Umbwe Route

 

The Wildest Way Up Kilimanjaro

Climb Like the Pioneers Fast, Wild, and Uncrowded

The Umbwe Route is Kilimanjaro’s boldest trail a quiet path that begins deep in the southern forest, climbs steep and swift, and rewards you with the most dramatic views on the mountain.

For the first two days, you’ll barely see another soul. Just your team, the trees, and the mountain.

After that, the trail merges with the more familiar Machame and Lemosho routes at Barranco Wall. From there, you’ll ascend through all five of Kilimanjaro’s climate zones: rainforest, heath, alpine desert, and the icy summit of Uhuru Peak.

Available Options:

• 6 Days: Fast. Intense. Best for experienced trekkers
• 7 Days: Better acclimatization. Ideal for first-timers or anyone who wants to slow down and enjoy the beauty.

“For two days, it’s just you and the wild.”

Expert Insight - What Makes Umbwe Different?

Umbwe’s first two days are its signature feature:

• Average steepness: ~21.5% grade (compared to ~17% on Machame)
• Terrain: Wild, rugged rainforest that quickly gives way to open ridges with epic views
• Acclimatization: Steep gains at first, then it mellows out after Day 3

That’s why we highly recommend the 7-day version. The extra night at Barranco Camp allows your body to adjust giving you more energy, better sleep, and a far higher summit success rate.

Want the views of Lemosho with the solitude of Rongai and the power of Machame? Umbwe is for you.

Summit Success Rates - Real Data, Real Results

At EXG Safaris, we’ve tracked summit performance for more than 2000 Trakker’s. Here’s what our numbers show:

• Umbwe 6-Day
  • Crater Rim: 97.8%
  • Uhuru Peak: 97.1%
• Umbwe 7-Day
  • Still new, but expected to exceed 97% due to the better acclimatization schedule

Important Note: Umbwe 6 was traditionally chosen by fit, experienced hikers which helped its stats. But for the everyday adventurer, the 7-day option will likely feel far more manageable.

What You’ll Get: Fewer crowds, raw beauty, a thrilling path and world-class support every step of the way.

Our Safety Promise - Where Confidence Meets Care

Climbing steep means you need steady support. We’ve got you covered:

• Daily twice-daily medical checks with pulse oximeter and physical evaluations
• Largest oxygen supply on Kilimanjaro
• Full kits with over 40 types of high-altitude and emergency medications
• Only Wilderness First Responder - certified guides lead Umbwe treks

When you climb with us, you don’t guess you’re guided, monitored, and protected.

What Makes Umbwe Special?

• You’ll trek alone for the first two days true solitude.
• The fastest way to reach alpine zones for seasoned hikers.
• Views from Day 2 rival any other trail.
• You converge with the best parts of Lemosho and Machame routes after the second night.

What You’ll Get After This Vacation:

• A summit no crowd can claim credit for
• A story most trekkers never get to tell
• A deeper sense of self-confidence
• A heart full of quiet mountain moments

EXG Safaris | Umbwe Route For Climbers Who Want the Mountain All to Themselves.

Let’s reach the summit with stories no one else has.