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Kilimanjaro - Western Breach

Altitude 5,895m/19,340ft » Duration 13 Days » Grade 1A

Acclimatisation on Mt Meru (4,556m), prior to an ascent of Kilimanjaro via a combination of the Umbwe Route and Western Breach

Introduction

14 Feb '08: UPDATE - from the 21 July departure, all Jagged Globe Kilimanjaro - Umbwe Route expeditions will climb the Western Breach.

The extinct volcano of Kilimanjaro is one of the world's most recognisable peaks. It rises dramatically above the dusty East African plains with the impressive snow-capped summit awarding awe-inspiring views of this magnificent landscape. The expedition travels through one of Africa's best-known game reserves and climbs through five ecosystems, offering a full mountain experience with the ascent of the continent's highest peak.

Of the Seven Summits, Kilimanjaro is the least difficult to climb. However, at over 19,000ft high, it is still a tough ascent and trekkers will need to be in good physical condition. Our expedition incorporates a thorough programme of acclimatisation, including an ascent of nearby Mount Meru (4,556m/14,947ft) as preparation for the main objective. By applying our expertise from guiding many of the world's most formidable mountains, including Everest, we have established an unparalleled track record of success on Kilimanjaro.

Expedition Outline

Having flown with KLM from your regional airport, the team meets at Amsterdam where we fly together to Kilimanjaro International Airport. This is the most convenient airfield for Kilimanjaro and within 40 minutes of arrival, we can be at our hotel in Moshi, avoiding the long and painful journey from Nairobi, inherent in the average itinerary! We spend the night in our hotel in Moshi before travelling to Mt Meru (4,556m/14,947ft), a dormant volcano in Arusha National Park. Meru is a very worthwhile climb in it's own right and the three-day ascent not only provides vital acclimatisation, but is a good chance to see plenty of wildlife and take in magnificent views of the Western Breach on Kilimanjaro.

After Meru, we travel back to Moshi for a relaxing afternoon where we rest and prepare for the first day on Kilimanjaro. We travel in Jeeps to the start of the spectacular Umbwe Route on the most impressive side of the mountain. The trail, which is seldom used, takes us through dense jungle as local porters carry our equipment. Over the next three days, we gradually make our way through changing eco-systems, following a ridge crest directly to the foot of the formidable Breach Wall. This is a 2000ft vertical precipice draped with hanging glaciers and icicles. On our summit day we will climb Africa's highest mountain by the scrambling route up the Western Breach to the crater rim, which is then followed to Uhuru Peak - the highest point in Africa.

Route Choice

14 Feb '08: UPDATE - from the 21 July departure, all Jagged Globe Kilimanjaro - Umbwe Route expeditions will climb the Western Breach.

The Umbwe Route, followed by the Western Breach, is undoubtedly the most exciting route to the top of Kilimanjaro that does not require the use of ropes. It avoids the crowds on the well-trodden tourist trail from Marangu, which is used by the vast majority of people who attempt the mountain. Unlike, the usual dash up the Marangu route, our 6 days on the mountain allow us to experience this immaculate and inaccessible environment whilst gradually acclimatising our bodies to the higher altitude.

  • Read Simon Lowe's recent account of climbing the Western Breach

    • Our new Lemosho Glades Trek is the best route for walkers without scrambling or mountaineering experience, or for those with limited time, who still want a realistic acclimatisation schedule.

    Cost

    Whichever route you choose, it is worth considering that 56% of the in country cost of our Kilimanjaro trips are National Park and Peak fees, which are based on the number of days spent in the National Park. More than any other mountain, there is an overwhelming choice of companies offering Kilimanjaro treks. By definition, the less expensive trips spend less time on the mountain and thereby provide less time to acclimatise - an essential ingredient for summit success. When considering your Kilimanjaro trek, it makes sense to compare the 'per day' cost of the trip.

    Why climb Kilimanjaro with Jagged Globe?

    Jagged Globe is Britain's longest established specialist mountaineering expedition organiser. We are committed to providing challenging yet attainable summit objectives with the emphasis on safety, client care and quality of service. In particular, we attach great importance to the quality of the leadership we provide.

