Get ready for an incredible adventure over Mt. Kilimanjaro, where you’ll encounter massive glaciers and spend nights at some of the highest camps on the mountain. Along the way, you’ll be treated to a mesmerizing array of landscapes and climates, from the lush jungle to the high desert and snowy terrain. The Western Breach route, while a bit more challenging, is still entirely doable for the average adventurer.
For this route, prior mountain climbing experience is recommended, making it an exciting test of your strength and endurance as you tackle a more demanding ascent up Kilimanjaro. Get ready for a journey filled with breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences!
The Western Breach is considered one of the more advanced routes on Kilimanjaro. It diverges from the Lemosho Route and provides a direct ascent through the Western Breach, a natural break in the crater wall. Climbers will experience a mix of rocky terrain and scree slopes, making it a demanding but rewarding journey. One of the distinctive features of the Western Breach Route is the opportunity to camp at some of the highest points on the mountain. This includes the Lava Tower Camp and the Arrow Glacier Camp, offering spectacular views and a sense of accomplishment.
The summit push from Arrow Glacier Camp is an awe-inspiring endeavor. Climbers navigate through rocky sections and scree slopes to reach the crater rim, followed by a relatively flat traverse to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro. Embarking on the Western Breach Route is a truly adventurous undertaking, offering a challenging yet immensely rewarding experience. With the right preparation and guidance, climbers can conquer Kilimanjaro through this less-traveled but incredibly fulfilling route. Your journey to the Roof of Africa awaits!
For a safe and successful climb, we highly recommend enlisting the expertise of experienced outfitters and guides.
Here’s how a typical itinerary looks like climbing with Embark’s team.
DAY 1: Arrive Moshi
Welcome to Moshi- the more quaint, laid-back of the small towns sitting at the base of the famed Mount Kilimanjaro! Upon arrival in Kilimanjaro International airport you will be met by our Embark representatives, who will provide transportation to your hotel. No activities are planned for the day. You are free to explore picturesque downtown Moshi.
DAY 2: Free in Moshi. Overnight in hotel
Group briefing and pre-trip discussion. You will be introduced to your trekking guide, have a comprehensive gear check. You are free to explore some more, take part in informal group tour around town; visit the market or a local coffee shop for lunch. Moshi is a relatively small, comfortable city that has a reputation for being somewhat laid-back compared to it’s sister city of Arusha so fee free to wander. There will also be time to do last-minute shopping for the trek if needed.
DAY 3: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. With flora and fauna heavier and richer here than on any other route through the thick rainforest, the trail cuts through underbrush that is so untouched it at times grows right across the narrow trail. After 3 to 4 hours, we’ll reach our camp, Mti Mkubwa, which means “Big Tree” in Kiswahili.
DAY 4: Mti Mkubwa to Shira Camp 1
We continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. Ascending through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.
DAY 5: Shira Camp 1 to Moir Hut
We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau, which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
DAY 6: Moir Hut to Lava Tower
Today is one of the most important days for acclimatization; we head to Lava Tower, around the southern flank of Kibo near the start of the Western Breach. We have a mostly uphill climb today of 5 hours to the alpine moorland zone where plants are extremely hardy and consist of lichens, grasses heather.
DAY 7: Lava Tower
Full day spent at Lava Tower for acclimatization. We will take an optional 2-hour round trip acclimatization climb up to Arrow Glacier camp. This scramble will help prepare us for the ascent up the Western Breach.
DAY 8: Lava Tower to Arrow Glacier Camp
All the preparation, acclimatization and hiking we’ve done to prepare for the Kilimanjaro climb will be put to the test today as we ascend the Great Western Breach; an imposing, steep wall of rock leading to the edge of Kibo’s Crater. Rather than traversing farther around the southern slopes of the mountain we ascend up and slightly westward, climbing easy terrain through the scree and rocky ridges. The ascent gives us stunning views of the Western Breach Wall and the Breach Icicle. As we near the Arrow Glacier and our campsite, the view opens toward the west. The entire Shira Plateau lies below us.
DAY 9: Arrow Glacier to Summit to Mweka Hut
We wake late in the night/early morning for our ascent to Uhuru Peak, we will reach the summit around 7am. At this early hour, before the clouds close in, the views are incredible. Africa’s highest point is also the world’s highest solitary peak. The view cannot be topped anywhere on the continent! From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
DAY 10: Mweka Camp to Gate
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
DAY 11: Departure
Departure for the airport for international flight home or add-on safari.
Check out this video courtesy of one of our climbers, Connor Nelson, for a more personal look at the Western Breach Route from start to finish.
