8 Days Western Breach
Tanzania
Reviews
No reviews yetOverview
The Western Breach is considered to be the toughest and most challenging route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. But for the very few climbers that are willing to take this challenge, it beholds its very unique beauty and offers aspects of the mountain that no other route has to offer. It is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the west and leads you to the crater of the
volcano and to the Furtwangler Glacier with an overnight at Crater Camp.
Starting from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, the route traverses the Shira Plateau and then follows other routes up to Lava Tower. After an overnight at Lava Tower the route is heading towards Arrow Glacier Camp through a danger zone that is only passable at night when temperatures are low enough. It’s the only route which requires helmets for safety. The breach itself is a rock slide that is constantly moving. After leaving the danger zone, climbers are rewarded with a spectacular view of Mount Meru and walking by the massive glacier on Kilimanjaro. Another unique highlight of this route is that it is the only route that allows an overnight at Crater Camp and to actually stand at the edge of the heart of the mountain, the Kilimanjaro crater, before summiting Uhuru Peak at 5.895 m. Climbers that have chosen Western Breach have really seen all the miracles that Mount Kilimanjaro has to offer.
The Western Breach is a route that not many companies offer due to special safety restrictions and required expertise and requirements to the mountain guides. Tanzania Horizon Safaris is proud to offer this challenging route to ambitious and adventurous climbers. Please contact us for further information.
Included/Excluded
- Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents
- All Park fees Airport transfers Rescue fees
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
- Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
- Emergency oxygen
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Accommodation in tents and hotels as indicated in the itinerary
- Camping equipment – tents, sleeping mattress and camping furniture
- Portable toilet and toilet tent
- Flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Tips Personal spending monies for souvenirs etc.
Tour Plan
DAY 1
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
- Driving distance:Â 55 km/miles,
- Driving Time: 1 hour
- Habitat:Â Cultivated zone
- Hotel:Â Bed and Breakfast
DAY 2
START – 6,890FT / 2100M
END – 8,695FT / 2650M
DISTANCE – 4 MILES / 7KM
TIME – 4-6 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – RAINFOREST
After breakfast you depart by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park. At the gate your crew finalizes packing and after finishing with formalities you return to your vehicle for another 30 minutes or so until you arrive at the start of the Lemosho Trail. Today’s hiking is through verdant afromontane forest and is steep in places. A picnic lunch is usually taken on trail during the hike before reaching Forest Camp for the night.
DAY 3
START – 8,695FT / 2650M
END – 11,844FT / 3610M
DISTANCE – 4 MILES / 7KM
TIME – 5-7 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – HEATH
From the forested slopes of Lemosho you ascend through Podocarpus and Juniper forest and break out of the forest on to the heath zone and the Shira Plateau. A hot lunch is taken at Shira Camp 1 and the rest of the afternoon is spent relaxing and acclimatizing to the new environment.
DAY 4
Camping the Shira plateau is one of the most scenic parts of the trip
START – 11,844FT / 3610M
END – 13,780FT / 4200M
DISTANCE – 6 MILES / 10KM
TIME – 4-5 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – ALPINE DESERT
Crossing the Shira plateau can be one of the most scenic parts of the trip and this morning we hike for around 4-5 hours to Moir Camp, where lunch is taken. The afternoon is spent acclimatising and for those with the energy a hike in the late afternoon up to a viewpoint is highly recommended to keep the blood flowing.
DAY 5
START – 13,780FT / 4200M
END – 15,093FT / 4600M
DISTANCE – 4 MILES / 7KM
TIME – 4-6 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – ALPINE DESERT
Another half day today as you start to cross glacial valleys on the western side of the mountain. By not ascending much today we allow our bodies better acclimatisation. A half day where lunch is taken in camp. In the afternoon there is time to go for an acclimatisation walk before dinner.
DAY 6
START – 15,093FT / 4600M
END – 16,087FT / 4903M
DISTANCE – 0.8 MILES / 1,5 KM
TIME – 2 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – ARCTIC
The ascent to Arrow Glacier is relatively short and leaves plenty of time to rest for a large part of the day. Short walks are possible with the guides to enjoy views of the Great Barranco Wall and remnants of the once mighty glaciers that filled the breach before having dinner and an early night rest.
DAY 7
START – 16,0871FT / 4903M
END – 18,866FT / 5750M
DISTANCE – 2 MILES / 3KM
TIME – 6-8 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – ARCTIC
The starting time this morning will be dependent on the previous day’s guides assessment of the weather, temperature, ice and snowfall conditions. All ascents are relatively early to avoid the part of the day when significant thawing occurs. Ascent to the crater floor takes around 4 to 6 hours and a picnic refuel stop is taken near the top of the breach wall. Once on the crater floor there is time to rest and for those that are feeling strong a hike to the ash pit is a superb option.
DAY 8
START – 18,866FT / 5750M
END – 15,333FT / 4673M
DISTANCE – 4,9 MILES / 8KM
TIME – 5-6 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – ARCTIC, ALPINE DESERT
Unlike other routes with a night time ascent, your hike selection affords you a day time ascent to the summit. Leaving an hour before dawn you ascend to the Roof of Africa!
From here you will descend to Barafu Camp via Stella Point.
DAY 9
START – 15,333FT / 4673M
END – 5,381FT / 1640M
DISTANCE – 8 MILES / 13KM
TIME – 5-6 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – HEATH, RAINFORESTÂ
After breakfast you descend once again through rainforest and around midday, after saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up and transferred back to your lodge for a well deserved shower! Later that evening you will be visited by a Tanzania Horizon Safaris Representative to congratulate you and to take you to your accommodation.
DAY 10
The day is left free to wind down after your hike and before your flight back home. Depending on flight times you could explore Moshi Town, have a good cup of coffee or buy some souvenirs before heading to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO).
Meals: Breakfast Included
Reviews
No reviews yet
Book This Tour
Last Minute Deals