    Since we ran our first expedition to Kilimanjaro in January 1994, we have refined every aspect of our itinerary to ensure that we provide the best possible level of service and support for this ascent. If you want the ultimate East Africa experience, join us on this fantastic mountaineering adventure. We have:

    Expedition Itinerary

    Day 1:Fly London to Kilimanjaro International Airport
    On arrival at the airport, we are met by our representative and driven to our hotel in Moshi. This is a long day's travelling but we are settled into the hotel before midnight.
    Day 2:Enter Arusha National Park and begin ascent of Mt Meru
    Having almost caught up on our sleep, we depart the Keys Hotel for our first challenge, an ascent of Mount Meru (4,566m). Although smaller than Kilimanjaro, it is not to be underestimated! Our walk begins after a 2 ˝ hour drive to the park gate and we head for Mirikamba Hut (2,520m). We find ourselves walking through the Arusha National Park with a view across the plains of Africa behind us and, in front, a fantastic view of Mount Meru. Giraffes, buffalo and monkeys are a regular sight here. As you ascend, the forest gets deeper and the track winds through it with interest. The walk takes around 3 hours, leaving time to take in the views and the huts provide dormitory type accommodation.
    Day 3:Climb to the Saddle Hut on Mt Meru
    After a full breakfast with a great view of Kilimanjaro to the east, it is time to trek up to the Saddle (3,566m) on Mount Meru. The vegetation starts to change as height is gained and we emerge from the forest and eventually arrive at Saddle Hut after 4 ˝ hours. It is time for lunch, followed by a short ascent of Little Meru (3,820m) in the afternoon for extra acclimatisation. After soaking up the view its back to the Saddle Hut to prepare for our first big day, Meru summit. It is important to get some sleep at this point, which is sometimes easier said than done during the early hours.
    Day 4:Summit day on Mt Meru (4,556m/14,947ft)
    An exciting day today as we wake at midnight for an early breakfast. Our climb begins under a blanket of stars and we eventually reach our first milestone after 1-hour, Rhino Point (3,800m). After a short descent and a steady scramble over sloping slabs, it is now uphill all the way to the summit. The route sees us climb the remaining part of the crater wall that surrounds the ash cone in the centre of the volcano. As we near the top the sun breaks the horizon and bathes everything in a warm orange glow. The final rocky stretch leads to the summit and we are rewarded with a view of our surroundings, including Kilimanjaro to the east. It takes 6 - 8 hours to reach the summit where the photo opportunities are not to be missed. It is now time to descend to Mirikamba Hut to rest and relax after a long climb.
    Day 5:Descend Meru and head back to Moshi for rest
    Today is a relaxing walk to the gate. We make an early start so we can take our time to see as much wildlife on the way as possible. We take a slightly different route down as we came up on the first day. This allows us to see some picturesque waterfalls. Finally it is back to the hotel for a well-deserved hot shower.
    Day 6:Begin ascent of Kilimanjaro
    After a good night's sleep, we travel by jeep to the start of the Umbwe Route, at the foot of our main objective, Kilimanjaro. Being a more arduous trek than most routes on Kilimanjaro, the Umbwe has few visitors and is much more interesting than more popular trails. From the gate at 1,400m/4,590ft and with porters carrying our equipment, we set off up a good track. Eventually it narrows to become barely discernible, as we wind up through dense jungle. The rain forest is magnificent and the track a steady climb, finishing at the campsite at Forest Caves, at an altitude of 3,000m/9,840ft (approx 5 hours).
    Day 7:Climb to Baranco Hut
    The route continues through forest with a good chance of seeing Colobus monkeys before rearing up on to a steep, narrow ridge with deep valleys on either side. This gives a distinct high mountain feel. The flora is unusual, including African walnut trees draped in 'goats beard' moss. The huge ravine of the great Baranco drops away on one side and directly ahead is the awesome Breach Wall of Kilimanjaro. At 3,000m, we emerge on to high moorland and the entire character of the trek changes. The Baranco Hut, little more than a tin shack, is reached in mid-afternoon and we set up camp (3,900m/12,790ft, 5 hours).
    Day 8:Acclimatisation and exploration
    This is an acclimatisation day involving a short climb up the Baranco Wall to view the southern glaciers of Kilimanjaro. The hike provides good views of this side of the mountain and of Mt Meru. We then descend back to Baranco camp in time for lunch and a restful afternoon.
    Day 9:Climb to Arrow Hut beneath the Breach Wall
    We continue up the ridge until it joins the final slopes of the volcano. We have tremendous views of the Breach Wall to the right and of our route to the summit, up the Western Breach directly above. We camp near the ruins of the Arrow Hut which is a good, level campsite (4,800m/15,740ft, 5 hours).
    Day 10:Summit day
    We awake very early and are well underway by 3 a.m., climbing by head-torch until the pre-dawn light begins to illuminate the upper slopes of the volcano. We climb the steep scree and then rock that leads up past the Arrow Glacier to the crater rim. There a several sections of scrambling over the top of incredible frozen lava formations. As the sun rises on the horizon, we witness the remarkable shadow of Kilimanjaro stretching across the plains behind us, towards Mt Meru. Following the crater rim, we cross the foot of the tiny Furtwangler Glacier and then make a final steep climb up to Uhuru Summit (5,895m/19,340ft). The ascent from the camp to the summit takes between 6 and 8 hours.

