Umbwe Route
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Umbwe Route
The Umbwe Route is a little used trail that begins close Shira Ridge.
About Umbwe Route
Umbwe Route has the notorious reputation of being the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is considered to be the shortest, steepest, and most direct approach to Uhuru Peak.
The Umbwe Route guarantees an epic thrilling adventure. It is perhaps the most challenging Kilimanjaro Route. Though it’s a steep uphill climb, the Umbwe route promises some breathtaking views of the ridges. After the first two days, the hiking trails eventually join with the Machame Route and Lemosho Route, and carry on up the Great Barranco Wall to Karanga Valley and Barafu Camp and finally the summit point of Uhuru Peak.
Travel Tips
- Choose longer days of the trek as your body needs time to adjust with the high altitude acclimatization.
- Trekking poles will become your best friend on the harsh trails.
- Take it easy and don't try to rush to the top and always listen to your guide.
- Drink lots of water and stay hydrated.
- The amount of Oxygen on the top is only 50% as compared to the amount of Oxygen you are used to have. So pay attention to your body signals and inform your guide as soon as possible.
- Choose the dry season to experience your trek the most.
- If possible avoid taking pills like Diamox. It may show harmful side effects.
- Pack the necessary gears and double-check the complete list.
- Prepare a 'Kilimanjaro playlist' to listen to during your hike which helps to break your mental stress and physical exhaustion.
Uniquiness
- Umbwe route is steep, constant and straight route to the top.
- The route is the most difficult route to reach the peak of Kilimanjaro.
- Umbwe is mostly avoided by trekkers due to poor ascent profile.
- The route takes minimum 6days to complete but 7 days is mostly recommended.
- Umbwe is not scenically varied as other routes.
- The route is ideal for those who want a challenging climb.
Geography
Weather
- The weather of Kilimanjaro is unpredictable throughout the year. The temperature on the mountain varies widely depending upon the altitude.
- June to October to the beginning of March offers the best time to climb the mountain.
- Different climatic zones offer different atmospheres. The temperatures and precipitation levels and vegetation drops as hikers move to a high altitude.
- As the weather varies, so the hikers should be ready to experience the hot, wet or cold conditions at any time while on the mountain.
Why choose Umbwe Route?
Kilele Climb provides you with the Kilimanjaro Packing List that will help you carry every item of necessity and never miss a thing. On the climb, our Kilimanjaro Porters carry your luggage to the peak and provided dedicated support from mounting the camps to preparing Kilimanjaro Food and warm water to the hikers daily and much more.
You must be excited to hike Kilimanjaro on this gorgeous route. Call us now and start exploring our Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages or customize your travel plan with our tailor-made packages today!
Pro & Cons
- The route is least crowded.
- The route is good for those who need a challenging climb and who are confident about high altitude hiking.
- It gets very muddy especially during the rainy season.
- The ascent profile of the route doesn’t provide good acclimatization opportunity.
- The route doesn’t offer scenic view as compared to other routes.
- The success rate is low.
