UMBWE ROUTE, RECOMMENDATIONS, SUCCESS RATE AND PRICES
Overview
A lesser-known trail, the Umbwe Route offers a quiet, scenic climb with dramatic views and rich biodiversity. It starts on Kilimanjaro’s southern side and merges with the Lemosho and Machame routes on Day 3 before the Barranco Wall.
Though steeper during the first two days, it’s manageable for many hikers. The 7-day itinerary is recommended for better acclimatization, especially for beginners. The 6-day option is best for those with high-altitude trekking experience.
Expect fewer crowds early on, stunning landscapes, and the full range of Kilimanjaro’s climatic zones.
Expert Recommendation
The main difference between Umbwe and Machame lies in the first two days—Umbwe is steeper, with an average incline of 21.5% compared to Machame’s 17%. This makes the start more challenging, but the trail eases up afterward.
We highly recommend the 7-day Umbwe itinerary, which includes an extra night at Barranco Camp, giving your body more time to acclimate and boosting your summit chances.
- 6 Days Umbwe Route
- 7 Days Umbwe
This fast-paced option is ideal for experienced hikers or those already acclimatized to high altitudes. The first two days are steep and demanding, making it more challenging than other routes early on.
Ideal for:
Trekkers with prior high-altitude experience
Those seeking a quieter, scenic climb
Hikers confident in faster acclimatization
Not recommended for beginners due to its steep start and limited acclimatization ti
Umbwe 7-Day Itinerary
This version adds an extra night at Barranco Camp, allowing for better acclimatization and a smoother ascent. Though steep in the first two days, the route becomes more moderate and merges with the popular Machame and Lemosho trails from Day 3 onward.
Ideal for:
Adventurous beginners in good shape
Trekkers looking for a quieter, scenic start
Those who prefer improved acclimatization
A great option for climbers who want solitude early on without sacrificing summit success.
Umbwe Route Summit Success Rate
6-day: Crater Rim – 97.8%, Uhuru Peak – 97.1%
7-day: Not yet available, but expected to be even higher
The high success rate for the 6-day trek reflects the experience level of most who choose it. For average hikers, it’s closer to 90%. The new 7-day itinerary offers better acclimatization and is more beginner-friendly.
With expert guides, top-tier safety gear, and daily medical checks, DreamWorth Safaris gives you the best chance of summiting safely.
Umbwe Prices
6 Days Umbwe Route
- 1 Person $ 3170
- 2 Person $ 2495
- 3 Person $ 2260
- 4 Person $ 2205
- 5 Person $ 2154
- 6 Person $ 2130
- 7 Person $ 2062
- 8 Person $ 2011
7 Days Umbwe Route
- 1 person $ 3658
- 2 person $ 2860
- 3 person $ 2620
- 4 person 2569
- 5 person $ 2569
- 6 person $ 2402
- 7 person $ 2330
- 8 person $ 2267