KILIMANJARO – LEMOSHO ROUTE, VIA THE WESTERN BREACH 8 DAYS

7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS on the mountain

Route Description

The Lemosho Glades route is one of the lesser used initial ascent routes on Kilimanjaro, partly because of its remote location and likewise the difficult roads leading to the trailhead. The trailhead is at relatively high elevation, and thus we start slow and easy on this route. Buffalo and elephant sightings are possible on the first day trekking through the forest. The route leads up to the western edge of the Shira Plateau, and the hike across the plateau is said to be one of the most stunningly beautiful hikes in Africa. The trail merges on day three of the trek with the Shira Route (which begins near this point, at the end of the 4×4 track at the Morum Barrier Gate), and on day four merges with the Machame Route.

From this point all three trails continue to Lava Tower, a rock formation at a mountain pass at 15,100 ft. (4,600 mt.). The next day continues steeply up to Arrow Glacier, which lies at the foot of the Western Breach Wall. At midnight we scramble up the steep Western Breach route, and by dawn reach the crater edge near the summit of Kilimanjaro. We’ll walk past the retreating vertical ice walls of the Furtwangler Glacier, then continue 1 to 1-1/2 hours to the summit. The trek up the Breach Wall is done on slopes of about 45%, with sections of scrambling and occasionally some snow and ice. Overall, this is one of the most seldom-travelled combination of routes. There are no huts on this route; the accommodation is in mountain tents and dining is in our mess tents.

Important notes: The steepness and terrain of this route (on the Western Breach) makes it only suitable for homogenous groups (where every member has similar fitness levels and experience). All those who plan to attempt this must have prior experience scrambling on steep slopes. There is significant danger of rockfall on this route. We provide helmets to all climbers, guides, and porters. No-one has the medical condition “vertigo” will be allowed to climb this route.

Daily itinerary

DAY 1 LEMOSHO TRAILHEAD (7,800 ft./ 2,375 m) ~ FOREST CAMP (9,500 ft./ 2,895 m)

Departure from Arusha will be at around 7:30am for Londorossi gate, about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp, only about 3-4 hours of trekking. Overnight at Forest Camp (Mtee Mkubwa Camp)

DAY 2 FOREST CAMP ~ SHIRA 1 CAMP (12,200 ft./ 3,720 m)

Once out of the forest, take a steep track into a Savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. Ascend through the lush rolling hills below the Shira plateau, finally reaching camp at the edge of the plateau, a day of 5-6 hours trekking. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.

DAY 3 SHIRA 1 CAMP ~ SHIRA 2 CAMP (12,600 ft./ 3,950 m)

Full day exploration of the Shira plateau; Trek east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, with the option to visit the ancient collapsed Shira cone, the oldest of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanoes. Arrive at Shira 2 camp at 12,600 ft. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth, averaging 12,500 feet. Trekking time without the optional excursions is about 3 hours.

DAY 4 SHIRA 2 CAMP ~ LAVA TOWER CAMP (15,000 ft./ 4,570 mt.)

Proceed steadily up and down the expansive ridgelines of high desert to Lava Tower. The trek is about 4 hours. Lava Tower, a 300 foot volcanic plug, marks an exposed pass at 15,000 feet, where the campsite is set. Scramble to the top of Lava Tower for fabulous panoramic views, and a different perspective of your campsite.

DAY 5 LAVA TOWER CAMP ~ ARROW GLACIER CAMP (16,100 ft./ 4,905 mt.)

A 1.5 – 2 hour-trek up a steep, boulder-strewn path bring us to Arrow Glacier camp, at the foot of the great Western Breach. From 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 ~ UHURU PEAK (19,340 ft./ 5,895 mt.) ~ MWEKA CAMP (10,200 ft./ 3,110 mt.)

A 12am wake-up call begins the day, and after a hot breakfast, we begin to ascend the Western Breach, which will take approximately 5-7 hours. Upon reaching the crater rim, we’ll be treated to a stunning view of the Northern Icefields, the Furtwangler Glacier, and Uhuru Peak itself. Another 1.5 – 2 hours through the crater floor (with an option to hike to the Ash Pit and Reusch Crater, adding 1+ hours) with bring us to the summit; Uhuru Peak. After a short time at the summit, descend along the gently sloping crater rim to Stella Point (on the crater rim, at 19,000 feet (5,790 mt.)), then descend the Mweka Route down a steep scree slope to Barafu Camp (15,100 ft. / 4,600 mt.) for lunch. In the afternoon continue the descent into the Heather Zone to Mweka Camp for the night. The trekking time from Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp will be from 6-8 hours. Total trekking time is from 12-17 hours.

DAY 7 MWEKA CAMP ~ MWEKA GATE (6,000 ft. /1,830 mt.)

Descend straight to the gate (2-3 hours), where you’ll have lunch and will be awarded climbing certificates.