"If you want a real adventure and to trek on parts of Kilimanjaro that few other people have had the privilege of experiencing – then our extreme adventure is the trip for you. This is an expedition which involves camping on the glacier overnight – and the photographic opportunities are outstanding. We recommend this trip for people who have previous mountain climbing experience and who have hiked at high altitude before.
Ask about this journey ↗"If you want a real adventure and to trek on parts of Kilimanjaro that few other people have had the privilege of experiencing – then our extreme adventure is the trip for you. This is an expedition which involves camping on the glacier overnight – and the photographic opportunities are outstanding. We recommend this trip for people who have previous mountain climbing experience and who have hiked at high altitude before. The route is known as the Western Breach. Each trip is carefully, customized according to your preferences and the final route is agreed in consultation with you. On this expedition, the terrain passes from a tropical to an arctic climate in just a few days via the Lemosho route. The encircling rain forest ensures the fertility of the lower lying farms and is rich in birdlife. Above the rain forest lie the alpine meadows and beautiful moorland, offering many splendid views. Exotic plants such as giant lobelia and the fork-like groundsel can be seen. The latter blooming once every 50 - 70 years. After you leave the alpine meadows we enter the alpine desert and finally the snows of Kilimanjaro, its famous glacier and the summit itself. The hike up towards the Western breach starts from Barafu camp. We spend one night at the camp and then hike up to the crater rim and then descend into glacier camp and overnight there. The next morning, we start climbing the crater rim where you have the shortest summit bid of all of the mountain routes and enjoy sun-rise at the peak. It is a one-hourhike from the glacier campsite up to the summit. After reaching the summit, you descend to Mweka camp to spend the night there. Please note, timing and schedules do vary and we offer as much flexibility as possible to maximize your enjoyment of the expedition."
Explore the landscapes and experiences that make this part of Africa special.
A selection of images from our Tanzania journeys. Ask our team for current photos of your specific route and accommodation.
Your day-by-day outline gives you a feel for the pace. The final plan can be adjusted around your dates and interests.
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be greeted by our transfer driver and taken to Hotel Moshi. The rest of the day will be at leisure and you may choose to relax at the hotel or perhaps explore the town of Moshi (taxi required). In the evening, you will attend a briefing in preparation of your upcoming trek. Dinner and overnight
We depart Moshi for Lemosho Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site. Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft Distance: 6 km/4 miles Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest
We continue on the trail leading out of the rain 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. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau. Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft Distance: 8 km/5 miles Hiking Time 5-6 hours Habitat: Health
Ascent:3450m to 3870m Hours:6 to 7 hours Distance:8km Habitat:moorland After a relatively long hike and the significant altitude gain yesterday, today is a short day and you arrive in Shira 2 camp in time for lunch. A good day for acclimatization with the option of an afternoon walk with your guides. Overnight at Shira2 camp.
Ascent:4175meters to 4600m to 3950m Hours:7 to 8 hours Distance:15km Habitat:semi desert The route to Barranco via Lava Tower takes you into the semi desert zone. Here relatively little flora or fauna can survive the extreme temperatures. You will have a hot lunch at Lava tower, and after lunch you descend into Barranco camp. This is ideal for acclimatization. Having reached 4600meters you descend and then spend the night at the lower altitude of 3950meters. Overnight at Barranco Camp.
Ascent:3950m to 3930m Hours:4 to 5 hours Distance:7km Habitat:moorland/semi desert You spend a relatively long time in Karanga camp. The selection of Karanga camp is strategic. Significant time at altitude is essential for safe acclimatization and in the late afternoon you arrive in camp. You will see a lots of giant scenarios Kilimanjaro and lobelia plants. Sunsets here are spectacular with views of the southern glacial valleys and ice fields towering 1000 meters (over 3000 feet) above you. Overnight Karanga Camp.
Ascent:3930m to 4600m Hours:3 to 4 hours Distance:5 km Habitat:alpine desert Today is another half day ascending to Barafu Camp. Once again lunch is taken in camp allowing plenty of time to relax before the summit bid. Desolate alpine desert and at times strong winds rip over this camp and yet in the evening splendid views of Mawenzi volcano are the norm. Look out for the ravens and the mountain buzzards. These are big birds and mainly eat the common 'four stripe mouse' which you will see running around. Overnight Barafu Camp.
Ascent:4600m to 5730m Hours:6 to7 hours Distance:10km Habitat:ice cap zone Unlike other routes with a night time ascent, the expedition affords you a daytime ascent to Kibo crater. The going is slow but with constant encouragement from your climb team the rim of Kibo is reached before descending a little way into the caldera to Crater camp. The afternoon is spent relaxing and short walks can be taken with one of your guides. Overnight Crater Camp.
Ascent:5730m to 5895m to 3997m Hours:11 to 12 hours Distance:21km Habitat:ice cap, alpine desert and moorland After a night in the crater you now have the shortest final summit bid of any route. With such a short distance to the summit from the crater (around 1 hour) means that timing arrival with the sunrise is much easier and quite spectacular. The summit of Kilimanjaro is the top of the highest freestanding mountain in the world. After your summit bid you then descend for a final night on the mountain at Mweka Camp passing back through the heath zone. Endemic Proteas, pollinated by Malachite Sunbirds are plentiful.
Ascent:3100 meters to 1800meters Hours:3 to 4 hours walking Distance:10km Habitat:jungle forest After breakfast you descend once again through mountain forest and around mid-day after saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up and transferred back to your hotel for a well-deserved shower!
Use this route as a starting point. We’ll confirm the exact parks, stops and transfer times when we plan your dates.
Accommodation can shape the feel of a trip. Tell us what comfort, setting and budget mean to you.
Your route determines the overnight stops and facilities on the mountain.
A relaxed place to prepare before your climb and unwind after the descent.
These are stay styles to consider, not confirmed properties. We’ll recommend and confirm named accommodation once we know your route and dates.
We’ll send a written proposal so you can see exactly what your trip includes before you confirm.
Your proposal will confirm the guide or driver, transport, accommodation, meals, park or activity fees and transfers included in your specific itinerary.
We’ll clearly note any items arranged separately, such as international flights, travel insurance, visas, gratuities, personal expenses or optional activities.
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These reviews describe guests’ experiences across 21 Africa Safari journeys; each itinerary is different.
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