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Trip Report: Kilimanjaro Western Breach Route

 




The Western Breach is a gap in the summit wall on the western side of Kibo that was caused by lava flow hundreds of thousands of years ago. It provides a challenging access point up to Uhuru Peak and can be incorporated into various routes on Kilimanjaro. The Western Breach can be approached from many of Kilimanjaro’s routes, including the Lemosho and Shira Route in the West, and the Machame and Umbwe Route in the South. The Umbwe Route is the most popular and demanding approach.

Each day you will benefit from camps that have been professionally set up before your arrival by your private team of local porters. All amenities from dining tents, mess tents, to your own private tents will be at your disposal. We also feature 'A free toilet' tent unlike many other operators on the mountain.


Why Try Western Breach Route?


As the name says, the route leads through a breach in the crater wall. Where all other routes take you to the crater rim, climbing Kilimanjaro on the Western Breach Route takes you inside the crater.

It allows you to enter and camp in the crater. Climbers can explore the Furtwangler Glacier, the Ernst Reusch Crater, the Ash Pit, even take excursions to the Northern and Eastern Ice Fields.


Climbing Kilimanjaro On The Western Breach Route


The Western Breach Route is shorter than the other two Kibo ascent routes (via Stella Point or Gillman's Point). Therefore your summit night starts later than on the other routes, at about 2 am the earliest, hopefully not after 5.30 am. Later than that, you would be exposed to a much greater risk from rockfall.

The Western Breach Route is difficult but not as technical as it's often portrayed. There are some tricky parts but the majority of the difficult parts require scrambling, not professional rock climbing skills. How technical it becomes depends on the weather. If there has been snow you may require an ice axe, something you won't need on any other routes. We have these available at our store here in the Kilimanjaro region.

The trail from the crater to the summit is again very steep. Unlike the path through the breach, this path is well defined. You can see the usual twist and turn in the crater wall. It will take you about another hour to fight your way along the zigzags to Uhuru Peak.

Last good word: whether you will choose to reach the crater camp of Kilimanjaro via the Western Breach Route or on another route, you will climb to the summit BEFORE you spend a night in the crater (If Requested).

Please read a full trip report here:

 https://www.summitpost.org/lemosho-western-breach-in-december-6-days/1048166 

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