The Umbwe route has a well-deserved reputation for 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. As a result, hikers may experience altitude-related issues, making it even more difficult to succeed. Although the number of people on this trail is very low, the chances of success are also reduced. Consequently, Umbwe is considered a challenging, taxing route that should only be attempted by strong hikers confident in their ability to acclimate 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. From there, climbers continue toward the summit from Barafu. Finally, descent made via the Mweka route.
Thus, while the Umbwe route is one of the most direct paths to the summit, its difficulty and potential risks should not be underestimated.
Per Person
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, You will be met and transferred for overnight accommodation at Tulivu Kilimanjaro Retreat. Nestled in the picturesque town of Moshi, Tanzania, the lodge offers a serene and rejuvenating escape at the foothills of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. It is a quiet, spacious, clean, and comfortable boutique Hotel. Your head guide will meet you for your briefing and gear check and arrange for you to hire any equipment you may need.
Departing from Tulivu Kilimanjaro Retreat, driving to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora, fauna, and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here. The path follows a ridge between two deep valleys up through the dense montane forest. The camp is perched between giant trees and thick undergrowth.
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rainforest and continue on a steeply ascending path along the Umbwe ridge. The path descends slightly to Barranco camp in the valley, and temperatures drop.
After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see your crew’s power, agility, and strength zip over this wall with what appears to be such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once you have reached it, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. We have an early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head northwesterly and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point, you will stop for a short rest and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
You may encounter snow on your one-hour ascent to the summit from Stella Point. Once at Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
We descend from the summit to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Because of the loose gravel, you may want gaiters and trekking poles. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain—an overnight stay.
After breakfast, we will descend to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village, where you will complete the necessary formalities and receive your summit certificates.
Hence, say farewell to your mountain crew and board the waiting vehicle to transport you to your luxury accommodation at Gran Melia Hotel Arusha. Once you arrive, take a well-deserved hot shower and relax. Then, celebrate your successful climb with a delicious dinner and perhaps share stories and memories of your journey.
Our representative will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight departure. However, take the memories, the sense of accomplishment, and the everlasting bond with the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. But if you decide to go on a Tanzania Safari, that’s a different adventure; we’ll take care of that for you!
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, You will be met and transferred for overnight accommodation at Tulivu Kilimanjaro Retreat. Nestled in the picturesque town of Moshi, Tanzania, the lodge offers a serene and rejuvenating escape at the foothills of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. It is a quiet, spacious, clean, and comfortable boutique Hotel. Your head guide will meet you for your briefing and gear check and arrange for you to hire any equipment you may need.
Departing from Tulivu Kilimanjaro Retreat, driving to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora, fauna, and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here. The path follows a ridge between two deep valleys up through the dense montane forest. The camp is perched between giant trees and thick undergrowth.
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rainforest and continue on a steeply ascending path along the Umbwe ridge. The path descends slightly to Barranco camp in the valley, and temperatures drop.
After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see your crew’s power, agility, and strength zip over this wall with what appears to be such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once you have reached it, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. We have an early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head northwesterly and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point, you will stop for a short rest and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
You may encounter snow on your one-hour ascent to the summit from Stella Point. Once at Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
We descend from the summit to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Because of the loose gravel, you may want gaiters and trekking poles. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain—an overnight stay.
After breakfast, we will descend to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village, where you will complete the necessary formalities and receive your summit certificates.
Hence, say farewell to your mountain crew and board the waiting vehicle to transport you to your luxury accommodation at Gran Melia Hotel Arusha. Once you arrive, take a well-deserved hot shower and relax. Then, celebrate your successful climb with a delicious dinner and perhaps share stories and memories of your journey.
Our representative will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight departure. However, take the memories, the sense of accomplishment, and the everlasting bond with the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. But if you decide to go on a Tanzania Safari, that’s a different adventure; we’ll take care of that for you!
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The Umbwe route the least traveled, shortest, and steepest trail. However, not all outfitters offer this trek. In addition, in the first two days, you will gain over 4,000′ of elevation, reaching 13,000 feet at Barranco. As a result, hikers prepared for rapid altitude gains. Furthermore, the steep incline can be physically demanding. Thus, this route best suited for experienced hikers. Finally, the challenging nature of the trek leads to fewer climbers, which some see as a benefit for a more solitary experience.
The Umbwe route is one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach. However, it also considered the most complex and challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the rapid speed of the ascent and the steepness of the climb, acclimatization becomes very difficult. As a result, hikers face a higher risk of altitude sickness. Moreover, the lack of gradual elevation gain means there is little opportunity for proper acclimatization. Therefore, only those with strong hiking abilities and previous high-altitude experience should attempt this route. Ultimately, while it offers a direct path to the summit, its difficulty is not underestimated.
The Umbwe route, considered the most challenging on Mount Kilimanjaro, attempted only by experienced climbers. The success rate of this route is generally between 60% and 70%. However, the chances of reaching the summit significantly improve if climbers allow themselves extra time for acclimatization. Therefore, while the route is tough, those who carefully manage their ascent and take necessary precautions have a better chance of success.
The Umbwe route considers a challenging, taxing path that attempted by strong hikers confident in their ability to acclimate quickly to altitude. Approaching from the south, it is a short, steep, and direct climb. This demanding ascent, coupled with the rapid altitude gain, makes the Umbwe route one of the most difficult ways to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
