The Umbwe Route

The Umbwe route, its fast ascent to high altitude, and sometimes lacking acclimatization stages, is one of the most challenging routes used to approach Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit.

Traffic on the Umbwe route is very low as very few mountain climbers choose this route as their summiting trail. Relatively, the chances for summit success are considerably lower as compared to the other routes.

Umbwe is considered to be a very demanding and challenging route, one that should only be attempted by highly skilled and experienced climbers who believe in having a great ability to acclimatize quickly to high altitudes.

Umbwe Route Detailed Description

This route is a lot more direct, steep, and short, approaching the summit from the southern side of the Mountain. The route’s trail turns Eastwards towards Barranco Camp and crosses underneath Mount Kilimanjaro’s Ice Field to the South at Barranco Camp on a path known as the Southern Circuit before reaching your last camp, Barafu, from where you will summit.

Coming down the Mountain, the trail takes a different approach, using the Mweka Route for the descent.

We offer the Umbwe Route package with two options, 6-day Umbwe Route and 7-day Umbwe Route climbing packages. The 7-day Umbwe route itinerary has an extra acclimatization day on the third day to Barranco Camp.

In the past, the Umbwe Route used to hold the title of being the shortest, most direct, and steepest route for summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, up until the opening of the Western Breach Route.

Difficulty rating: Extremely challenging
Height: The distance covered between the beginning of the Umbwe route to Uhuru peak is approximately 5,895 meters (19,341 feet)
Duration: The recommended number of days for climbing Kilimanjaro using the Umbwe route is 6 or 7 days giving you an extra day or so for acclimatization. Using 5 days is also possible but not recommended as it excludes the acclimatization day.
Trail conditions: The trail begins well but progresses into a steep slope whereby sometimes you will have to use trees and roots as support to haul yourself forward as you hike on rocky ground. Going up higher to the alpine zone of Kilimanjaro, you will encounter strong winds carrying elements along.

Plan your climb on the Umbwe Route

The Umbwe Route is one of the most challenging and least-used routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, known for its steep and direct ascent. While it offers a more remote and rugged experience, it also demands a high level of fitness, stamina, and mental resilience. Planning for an ascent via the Umbwe Route involves careful attention to acclimatization, logistics, and safety. Here’s how I would approach planning a climb on the Umbwe Route:

1. Assessing Physical and Mental Preparation

Physical Fitness: The Umbwe Route is steep, and the direct ascent places strain on the body. It is critical to be in good physical shape, especially in terms of cardio endurance, leg strength, and stamina. Prior hiking experience at altitude is an advantage.
Mental Toughness: The route is tough, and the climb will be intense. Having the right mental attitude—resilience, patience, and focus—is key to handling physical and psychological challenges.

2. Choosing the Right Time

Optimal Seasons: The best times to climb Kilimanjaro are during the dry seasons, typically between January–March and June–October. During these periods, weather conditions are more predictable, and visibility is better.
Avoiding Crowds: If you’re seeking solitude, the Umbwe Route is less crowded than other routes, so you’ll likely avoid the majority of tourists, especially during peak seasons.

Umbwe Route Map & Location

Map and Location

Where is the Umbwe route located?

The Umbwe route is located on the foot slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, to the South. It is an easily accessible trail that could easily be the most difficult trail on the mountain It begins at the South of Mount Kilimanjaro and leads its way up to the Southern Ice Field and finally uses Barafu as its summit starting point. Summiting using the Umbwe route, the trail avoids the Crater Camp.

The Umbwe route ascends vertically taking a northerly direction to Barranco Wall where it joins in with Mount Kilimanjaro’s Shira, Lemosho, and Machame routes.

Umbwe Route Trek Tips

Allow extra time for acclimatization as altitude sickness which usually appears on the third day of your climb.
Footwear: To prevent blisters, make sure you are wearing the right hiking boots with additional insoles and socks.
Trekking poles might come in handy. You should know how to use them and bring them along.
Make sure nothing is missed on your packing list, if you forget anything, you can always rent from Tanzania.
Drink as much water as possible to minimize the effects of altitude sickness
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is not a race, take your time and enjoy the views. Pole Pole.

Relation Between Umbwe Route and Western Breach

Initially, the Umbwe Route used the steep and rocky Western Breach plus the Arrow’s Glacier trail to reach the summit but things took a turn when the tragic rock fall in 2006 proved fatal by killing three mountain climbers. The route was closed down for a year and reopened in 2007.

Still, the route is a hard challenge that is very risky by today’s standards hence many operators including Tranquil Kilimanjaro do not use this route as an option.

Umbwe Route was revisited and instead, on the second day, it joined the Machame Route trail tracing the southern circuit towards the summit. Meanwhile, the descent takes a different course from the ascent, choosing the Mweka Route for descending the mountain.

Umbwe Route

The Umbwe Route

Umbwe Route Detailed Description

Plan your climb on the Umbwe Route