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach is the Umbwe route. The Umbwe route is a direct, short, and sharp ascent if you’re coming from the south. Among Kilimanjaro’s non-technical routes, this one is likely the most picturesque. The steep climb to higher elevation makes it very strenuous, but the payoff is well worth the effort.
This path doesn’t give enough time to acclimate because of how quickly you’ll reach high altitude. There may be little traffic on this road, but the odds of success are even lower. I strongly advise that you maintain a good level of fitness.
What is the distance of the Umbwe Route and how many days does it take
The precise number of kilometers (or miles) covered on foot while hiking the Umber Route is 53. The Umbwe Route is best completed in at least five days, with shorter but more challenging ascents and trekking days. After you include in the arrival and departure dates, it’s already 9 or 10 in the afternoon. To improve your chances of success, you should be well-prepared and acclimatized before attempting this path, as it is known to be one of the steepest and shortest on the mountain.
What is the Umbwe Route Summit Success Rate
Among the shortest routes up Kilimanjaro, the Umbwe Route offers little opportunity for acclimatization owing to the mountain’s steepness and the number of days spent there. While official numbers are unavailable, a 70% success rate is typical across operators. But on the Umbwe Route, we’ve achieved a summit success rate of more than 90%!
What is the Scenery like on the Umbwe Route
During the initial two days of the Umbwe Route trek, hikers will pass through tree plantations and a lush rain forest. Then, they will enter the steep Western Breach and Arrow’s Glacier path. After a challenging scramble, they will reach the Reutsch Crater at 5,800 meters. Here, they will spend the night close to Furtwangler Glacier, one of the last remaining glaciers on Kilimanjaro.
One might choose to hike for an hour to Reusch Crater from Crater Camp, or they can just explore the areas surrounding Furtwangler Glacier. An absolutely breathtaking site, Reusch Crater. The ash pit is 1,300 feet (400 m) broad and 400 feet (120 m) deep; it is nearly perfectly circular. Travelers seldom come across this.
When is the best time to Trek Umbwe Route
From July to September, hikers are less likely to experience rain and the weather is often consistent, making it the ideal time to traverse the Umbwe Route. However, you may climb the peak year-round due to its proximity to the equator. Stay away from the rain in April and May if you can help it.