8-Day Kilimanjaro Western Breach Trek to Uhuru Peak

The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the west, the same starting point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately 3 hours from Moshi and considerably longer from Arusha. Registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities will take place at the gate, after which you will be driven to the starting point.

You will have lunch here before beginning the short first-day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters). If you are lucky, you may spot large wildlife such as elephants and buffalo, which sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you trek toward your first camp.

After breakfast and a medical checkup, you will spend the first hour trekking through the last section of the rainforest path before entering the low alpine moorland zone, which continues onto the Shira Plateau. The trek is relatively short and gradual, ending at Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters).

Distance: 5 km/3 miles. Hiking time: 5-6 hours. Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft. Habitat: heath.

You will explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo's glaciered peak, across the plateau, leading to Shira 2 Camp on moorland meadows by a stream.

Then you continue to Moir Hut, a little-used site at the base of Lent Hills. The various walks around Lent Hills make this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on Earth. Overnight is at Moir Hut (4175m / 13698ft).

From the Shira Plateau at Moir Hut, we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction toward the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the southeast toward the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth."

Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction, which brings us up to Lava Tower Camp (3960m / 12992ft).

A 1.5- to 2-hour trek up a steep, boulder-strewn path brings us to Arrow Glacier Camp (4830m / 15846ft), at the great foot of the Western Breach. At 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.

After a really early morning hot breakfast, we begin ascending the Western Breach no later than 5 am, a climb that will take approximately 5-6 hours. On this day, we will wear helmets and use ropes if needed, as there may be falling rocks.

Upon reaching the crater rim, we'll have a stunning view of the Northern Icefields and the Furtwangler Glacier. Then it is another 1.5 to 2 hours across the crater floor, with an option to hike to the Ash Pit and Reusch Crater. Overnight is at Crater Camp (5730m / 18799ft).

We 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 on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak (5895m / 19340ft). Time spent on the summit should not be too long, as cold and fatigue can make it difficult to start again.

Enjoy this accomplishment, a day to remember for the rest of your life. Walking from the summit to Barafu Camp takes about 3 hours. Before heading down to Mweka Camp (3080m / 10105ft), you will have a well-earned but short rest there.

The route is not challenging and takes 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 evening. Dinner and hot water for washing will be provided, as well as drinking water and coffee.

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to Mweka Gate (1630m / 5347ft), where you'll have a hot lunch at the gate while your team waits for you. You will be awarded certificates: gold certificates are given to hikers who reached Uhuru Peak, while Stella Point certificates are given accordingly.

Your team will sing Kilimanjaro songs and traditional songs while receiving tips. Our company jeep or transfer car will then take you to your hotel for a hot shower, after which you can enjoy the rest of your day at the hotel, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.

We also organize safaris, so we expect your following days may be spent on safari.