WESTERN BREACH ROUTE

This route is very steep and is recommended only for very fit and capable climbers, as exertion is necessary. It might be possible to go around the glacier but sometimes snow covers the entire breach and makes this passage difficult. If you choose this challenging route you will be rewarded with beautiful views of the Western Breach including: The Terrace, Northern Glaciers and Fumaroles. We operate this trip at a very high level of comfort, which makes it more expensive than some of our other routes.

DAY 01:

Today we drive to the Londorossi Gate to get the relevant permits, then backtrack to start our trek via the Lemosho Route. This takes us through the wonderful Lemosho Glades. We walk through the lush forest which is home to many buffalo, elephants, monkeys and a wide variety of birds. We camp in mountain tents at Forest Camp at 2650m.

DAY 02:

In the morning we continue along the steepening trail that winds out of the forest into the giant heather moorland zone. We continue climbing until we cross the Shira ridge where we drop slightly to reach a stream on the Shira Plateau where we will stay overnight. We camp in mountain tents at Shira 1 Camp at 3610m.

DAY 03:

From Shira 1 Camp we trek to Fischer's Camp. The walk takes us across the Shira Plateau. On good days the views can be breathtaking - the Shira Plateau itself is an expanse of heathland, and the rim provides an attractive backdrop where the clouds often melt down towards the Plateau floor. Kibo also shines with a silvery luminance as the glaciers reflect the strong sunlight. The final section to Fischer's (at 3795m) is fairly steep and can be tiring.

DAY 04:

Our walk today takes about 5-6 hours. We will leave the moorland behind and continue up a rocky path through typical Kilimanjaro mountain vegetation of Senecios, Lobelia and Helichrysum. From Lava Tower the views up towards Kibo, of the Western Breach, are fantastic. We camp in mountain tents at Lava Tower Hut at 4600m.

DAY 05:

Today we climb the slope behind the hut, through cliffs of rock forming the arrow glacier. We camp in mountain tents at the ruins of Arrow Glacier Hut at 4900m.

DAY 06:

We leave Arrow Glacier and begin the climb up through the Western Breach until we reach a ridge like a staircase and scramble up onto the crater floor. The Western Breach is the steepest part of the mountain with loose rocks and boulders. Whilst the climb is non-technical, the altitude combined with the incline will be a significant barrier to pace. It takes about 6 hours to reach the crater floor. Once at the crater there is also the opportunity to meander over to the ash pit for views that most climbers never get to see. We camp in mountain tents at Crater Camp at 5700m

DAY 07:

From the Crater Camp we climb to the summit - Uhuru Peak at 5895m. You get the most incredible views of glaciers surrounding you many storeys high, and the plains of Africa stretched out below you. We don't usually stay here for long and soon start our descent via Stella point. The descent to Mweka is steep and the use of poles is a great assistance down the scree. The route passes Barafu camp, where many other climbers will have ascended. By late afternoon you will be in your final camp. Overnight Mweka camp at 3100m.

DAY 08:

The final descent takes you through the lower heath section that quickly turns into rainforest. Your time on Kilimanjaro ends at Mweka Gate where your Land Rover will be waiting to collect you and transfer you back to Arusha hotel.