CLIMBING KILIMANJARO WESTERN APPROACH ROUTE
The Western Breach route is a challenging and steep path that leads climbers up the western slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro’s snowy summit, Kibo. This route connects the Arrow Glacier to Crater Camp and provides a strenuous ascent, gaining 2,800 feet (850 meters) in about 1.25 miles (2 kilometers). It involves some scrambling, which means climbing on hands and feet at certain points. While the Western Breach route is incredibly beautiful, it is also known for its rocky and steep slope, making it a demanding and challenging option for those looking to conquer Kilimanjaro.
Climbers can access the Western Breach route via various other routes, including the Machame, Shira, Lemosho, or Umbwe routes. On the third or fourth day of the ascent, these routes pass the Lava Tower, and climbers planning to tackle the Western Breach spend the night at the Lava Tower Camp at an elevation of 4,642 meters (15,230 feet). This route is considered one of the most adventurous and scenic ways to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro, although it is also recognized as the most challenging and dangerous path due to its steep and rocky terrain.
LEMOSHO WESTERN BREACH ROUTE
The Lemosho Western Breach route is a challenging and less-traveled path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It starts from the western side of the mountain and involves a steep climb through the Western Breach, a gap in the crater rim, to reach the summit. This route is known for its scenic beauty, including the Shira Plateau and Lava Tower, but it also requires a high level of physical fitness and acclimatization due to its difficulty and altitude.
The good news is that it can still be navigated safely. Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA advises all climbers to depart Arrow Glacier (base camp) by 05:30 AM to clear the danger zone on time. You will need head protection, an ice axe, crampons and a decent budget for this route can be quite expensive especially if you plan to camp at the Crater. You will also need to sign a disclaimer at the park gates before you begin the trek.
DOES IT COST MUCH MORE TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO THE WESTERN BREACH ROUTE?
In theory, a trek up the Western Breach shouldn’t cost much more to climb than the regular route. That said, if you plan to stay at Crater Campsite – right on the path of the Western Breach – there’s usually a US$100 premium to stay there. You’ll also have to pay the extra wages for the porters. After all, they are not used to climbing Kibo and will probably have been paid an incentive to get them to climb this time.
Of course, the agencies may also charge a premium for the Western Breach to dissuade you from taking it. They probably don’t want the added hassle that comes with organizing a trek on this route. They may also be concerned about the increased chance of there being an accident. So for all these reasons, they may either refuse to take a booking on the Western Breach or charge a high premium for it.
LEMOSHO WESTERN BREACH ROUTE ITINERARY
This is the last section of a longer itinerary and shows the last few days of your ascent via the Western Breach and descent via Mweka.
- 1st Day
From the camp at Lava Tower (4,637m), there is the leisurely ascent to Arrow Glacier this morning and plenty of time just to let your body get used to the thin air. You can also hike the area with your guides to keep the blood flowing. A very dramatic part of the mountain, it is also known to be quite dangerous for rock falls so extreme care must be taken when walking up towards the breach. There is a very early dinner and then time for some rest. Dinner and overnight at Arrow Glacier Camp. 4,871m - 2nd Day
This is it – summit day! There is a very early ascent up the breach at 1 a.m. It takes around 4 hours to reach the crater rim and then time for a quick refuel and then the final push to the summit arriving at Uhuru Peak around dawn. The hike then heads down via Stella Point to Barafu camp. Here there is a short rest before continuing to Millenium camp for the evening. Overnight Millenium Camp. 4,871m – 5,895m -3,760m - 3rd Day
After breakfast you descend once again through the Montane forest and around mid-day after saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up and transferred back to the base hotel. Have a shower and a celebratory drink or two!
WESTERN BREACH ROUTE WITH KILIMANJARO CRATER ITINERARY
This is the last section of a longer itinerary and shows the last few days of your ascent via the Western Breach and descent via Mweka.
- 1st Day
From Lava Tower camp (4,637m) there is the leisurely ascent to Arrow Glacier this morning and plenty of time just to let your body get used to the thin air. You can also hike the area with your guides to keep the blood flowing. A very dramatic part of the mountain, it is also known to be quite dangerous for rock falls so extreme care must be taken when walking up towards the breach. There is an early dinner and then time for some rest. Dinner and overnight Arrow Glacier Camp – 4,871m - 2nd Day
There is a very early ascent up the breach at 4 a.m. It takes around 4 to 6 hours to reach the crater rim and then you head into camp. In the afternoon there is a chance to visit the ash pit and Furtwangler glacier. Dinner and overnight Crater Camp – 5,750m - 3rd Day
This is it – summit day! Your start is timed to reach the summit at the break of dawn which only takes around 1 hour. Sunrise here is truly spectacular with stunning views of the crater, Mt Meru, and the Southern Icefields. You then descend to Mweka camp arriving mid-afternoon for your final evening on Kilimanjaro. Dinner and overnight Mweka Camp – 5,750m – 5,895m – 3,100m - 4th Day
After breakfast you descend once again through the Montane forest and around midday after saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up and transferred back to the base hotel. Have a shower and a celebratory drink or two!
Are you ready to take on the challenge of the Western Breach Route? Contact us today to plan your expedition to the summit of Kilimanjaro Prices are based on twin-sharing, with two people taking part. Price: USD 5.500 per person
