As recommended on TripAdvisor

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Umbwe Route

The hardest and steepest route to reach Kilimanjaro’s summit, Umbwe is recommended only for truly experienced climbers.

The direct route means that very little time is allowed for acclimatizing, and the trying climbing conditions combine with this to make it the route with the lowest success rate.

We discourage using this route.

At a glance

• Approaches from the south of the mountain

• Short, steep and direct route

• Considered the most challenging route up the summit

• Only advised for highly experienced trekkers

• Cons: Quick ascent with very poor acclimatization and very low success rates

• Trek length: 6 to 7 days

Click below for a full day by day itinerary

Combine your climb with an incredible Big 5 Safari and/or beautiful beach getaway to Zanzibar Island for the Ultimate Tanzania experience.

Don't just take our word for it

  • star rating  Our women's group tour recently organized through Luna Safari, was simply outstanding. From start to finish, this trip was impeccably organized, leaving us with unforgettable memories of Tanzania... read more

    M7710AJjamies
    19th September 2023
  • star rating  After researching several safari companies over the course of a couple months, Luna Safari was the easy winner. A small "mom and pop" business made planning easy and comfortable. Michaela... read more

    RamblinRachel
    12th September 2023
  • star rating  Every day was excellent! The national parks were beautiful, all of our accommodations were phenomenal! I can’t get over that I sleep in the Serengeti! Our tent... read more

    Dan G
    10th September 2023
  • star rating  This was the trip of a lifetime! Much more than I expected. The 5 day safari got better every day. The accommodations were fantastic. We couldn’t have asked for a... read more

    433gweng
    10th September 2023
  • star rating  I cannot put into words how amazing this holiday has been, I just know it has far exceeded my expectations. Michaela was with us every step of the way... read more

    LilyJH
    19th August 2023
  • star rating  Our tour guide (Anderson) made the trip not only educational but funny as well so everyone could have a laugh and relax while we saw lions walk by in pack.

    Lily-Rose I
    4th August 2023
  • star rating  I am so pleassed we chose Luna. We saw so many accidents even a jeep off the road in a ditch but we had such a good and safe driver.... read more

    Inspire402301
    4th August 2023
  • star rating  Through out this trip it was nonstop amazement, our tour guide was informative, funny and great company. We saw everything that was in the park. The hotels were beautiful. It... read more

    William I
    4th August 2023
  • star rating  My husband and I recently had the pleasure of experiencing the most memorable and enchanting holiday of our lives - a perfect blend of a thrilling safari in Tanzania and... read more

    MariaC14388
    3rd August 2023
  • star rating  We went on our honeymoon with Luna Safari and it was a fantastic experience. Michaela was always available to answer our questions and planned the best itinerary for us! We... read more

    nattypet
    29th July 2023