9 Days 8 Nights
Tanzania, United Republic of
100
1
Overview
Overview
The Umbwe route has a well-deserved reputation of being the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the fast ascent to high altitude, this route does not provide the necessary stages for acclimatization.
Although the number of people on this trail is very low, the chances of success are also low. Umbwe is considered to be very difficult, taxing route – one that should only be attempted by strong hikers who are confident in their ability to acclimatize quickly to altitude.
Approaching from the south, the Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct climb. After reaching Barranco Camp, the trail turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.
What is the Success Rate of Climbing Kilimanjaro on the Umbwe Route?
Data for the Umbwe route is lacking. We estimate that the success rate of the 6 day Umbwe route is approximately 50%. The 7 day Umbwe route has a success rate of about 90%.
Best time to visit: June – October—December, January, February, March