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Duration
11 Days
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From
$3,995
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Activity Level
heavy
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Trip Type
Summit
At a Glance
- Total Trekking Days: 8
- Level of Difficulty: Difficult (4+ out of 5)
- Min/Max Altitude: ~7,800 ft (2,380 m) / ~19,341 ft (5,895 m)
- Seasons: Year-round (except April & May)
- Accommodations: Hotels & Camping
- Group Size: 2–12 Participants
- Age Limit: 12–70 Years
Highlights
- Test your strength on one of Kilimanjaro’s more demanding routes—and the only route to explore the mountain’s vast crater
- Climb with an exceptional team of guides and porters—among the most experienced on Kilimanjaro, with many completing 300+ summits
- Trek with Embark, a company that specializes in all things Kilimanjaro and actively supports the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project, paying fair wages
- Get access to exclusive resources, curated through years of experience on Kilimanjaro, including a 4-month training plan
- Custom private trips available year-round
Description
The Western Breach Route is Kilimanjaro’s most adventurous ascent, crossing dramatic terrain that includes massive glaciers and one of the highest camps on the mountain. The climb moves through striking transitions in landscape and climate—from dense jungle and high desert to snow-covered alpine slopes—offering constant opportunities to experience and photograph Kilimanjaro’s most remote scenery.
This is a more advanced route that demands focus, resilience, and steady movement, yet remains achievable for well-prepared trekkers with prior mountain experience. With careful pacing and full support from Embark’s experienced mountain team, the Western Breach offers a rare and deeply rewarding way to experience Kilimanjaro beyond the standard trails.
Previous mountain climbing experience is required for this route.
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you’ll be met by our representatives and transferred to your hotel in Moshi, a relaxed town at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. The rest of the day is free to rest or explore.
Meet your trekking guide for a group briefing and comprehensive gear check. The rest of the day is free to explore Moshi and take care of any last-minute shopping or gear rentals.
Depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate to complete park formalities. After lunch, begin the trek through lush rainforest along the Lemosho Route, known for its dense vegetation and wildlife. Hike to Mti Mkubwa (“Big Tree”) Camp.
Leave the rainforest behind and enter open moorland as you climb toward the Shira Ridge. The route follows exposed ridgelines and crosses several false summits before descending slightly onto the Shira Plateau to reach Shira Camp 1. Expect a more challenging day, rewarded with your first clear views of Kilimanjaro.
Spend the day crossing the Shira Plateau on a gentle walk toward Kibo’s glaciered peak. Continue east to Shira 2 Camp before moving on to Moir Hut, a quieter campsite at the base of the Lent Hills. A variety of walks in the surrounding area provide excellent acclimatization opportunities.
Today is an important acclimatization day as you climb steadily toward Lava Tower on the southern flank of Kibo, near the start of the Western Breach. The route ascends through alpine moorland, where vegetation becomes sparse and hardy.
Spend the day at Lava Tower focused on acclimatization, with an optional out-and-back climb toward Arrow Glacier Camp. This acclimatization hike helps prepare for the upcoming ascent of the Western Breach.
Today you ascend the Great Western Breach, climbing steeply toward the edge of Kibo’s Crater. The route moves upward through scree and rocky terrain, offering expansive views of the Western Breach Wall, the Breach Icicle, and the Shira Plateau below. As you near Arrow Glacier Camp, the landscape opens dramatically to the west.
Wake late in the night for the ascent to Uhuru Peak, reaching the summit around sunrise for expansive early-morning views. After time at the top, begin the descent, stopping at Barafu Camp for lunch before continuing down to Mweka Camp in the upper forest. Mist or rain is common later in the day. Enjoy your final dinner on the mountain and a well-earned rest.
After breakfast, continue the descent through lush forest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. Enjoy a final walk on the mountain, with chances to spot wildlife along the way. Expect wet and muddy trail conditions as you exit the park.
Departure for airport for international flight home or add-on safari.
Climb Kilimanjaro with Embark
Our Background with Kilimanjaro
Meet our guides
Top 10 things to know about climbing Kilimanjaro
Food on the mountain
Why Embark on Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro Webinar 101
Full Expedition Recap
Climbing the Western Breach on Mt Kilimanjaro
Above Costs Include:
- ✓ All international and domestic airport transfers
- ✓ Moshi to Londorossi Gate drive by private vehicle
- ✓ Mweka Gate to Moshi drive by private vehicle
- ✓ 3 nights accomodation in Moshi & breakfasts while at the hotel
- ✓ All park fees
- ✓ All meals and accommodations while on climb
- ✓ Accommodation, meals, insurance, equipment, transportation and allowances of guide and porter
- ✓ All applicable government taxes
Cost Does Not Include:
- ✘ Lunch and dinner in Moshi prior and post-climb
- ✘ Any sightseeing tours in Moshi
- ✘ International and domestic airfare
- ✘ Bottled drinks (mineral water, any cold drinks, and alcoholic drinks)
- ✘ Travel insurance and overseas medical insurance coverage
- ✘ Expenses of personal nature (tips for guide, porter and driver, laundry, bar bill, telephone calls etc.)
- ✘ Liability for expenses against sickness, flight cancellation, road blockage, accidents and other occurrence beyond our control
- ✘ Tanzania visa fee
Captured Adventures
Expert Local Guides
Travel with local experts who share their comprehensive years of experience, insight and passion.All Accommodation
Fully supported camping, hotels or mountain lodges; we arrange it all.Equipment
All main equipment for your expedition is provided, you just bring your personal gearArtisan Meals
Our chefs are professionals with a ton of experience, passionate about blending taste and nutrition.Authentic Unique Itineraries
We personally curate every destination, so you know your experience has been vetted by experts with years of experience.Safety Is Our Priority
We operate under very specific safety parameters; with a network of evacuation plans, local doctors and clinics in case of emergency.Flexible Payments
Reserve your spot with a small deposit and pay the balance later.Insurance Support
Supplemental insurance is required - we provide support to guide you to the right policy.
Book Kilimanjaro Western Breach Route
Reserve your spot today with a $500 per-person deposit. Full payment is due 90 days prior to your trip departure date. We’ll email you a reminder. If your trip departs in less than 90 days, contact us directly to reserve your spot and pay for your trip in full.
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