So far there is 'the Coca Cola Route' and 'the Whiskey Route' aka Marangu and Machame respectively. I rekon the Umbwe Route, when coupled with the Western Breach Route, should be named after one of those really hardcore drinks that contain four or five different spirits with a dash of soda pop – like a KAMIKAZE or a Long Island Ice Tea!! This route begins from the southern side of the mountain and goes straight to Umbwe Caves then up to Barranco then on to Lava Tower, Arrow Glacier and finally to the crater rim where you will be walking on a level surface for the first time since you left your hotel room. The benefit to trekking this taxing route are plenty however: the views are dramatic, you will likely trek in solitude, the Ash Pit and Crater are explorable and, of course, the merits of having conquered Kilimanjaro's hardest route.
On a serious note: Although this route is non-technical, the implications of the rapid ascent on this route certainly warrant prior acclimatization. Most trekkers on this route would trek Mt. Meru before tackling this route. Additionally, you will need a helmet, crampons and a decent budget for this trek as it is one of the expensive routes especially if you plan to camp at the crater. Total distance is 45km. The descent is via Mweka Gate.
