Western Breach Kilimanjaro Summit Trek, 8 Days
Overview
Ceraa Eyes Safari, a Tanzanian operator based locally, runs this Western Breach. You climb with experienced mountain guides, porters and cooks, and we plan every detail with you.
Reasons to choose us for the Western Breach
To begin with, we tailor every Western Breach trip, so dates, accommodation and pace can be changed. Our local team also supports you from arrival until departure. Before you travel, you can read about the area on the official Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) website. For more ideas, see our other Arusha tours.
Set out on an 8-day trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain. The journey follows the lovely Lemosho Route, one of the most scenic and least busy trails, which also offers abundant biodiversity, spectacular views and good chances to acclimatize.
You start in the lush rainforest of the lower slopes, then cross a dramatic alpine desert and finally arrive at the snow-capped Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). The route is carefully paced, so the physical challenge and the sense of achievement stay in balance.
Accompanied by guides every step to the top of Africa
Seasoned guides lead the way and a dedicated crew looks after you throughout. You travel through varied ecological zones, camp under starry African skies and wake to sweeping views. Highlights include Shira Plateau, Lava Tower and Arrow Glacier, and everything builds towards a sunrise summit attempt on the very roof of Africa.
Whether you have trekked for years or never climbed before, this expedition is for anyone seeking a deep, safe and life-changing high-altitude journey. Following the summit, you come down by the Mweka route, which leaves you free to reflect and celebrate comfortably. The memories from this trek stay with you for life.
Itinerary
As soon as you land, our team collects you from the airport and transfers you to an upscale hotel or lodge in Arusha.
Your head guide then gives you a briefing before the climb.
Check your gear and rest before the trek starts.
Your day opens with a drive to Lemosho Gate (approx. 3–4 hrs).
Your trek then heads into lush rainforest.
Along the trail you may see colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and colourful birds.
Trekking time: 3–4 hours
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp
This is the day you leave the rainforest behind and step up onto the moorland.
Higher up, panoramic views of the Shira Plateau open out around you.
Trekking time: 5–6 hours
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Stroll gently across the plateau, enjoying views of Kibo Peak.
The day also serves for acclimatisation, with short optional hikes.
Trekking time: 3–4 hours
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Begin with the climb to Lava Tower to help you acclimatise, before dropping back to Barranco Camp.
Today is important for acclimatization, as it applies the principle of climbing high and sleeping low.
Trekking time: 6–7 hours
Overnight: Barranco Camp (beneath the iconic Barranco Wall)
Start the morning with the steep Barranco Wall, an enjoyable and scenic scramble.
A shorter hike then follows, offering fine views and extra time to acclimatize.
Trekking time: 4–5 hours
Overnight: Karanga Camp
A steady climb on foot takes you up to Barafu Base Camp.
An early dinner follows, then some rest before the midnight summit push.
Trekking time: 3–4 hours
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Wake at midnight to begin the push for the summit via Stella Point.
Then comes Uhuru Peak at sunrise, the roof of Africa.
You then descend to Barafu and press on to Mweka Camp.
Summit trek: 12–15 hours in all (7–8 hrs going up, 5–7 hrs coming down)
Overnight: Mweka Camp
You begin with the last descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate.
Here you are presented with your summit certificates, before transferring back to your hotel in Arusha.
A farewell dinner then celebrates your achievement.
Included & Excluded
- All meals and drinks on the trek
- All listed activities
- Mountain climbing gear
- Luxury mobile camp accommodation
- English-speaking professional guides and porters
- Government park fees and taxes
- Road transfers and local flights (where relevant)
- Briefings and support before and after the trek
- International flights
- Travel and medical cover
- Visa fees and personal costs
- Tips and gratuities for porters and guides
- Personal items such as laundry, souvenirs and snacks
Map
Frequent Asked Question
The Lemosho Route ranks among the most scenic and rewarding ways up Mount Kilimanjaro. It is not technically hard, yet it demands a good level of fitness. Long days of hiking at high altitude mean that proper acclimatization and mental preparation are essential.
You hike 5–7 hours per day typically, mixing a few shorter days with a single very long summit day (roughly 12–16 hours of trekking).
With extra days for acclimatisation compared with other routes, the Lemosho Route delivers one of the best summit success rates (over 90%).
The best times for climbing are the dry seasons:
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