Mt. Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route via Western Breach and Crater Camp 8 Days Itinerary
with 
The first 3 days of this route are identical with the 8 days Lemosho route. This route is for those which specifically want to ascend the Western Breach and stay one night in the Crater Camp. The Western Breach area has an increased level of risk and requires guests to sign a disclaimer before you start. Nevertheless, it is a challenging route for the ‘right type of guest’.
Day 1
Londorossi Gate ─ Big Tree Camp
6 km, ↑ 395m / 1296ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart Arusha to Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities and eat lunch. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour). Upon arrival at the trailhead, we then start walking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site (2780m / 9121ft).
Day 2
Big Tree Camp ─ Shira 1 Camp
8 km, ↑ 720m / 2362ft
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland zone
Continuing on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to
Shira 1 camp (3500m / 11483ft). The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.
Day 3
Shira 1 Camp ─ Shira 2 Camp
14 km, ↑ 400m / 1312ft
or Moir Hut Camp
↑ 675m / 2215ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp (3900m / 12795ft) on moorland zone!
After reaching to camp you can have lunch and later afternoon have a short walk for acclimatization
OR
Then we continue to Moir Hut (4175m / 13698ft),
a little used site on the base of Lent Hills.
A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills
making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity.
Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Day 4
Shira 2 Camp (3900m / 12795ft) or Moir Hut (4175m / 13698ft) ─ Lava Tower Camp (3960m / 12992ft)
Distance: 6 km from Shira 2 Camp or 4 km from Moir Hut Camp
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours from Shira 2 Camp or 3-4 hours from Moir Hut
Habitat: Semi Desert
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the „Shark‘s Tooth“
Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Lava Tower Camp.
Day 5
Lava Tower Camp ─ Arrow Glacier Camp
5km, ↑ 190m / 623ft
Elevation: 4640 / 15223ft to 4830m / 15846ft
Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 1.5-2 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
A 1.5 - 2 hour-trek up a steep, boulder-strewn path bring us to Arrow Glacier Camp (4830m / 15846ft), 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 ─ Crater Camp
2 km, ↑ 900m / 2952ft
Elevation: 4830m /15846ft to 5730m/18799ft
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After a hot breakfast, we begin to ascend the Western Breach no later than 5 am, which will take approximately 5-6 hours. Upon reaching the crater rim, we’ll be treated to a stunning view of the Northern Icefields, the Furtwangler Glacier. Another 1.5 – 2 hours through the crater floor (with an option to hike to the Ash Pit and Reusch Crater). Overnight at Crater Camp (5730m / 18799ft).
Day 7
Crater Camp -- Uhuru Peak -- Mweka Camp
↑ 165m / 541ft, ↓ 2815m / 9236ft
Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Hiking Time: 2 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic to forest
You will rise around 04:00, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the early morning darkness. From the crater floor you will probably encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak (5895m / 19340ft). Time spends on the summit will depend on the weather conditions. Do not stop there for too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue. Enjoy your accomplishment and a day to remember for the rest of your life.
The walk to Barafu Camp from the summit, takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well-earned but short rest, before heading down to Mweka Camp (3080m / 10105ft). The route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. The camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Dinner and washing water will be provided as well as drinking water.
Day 8
Mweka Camp -- Mweka Gate
6km, ↓ 1450m / 4757ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Gate (1630m / 5347ft), where you’ll have lunch and will be awarded climbing certificates and then drive you back to Arusha!!
Enjoying the hot shower at the standard hotel in Arusha!