How difficult is the Umbwe route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
How difficult is the Umbwe route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? For inexperienced hikers and seasonal climbers, the Umbwe Route presents a very high level of difficulty. The steepest route begins in the tropical rainforest to the south of Kilimanjaro. The Umbwe route offers a direct and difficult approach, but its success rate is minimal. This route may put you at great risk for altitude sickness and nausea if you haven’t properly acclimated. The Umbwe route is designed by nature for those who are in good physical and mental health. This trail is particularly suitable for fit and seasoned hikers.
The journey to Umbwe camp, also known as cave camp, is completed in 5 to 7 hours, beginning at Umbwe gate at an elevation of 1614 meters. (2940m). It takes four to five hours to travel through the rainforest and arrive at Barranco Camp (3976m). After that, it would take you a total of 10 to 12 hours to get from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (4673m) via Karanga Camp. It takes seven to eight hours to get to Uhuru Peak (5895m) from Barafu Camp. It takes six hours to go to Mweka camp from the top of Uhuru Peak and three to four hours to get to Mweka gate.
How difficult is the Umbwe route?
Gaining altitude is never simple, even if the Umbwe path is the shortest of all the Kilimanjaro routes. The majority of hikers experience dyspnea even at elevations lower than 4,000 meters. the Umbwe Trail is the hardest and least-traveled trekking route in Mount Kilimanjaro. The Umbwe route is particularly tough due to the steepest trail up to the Barranco camp (3976m).
Although it is the quickest route to Mount Kilimanjaro, the route is extremely challenging due to the vertical increases. Trekkers and climbers should have prior hiking experience, as they must ascend 900–1000 meters each day in 6–8 hours. Maintaining physical and mental fitness is essential to meeting the demands of severe weather and high altitude. You could require a tree or its branches to help you stay balanced when hiking up a slope. You could encounter the windiest and harshest weather in the high alpine zone.
Umbwe Route success rate: What is the successful rate for Umbwe Route?
The hardest trail on the mountain, or the Umbwe route, is also the steepest. The likelihood of success is always lower on a difficult path. You will fall in love with it, though, if you’re willing to push yourself to the edge. According to the report, the success rate of the Umbwe route over a 6-day itinerary is 70%. However, compared to other routes, it offers you the most picturesque perspective of the surrounding area.
Camping options
On the six-day Umbwe route, there are three options available at Barranco Camp. If you go east after arriving at Barranco Camp, you must summit at Uhuru Peak by way of Karanga Camp and Barafu Camp. If you head west, the Lava Tower will take you to Uhuru Peak. The riskiest and most difficult way is to summit Uhuru Peak after passing through Arrow Glacier Hut. Despite providing an extremely difficult trail, the route can strengthen the climber. The Umbwe Trail offers a breathtaking, picturesque perspective.
Due to its difficulty, the Umbwe route receives the fewest visitors; yet, adventure seekers adore the route leading to the peak of Kilimanjaro. In order to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru Peak, you must strengthen your body through increased physical activity. The fuel for ascending Kilimanjaro’s toughest route should be strong determination and a good outlook. Remember to take in the beautiful scenery, no matter the circumstances.
