The Umbwe route has a well-deserved reputation of being the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Approaching from the south, the Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct climb.
After reaching Barranco Camp, the trail follows the southern circuit to the summit. The descent is done via the Mweka route.
Umbwe is considered to be very difficult, taxing route - one that should only be attempted by strong hikers who are also confident of their ability to acclimatize to altitude.
| Day | Start | Altitude (m) | Altitude (ft) | Finish | Altitude (m) | Altitude (ft) | TIme | Distance | Distance |
| 1 | Umbwe Gate | 1,600 | 5,249 | Umbewe Camp | 2,900 | 9,514 | 5-7 | 11 | 7 |
| 2 | Umbewe Camp | 2,900 | 9,514 | Barranco Camp | 3,976 | 13,044 | 4-5 | 6 | 4 |
| 3 | Barranco Camp | 3,976 | 13,044 | Karanga Camp | 3,995 | 13,106 | 4-5 | 5 | 3 |
| 4 | Karanga Camp | 3,995 | 13,106 | Barafu Camp | 4,673 | 15,331 | 4-5 | 4 | 2 |
| 5 | Barafu Camp | 4,673 | 15,331 | Uhuru Camp | 5,895 | 19,341 | 7-8 | 5 | 3 |
| Uhuru Camp | 5,895 | 19,341 | Mweka Camp | 3,068 | 10,065 | 4-6 | 12 | 7 | |
| 6 | Mweka Camp | 3,068 | 10,065 | Mweka Camp | 1,640 | 5,380 | 3-4 | 10 | 6 |
| Total | 53 | 32 |