The western breach route is very steep and is recommended only for very fit and good climbers. It might be possible to walk around the glacier but sometimes snow covers the entire breach and makes this passage difficult. But you will have beautiful views of the Western Breach, the Terrace, Northern Glaciers and Fumaroles.
| Days | Route | Walking Time Distance | Accommodation | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Arrival in Tanzania Transfer to Arusha |
Lush Lodge |
D |
|
| 2 | Drive to Londorossi Park Gate (2.250 m) Climbing to Forest Camp (2.650 m) |
4-5 hours |
Forest Camp | B, L, D |
| 3 | Climbing from Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1 (3.505 m) |
5-6 hours |
Shira Camp 1 | B, L, D |
| 4 |
Climbing from Shira Camp 1 to Fishers Camp (3.795 m) |
5-6 hours |
Fishers Camp |
B, L, D |
| 5 | Climbing from Fishers Camp to Lava Tower Hut (4.600 m) |
5-6 hours |
Lava Tower Hut |
B, L, D |
| 6 | Climbing from Lava Tower Hut to Arrow Glacier Hut (4.900 m) |
5-6 hours |
Arrow Glacier Hut |
B, L, D |
| 7 | Climbing from Arrow Glacier Hut to Crater Camp (5.700 m) |
5-6 hours |
Crater Camp |
B, L, D |
| 8 | Climbing to Uhuru Peak (5.895 m) Descend to Mweka Camp (3.100 m) |
7-9 hours |
Mweka Camp |
B, L, D |
| 9 | Descend from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1.660 m) |
3-4 hours 10 km |
Airport / Start Safari Program |
B, L |
B: Breakfast - L: Lunch - D: Dinner
Day 1
We will pick you up from the Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer you to Arusha. It will
take almost 1 hour to drive. Dinner and accomodation will be in the lodge in
Arusha. We will give you all informations about your holiday trough your driver and
guide there.
Day 2
Transfer to Londorossi Park Gate, on the western side of Kilimanjaro, for registration and the payments of fees. We drive to the trailhead at Lemosho Glades and start the trek through the rain forest. We walk through the lush forest which is home to many buffaloes, elephants, monkeys and a wide variety of birds. Dinner and overnight stay at the Forest Camp.
Day 3
After breakfast we leave the forest for 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. Dinner and overnight stay at Shira Camp 1.
Day 4
Today we walk to Fischer's Camp across the Shira Plateau. The Shira Plateau is an expanse of heath land, 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 last part to the camp is fairly steep. Dinner and overnight stay at Fischer's camp.
Day 5
After breakfast we leave the moorland behind us and continue up a rocky path through typical Kilimanjaro mountain vegetation of Senesces, Lobelia and Helichrysum. From the Lava Tower the views of the Western Breach are fantastic. Dinner and overnight stay at Lava Tower Hut at 4600 m.
Day 6
Today we climb the slope behind the hut, through cliffs of rock forming the arrow glacier. Dinner and overnight stay in tents at the ruins of Arrow Glacier Hut at 4900 m.
Day 7
After breakfast we leave the Arrow Glacier and begin to climb up through the Western Breach until we reach a ridge resembling 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 arrived at the crater there is the opportunity to meander over to the ash pit for views most climbers never get to see. Dinner and overnight stay at Crater Camp at 5700 m.
Day 8
From the Crater Camp we climb to the summit, Uhuru Peak, at 5895 m. You get the most incredible views of glaciers surrounding you many storeys high, and the plains of Africa stretched out below you. After taking sunrise pictures we start descending to Barafu Camp, resting for a while before continuing our descent to Mweka Camp. Dinner and overnight stay at Mweka camp.
Day 9
After breakfast we walk down to the park gate and will be brought back to the hotel in Arusha. You can enjoy your afternoon at the hotel. In the evening we transfer you to the Airport / start the safari program.