The Lemosho western breach route is a less crowded and more exclusive option for trekking Mount Kilimanjaro. This route is only offered by a few outfitters due to the expertise required from head guides and porters. By choosing this route, you can enjoy a more personalized experience, spending additional time interacting with your team of guides and fully immersing yourself in the climb. The trek spans over 9 days, allowing for better acclimatization and increasing your chances of reaching the summit.
Price Includes
Accomodation
Porters and Guides
Tent
Entrance Fees
Departure & Return Location
Visa
Tips
Local and international flights
Any Private Expenses
Itinerary
Day 1 - Lemosho Gate to Forest Camp
After departing from your hotel in the morning, you'll head to Kilimanjaro National Park's Lemosho Gate. From there, you'll begin your ascent through the Rainforest Zone, reaching Forest Camp at an elevation of 9,255 feet (2,821 meters). This portion of the trek takes approximately 2 to 3 hours and offers opportunities to spot wildlife such as black and white Colobus Monkeys.
Day 2 - Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp
The trek continues through the Heather/Moorland Zone, taking you from Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp at an elevation of 11,300 feet (3,444 meters). This leg of the journey lasts around 5 to 7 hours and includes a lunch break.
Day 3 - Shira 1 Camp to Moir Camp
Ascending through the Heather and Moorland Zone, you'll trek from Shira 1 Camp to Moir Camp at an elevation of 13,779 feet (4,200 meters). The landscape starts to transition to smaller plants and a more desert-like environment. This portion of the trek takes approximately 5 to 7 hours, including a lunch break.
Day 4 Moir Camp to Lava Tower Camp
Continuing through the Alpine Desert Zone, you'll climb from Moir Camp to Lava Tower Camp at an elevation of 15,091 feet (4,600 meters). This segment lasts about 3 hours, and after lunch, you'll have time to acclimatize and enjoy the surroundings. If weather permits, you can choose to climb Lava Tower for exceptional views.
Day 5 - Lava Tower Camp to Arrow Glacier Camp (back to Lava Tower Camp)
This day serves as an acclimatization hike. You'll trek from Lava Tower Camp to Arrow Glacier Camp at an elevation of 16,076 feet (4,900 meters), gaining approximately 1,000 feet (300 meters) in elevation. Later, you'll descend back to Lava Tower Camp.
Day 6 - Lava Tower Camp to Arrow Glacier Camp
Continuing through the Alpine Desert Zone, you'll hike from Lava Tower Camp to Arrow Glacier Camp. This segment typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, with some steep terrain and scramble sections over the Great Barranco Wall. Spend the rest of the day preparing for the next day's climb to the Western Breach.
Day 7 - Arrow Glacier Camp to Crater Camp
This is the day of climbing the Western Breach. You'll ascend from Arrow Glacier Camp to Crater Camp at an elevation of 18,800 feet (5,730 meters). Starting before sunrise, you'll cross the Western Breach, traverse the Crater Rim, and pass the Northern Ice Field and Furtwangler Glacier on your way to Crater Camp. This segment takes approximately 5 to 7 hours. Depending on the group's decision, there are two options from this point. Option 1: After a short break at Crater Camp, continue the ascent to Uhuru Peak (19,341 feet or 5,895 meters). The hike to the summit takes about 1.5 hours . Descend to Barafu Camp (15,239 feet or 3,983 meters) for dinner and overnight, which takes around 2 to 3 hours. Option 2: Spend the night at Crater Camp, awaiting the next day's sunrise ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Day 8 - Crater Camp to Uhuru Peak
If your group chose Option 2, you'll begin the ascent to Uhuru Peak from Crater Camp, reaching the summit at an elevation of 19,341 feet (5,895 meters). This portion of the trek takes about 1.5 hours. Celebrate your achievement and take memorable photos.
Day 7 - Mweka Gate & Official Certificate
After breakfast, begin the descent to Mweka Gate (5,423 feet or 1,653 meters). At the gate, you'll receive your Official Kilimanjaro Climbing Certificate. Meet your safari guide at Mweka Gate, who will then drive you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. The Lemosho western breach route provides a challenging and rewarding adventure, allowing you to experience Mount Kilimanjaro's breathtaking landscapes and reach the summit in a less crowded and more intimate setting.
