Hello trekkers and travelers! We are going to discuss about the shortest and direct route for Uhuru peak for Kilimanjaro summit. The Difficulty of Umbwe Route is very high for seasonal climbers and those who have no experience in trekking.  It is the steepest route starts from the south of Kilimanjaro through the tropical rain forest. The success rate through Umbwe route is low which provides a straight and challenging path. Without proper acclimatization, this route may lead you to high risk of altitude sickness and nausea. The route is made by the nature for them who are both physically and mentally fit. This route is especially for experienced trekkers and strong hikers.

 After starting the journey from Umbwe gate at an altitude of 1614m, it takes 5 to 7 hours to reach Umbwe camp or cave camp (2940m). After trekking through rainforest, it takes 4 to 5 hours to reach Barranco camp (3976m). Then you will reach Barafu camp (4673m) through Karanga Camp which will take totally 10-12 hours from Barranco camp. From Barafu camp, it takes 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru peak (5895m). From the Uhuru peak, it takes 6 hours to reach Mweka camp and 3 to 4 hours to reach Mweka gate.

How difficult is Umbwe route?

Though the Umbwe route is the shortest route among all other Kilimanjaro routes, ascending to a higher altitude is never easy. Most of the trekkers feel breathlessness even below altitude of 4000m. Umbwe route is the toughest route and rarely used route for trekking. The steepest pathway to the Barranco camp (3976m) makes the Umbwe route very difficult.

It is the immediate route to Mt. Kilimanjaro, but having the vertical climbs makes the route most difficult. A trekker or climber should have experience in trekking as they have to climb 900m to 1000m daily in between 6 to 8 hours. You need to stay fit both physically and mentally to accept the challenge of extreme altitude and weather. On your way of trekking, you may need tree or its branches to keep yourself balanced in the slope. On the high alpine zone, you may experience the worst weather and the wind.

Umbwe Route success rate

Umbwe route is the steepest route and also known as the hardest trail on the mountain. The challenging path always gives lower success rate. But if you are ready to challenge your limit, then you are just going to fall in love with it. As per the survey, Umbwe route success rate is 70% in a 6 days itinerary. But at the same time it gives you the most scenic view of the nature than any other route.

Camping options

On a trip of  6 days Umbwe route, on Barranco camp, there are three options available. After reaching Barranco camp, if you choose east, you need to summit at Uhuru peak via Karanga camp and Barafu camp. If you choose west direction, you can reach at Uhuru peak via Lava Tower. The most risky and extreme challenging option is go through Arrow Glacier Hut and summit at Uhuru peak.

Though the route offers an extreme challenging pathway, it can make the climber stronger. The scenic view from the pathway of Umbwe is very beautiful.

Umbwe route difficulty makes the least visitor on its pathway, but the adventure enthusiastic loves the route for Kilimanjaro summit. To summit at Uhuru peak of Kilimanjaro, you need to train your body with a better physical activity. The strong determination with positive attitude should be the fuel before trekking on the steepest route of Kilimanjaro. Whatever the condition is, don’t forget to enjoy the scenic view.