11-Day Kilimanjaro Climb – Western Breach Route

11-Day Kilimanjaro Climb – Western Breach Route

The Western Breach Route is Kilimanjaro’s most remote, demanding, and spectacular route. It takes you across the Shira Plateau, around the Kibo Massif’s wild northern flanks, and into the crater rim, with an overnight stay at Crater Camp beside the ancient Furtwängler Glacier. This itinerary is designed for ambitious trekkers seeking solitude, a challenge, and breathtaking scenery — guided by certified mountain professionals.

Itinerary Summary

Day 1
Arrival in Arusha
Day 2
Arusha – Lemosho Gate – Big Tree Camp
Day 3
Big Tree Camp – Shira 1 Camp
Day 4
Shira 1 – Moir Camp
Day 5
Moir Camp – Pofu Camp
Day 6
Pofu Camp – Cave 3 Camp
Day 7
Cave 3 – School Hut
Day 8
Summit Day – Uhuru Peak – Crater Camp
Day 9
Crater Camp – Barafu – Millennium – Mweka Camp
Day 10
Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Return to Arusha
Day 11
Departure Day

Price Rates

2 persons
4 persons
6+ persons
$2610.00
$2250.00
$2175.00

Plan My Trip

Tour
  • STEP 1
  • STEP 2
Day 1
Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Arusha Town. In the evening, you’ll meet with your professional mountain guide for a detailed climb briefing and equipment check. Any missing gear can easily be rented locally before your trek begins.

Your overnight stay will be at Summit Safari Lodge.

Meals Plan:

Dinner

Accommodations:

Summit Safari Lodge

Day 2
Arusha – Lemosho Gate – Big Tree Camp

After breakfast, drive to Lemosho Gate, complete park registration, and begin your trek through lush afromontane forest. This first hike is rich in birdlife and monkey sightings, finishing at Big Tree Camp.

Start Elevation: 2,100m | End Elevation: 2,650m
Distance: 7 km | Time: 4–6 hrs | Zone: Rainforest

Meals Plan:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations:

Big tree camp

Day 3
Big Tree Camp – Shira 1 Camp

Climb out of the rainforest and into the heath zone, following a steady ascent to the Shira Plateau. The day ends at Shira Camp 1, with panoramic views and time to acclimatize.

Start: 2,650m | End: 3,610m
Distance: 7 km | Time: 5–7 hrs | Zone: Heath

Meals Plan:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Shira 1 – Moir Camp

Today you cross the dramatic Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic stretches. After reaching Moir Camp, enjoy lunch and consider an optional acclimatization hike in the afternoon.

Start: 3,610m | End: 4,200m
Distance: 10 km | Time: 4–5 hrs | Zone: Alpine Desert

Meals Plan:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations:

Moir Camp

Day 5
Moir Camp – Pofu Camp

Departing the traditional route, today’s trail bends around the north side of Kibo Massif. Few trekkers take this path, offering rare solitude. Reach Pofu Camp by early afternoon for lunch and acclimatization.

Start: 4,200m | End: 4,033m
Distance: 12 km | Time: 6–8 hrs | Zone: Alpine Desert

Meals Plan:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations:

Pofu Camp

Day 6
Pofu Camp – Cave 3 Camp

Continue your clockwise trek around Kibo’s northern slopes. Today’s trail features spectacular ridges and continues through alpine desert terrain. Arrive at Cave 3 Camp for rest and a short acclimatization walk.

Start: 4,033m | End: 3,800m
Distance: 8 km | Time: 6–8 hrs | Zone: Alpine Desert

Meals Plan:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations:

Cave Three Camp

Day 7
Cave 3 – School Hut

Today you head southeast toward School Hut, located at the base of the summit route. You’ll arrive early to rest and prepare gear for the summit push the following morning.

Start: 3,800m | End: 4,800m
Distance: 5 km | Time: 4–6 hrs | Zone: Alpine Desert

Meals Plan:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations:

School Hut

Day 8
Summit Day – Uhuru Peak – Crater Camp

Begin the summit attempt before dawn, ascending to Gilman’s Point and onward to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). After savoring sunrise on the Roof of Africa, descend into the crater and camp overnight at Crater Camp, beside the Furtwängler Glacier.

Start: 4,800m | Peak: 5,895m | End: 5,750m
Distance: 8 km | Time: 8–12 hrs | Zones: Alpine Desert, Arctic

Meals Plan:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations:

Millenium Camp

Day 9
Crater Camp – Barafu – Millennium – Mweka Camp

Wake up in the crater, with options for a short sunrise hike to Reusch Crater or a second ascent to Uhuru. Then descend via Barafu Camp and continue down through alpine and heath zones to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.

Start: 5,750m | End: 3,100m
Distance: 15 km | Time: 9–11 hrs | Zones: Arctic, Alpine Desert, Heath, Rainforest

Meals Plan:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations:

Mweka Camp

Day 10
Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Return to Arusha

Continue your descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Your driver will transfer you back to your lodge in Arusha for a warm shower and relaxation.

Start: 3,100m | End: 1,640m
Distance: 10 km | Time: 3–4 hrs | Zone: Rainforest

Meals Plan:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations:

Summit Safari Lodge

Day 11
Departure Day

This day is left free for relaxation or exploring Arusha town, depending on your flight schedule. Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your international departure or continue your adventure in Tanzania.

Meals Plan:

Breakfast, Lunch

Included

Private airport transfers (arrival/departure)

Park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees

Transport to and from Kilimanjaro National Park

2 nights hotel accommodation in Arusha (B&B basis)

Professional English-speaking mountain guide, cook, and porters

Filtered and treated drinking water

3 nutritious hot meals daily during the climb

Mountain tents, sleeping mats, and all group camping gear

Hot water for washing

Fair wages for mountain crew

18% VAT on tour fees and services

Emergency first aid kit

Dinner at the Hotel Before and After Hike

Excluded

International flights

Visa and airport taxes

Travel insurance

Personal trekking gear and toiletries

Tips for guides, porters, and cook

Optional portable flush toilet ($80 for the trek)

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