Umbwe Route

The Umbwe Route is the least used, least crowded route on the mountain. For good reason, it is also the most difficult route on the mountain. Umbwe is a steep, constant, straight climb to the top.

Umbwe is mostly avoided because the ascent profile does not give climbers much time to adjust to the altitude. The success rate is very low.

The route takes six days minimum to complete, although seven days is recommended. The descent is down Mweka, on the south-east side of the mountain. Umbwe is not as scenically varied as Machame, Lemosho and Shira, because the path up and down are nearby.

The Umbwe is ideal for those who want a challenging climb, and are very confident in their ability trek over consistently steep slopes. Also, Umbwe is for those who are experienced at altitude and thus are confident that the punishing schedule of Umbwe will not impede their ability to adjust to altitude. Umbwe is also for those who want a secluded hike.

Trekking Distance

The distance of the Umbwe route is approximately 53 km or 32 miles.

Trekking Days

The Umbwe route is typically done in 6 or 7 days.

Trekking Hardness

The Umbwe route is considered the hardest route on Mount Kilimanjaro. The trail is steep and challenging, gaining altitude very quickly. The rapid speed of the ascent makes acclimatization difficult.

Trekking Success Rate

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 70%.