8 Days Western Breach Route

Mt.Kilimanjaro Trekking As its name suggests, the Western Breach is a gap, formed by lava flow, on the western outer rim of Mount Kilimanjaro main summit, Kibo.The Western Breach offers one of the shortest climbing routes to the summit. The core of this route, stretching from Arrow Glacier Camp to Crater Camp, involves sections of relative steepness and a high degree of exposure depending on route variation. It was temporarily closed after a rock slide accident in January 2006 killed three people.
Despite its moderate inherent risks, among experienced climbers the Western Breach is still a popular ascent route because it is very direct and more interesting than the two heavily frequented standard routes on the southeast face of Kibo.
Alternatively, it is possible for trekkers on most other routes to stay one night in the crater at the Crater Camp, allowing for extended time to explore the peak without the added risk of an assault via the Western Breach.
It may be advisable to spend an additional night at Lava Tower Camp (4600m) to aid acclimatization before positioning to Arrow Glacier Camp (4800m) the day after, in preparation for the final night-time climb to the summit.
Avoid being in the breach in windy conditions, as well as daylight hours, which may both increase the probability of rock fall. Ensure sufficient acclimatization and rest before entering the breach, so as to be able to move through it swiftly, minimizing exposure time to rock fall.

Itinerary

Day 0: Moshi 815m/670ft
Booked into your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for overnight and briefing from your guide.

Day 1: LEMOSHO GATE ─ BIG TREE CAMP
-Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
-Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart Moshi to Lemosho Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities and eat lunch at this gate while sort the things which will go to Kilimanjaro. We then start walking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site Big tree (2780m / 9121ft).

DAY 2:BIG TREE CAMP ─ SHIRA ONE CAMP
-Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
-Habitat: Moorland zone
Continuing on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, depending on the weather on this day you will have hot lunch in the half way. Then proceed to the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp (3500m / 11483ft). The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.

DAY 3:SHIRA 1 MOIR CAMP
-Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
-Habitat: Moorland
-Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
You will 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. Hot on the way before heading to the Moir hut. 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. Then we continue to Moir Hut (4175m / 13698ft),

DAY 4: SHIRA 2 (3900m / 12795ft) or MOIR HUT (4175m / 13698ft) ─ LAVA TOWER CAMP (3960m / 12992ft)
-Distance: 6 km from Shira 2 Camp or 4 km from Moir Hut Camp
-Hiking Time: 5-6 hours from Shira 2 Camp or 3-4 hours from
From the Shira Plateau, Moir hut, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the „Shark‘s Tooth“ Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Lava Tower Camp.

DAY 5: LAVA TOWER CAMP─ ARROW GLACIER CAMP
-Elevation: 4640 / 15223ft to 4830m / 15846ft
-Distance: 5km
-Hiking Time: 1.5-2 hours
The time of 1.5 - 2 hour-trek up a steep, boulder-strewn path bring us to Arrow Glacier Camp (4830m / 15846ft), at the great foot of the Western Breach. At this campsite rises the steep path up to the crater. The massive headwall of the breach glows a warm red in the afternoon sun, while you rest in camp in preparation for the most challenging day ahead.

DAY 6: ARROW GLACIER CAMP─ CRATER CAMP
-Elevation: 4830m /15846ft to 5730m/18799ft
-Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
-Habitat: Alpine Desert
Really early morning a hot breakfast, we begin to ascend the Western Breach no later than 5 am, which will take approximately 5-6 hours. In this day we will take our helmet on and ropes if needed as it might be rock fooling. Upon reaching the crater rim, we’ll be treated to a stunning view of the Northern Icefields, the Furtwangler Glacier. Another 1.5 – 2 hours through the crater floor (with an option to hike to the Ash Pit and Reusch Crater). Overnight at Crater Camp (5730m / 18799ft).

DAY 7: CRATER CAMP-- UHURU PEAK -- MWEKA CAMP
-Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
-Hiking Time: 2 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
-Habitat: Arctic to forest
We will rise around 04:00, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the early morning darkness. From the crater floor you will probably encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak (5895m / 19340ft). Time spend on the summit should be not that much depend on the weather conditions. As you stop there for too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue. Enjoy your accomplishment day to remember for the rest of your life. Walking to Barafu Camp from the summit, takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well-earned but short rest, before heading down to Mweka Camp (3080m / 10105ft). The route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. The camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late evening. Dinner and washing water will be provided as well as drinking water and coffee. While waiting for the dinner.

DAY 8:MWEKA CUMP - MWEKA GATE
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Gate (1630m / 5347ft), , Get awarded with certificates whereby golden certificates are given to hikers who reached at Uhuru peak or Stella point certificates then your team will sing some Kilimanjaro songs plus traditional songs while getting tips. Our company transfer car will be there taking you to your hotel for hot shower then enjoy the rest of your day in the hotel, dinner