The Umbwe Route is probably the most challenging of all the climbs on the mountain and, as such, it is quieter and not often used. There are steep inclines to travel, and some rock scrambling but no technical climbing. However, no-one should underestimate the physical preparation needed in advance of a visit to attempt this climb. 

DAY 1: UMBWE GATE TO UMBWE CAVE CAMP
Altitude (m): 1600m to 2900m, Distance: 11km, Time: 6 hours, Habitat: Montane Forest.

Arrive Kilimanjaro Umbwe Park Gate taking a small winding track up through rainforest and along the Umbwe River. Your porters arrive earlier to Umbwe Cave and prepare tents and food, at about 2,900m altitude.

DAY 2: UMBWE CAMP TO BARRANCO CAMP
Altitude(m): 2940m to 3970m, Distance: 6km, Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Montane Forest.After breakfast, hike to the forest end, to the wall of the Western Breach. Camp at Barranco.

DAY 3: BARANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP
Altitude (m): 3950m to 3930m, Distance: 7 km, Hiking Time: 4 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Start with scramble, to the top of the Great Barranco Wall. Then traverse scree to Karanga Valley (3930m) beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers.Overnight at Karanga

DAY 4: KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP
Altitude (m): 3930m to 4600m, Distance: 6kms, Hiking Time: 3 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Depart Karanga campsite to meet the junction connecting with Mweka descent trail. From here continue up to Barafu Hut. This is the completion of the Southern Circuit, withviews of the summit from many different angles. At camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from here.

DAY 5: BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT TO MWEKA HUT
Altitude (m): 4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m), Distance: 7km ascent / 23km descent Time:6- 8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent, Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit. Assemble at around 23:00 for a quick nutritious snack. Then trek to the summit between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers,heading north-westerly and ascending through heavy scree towards Stella Point. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. At Stella Point (5732m), stop for short rest and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). At Uhuru Peak (5895m), reach the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.  From the summit,descend to the Mweka Hut camp site, via Barafu for lunch. Walking sticks are advised for stability when descending to Mweka Camp (3100m). Later in the evening, enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

DAY 6: MWEKA CAMP TO HOTEL
Altitude(m): 3100m to 1800m, Distance: 8 km, Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Montane Forest.After breakfast descend to the Mweka Park Gate to receive summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and walking sticks will help.