About this experience
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 is 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 the altitude. Umbwe is also for those who want a secluded hike.
At a glance
- Duration: 144 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 144 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
What is included
- All Fees and Taxes
- Salaries for mountain crew as per guidelines set by Kilimanjaro National Park
- Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only)
- Return transfers Kilimanjaro airport to Moshi and Moshi to Kilimanjaro airport
- Lunch
- Fresh water for Drinking & Worm Water for washing up daily
- Hotel the night before and the night after the climb, with dinner and breakfast included
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summit aid)
- Camping equipment (tents, camp chairs, tables & sleeping mattress)
- Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters and cook
Not included
- Visas, Flights, Health & Travel Insurances
- Gratuities
- Items of personal Nature
- Personal hiking/trekking gear – we can rent some of the gear from our equipment store in Tanzania
- Optional but highly recommended Portable toilet
- Snacks, personal medicine and water purifying tablets
- Meals & drinks not specified and snacks
Itinerary and highlights
See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.
Meeting and pickup information
- At the entrance gate of Umbwe Kilimanjaro National Park, Kindly see the guide who will have your name in a paper
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Intrepid Treks and Safaris
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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