    The views from the summit are breathtaking; to the north stands Mt. Kenya, the second highest peak on the continent and to the west Mt. Meru. We spend about an hour on the summit, taking in the exposure and watching the clouds as they begin to form around the tips of the volcanoes. From the exhilaration of reaching the summit we continue eastwards along the crater rim, following the top of the tourist track, to Stella Point. Here, we leave the tourist track and turn down steep scree to the little-frequented Barafu Hut (4,600m/15,088ft) and on to the Mweka Hut (3,100m/10,170ft) at the start of the forest. This is a long but very rewarding day.

    Day 11:Descent via the Mweka Hut
    Leaving Mweka Hut, the path descends steeply through lush green forest. The route follows the crest of a broad ridge separating two river valleys, before the path widens and leads us to Mweka Village. From the village of Mweka, we are taken by jeep to our hotel in Moshi. We have a good meal and a few drinks to celebrate in the evening.
    Day 12:At Leisure in Moshi, evening flight to London
    We have the day to explore Moshi and to wind down, after the relatively fast pace of the expedition. A visit to the market place at Moshi's centre perhaps, might give us the only real experience of Tanzanian life as it is lived daily by the locals. We will also have the opportunity to buy local handicrafts as souvenirs of our African adventures. We depart in the evening to catch our homebound flight.
    Day 13:Arrive London at around breakfast time

    IMPORTANT NOTE:
    Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is Adventure Travel in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it. Weather conditions, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns and the health of climbers can all contribute to changes. The Expedition Leader and our local agent will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but an easy going nature will be an asset!

    Kilimanjaro Extensions

    We can easily arrange for you to go on a safari or beach holiday after the climb, and delay the return flight to London accordingly. If you would like to spend more time in Tanzania, we recommend these two itinerary extensions extensions; a 4-day Safari Extension or the 7-day Zanzibar extension.

    Safari Extension

    Day 11:The day remains as per the current itinerary.
    Day 12:Lake Manyara
    Leave Keys Hotel at 08:30 hrs. Drive to Lake Manyara with picnic lunch and game drive. Drive to Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge. Dinner and overnight at lodge.
    Day 13:Ngorongoro crater and Tarangire game drive
    In the morning, tour of the Ngorongoro crater before picnic lunch. Travel to Tarangire for evening game drive. Dinner and overnight in the Tarangire Safari Lodge.
    Day 14:Tarangire to Arusha
    Breakfast followed by early morning game drive. Return for lunch at the lodge. Drive back to Arusha and the Meserani Snake Park and return to the Keys Hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
    Day 15:Rest day at the hotel.
    Leave hotel at about 5 p.m. for departure from Kilimanjaro International at 21.20 hrs.
    Day 16:Arrive London via Amsterdam.

    This is a good itinerary extension as it visits the major parks of the area; namely Ngorongoro and Tarangire. The cost of this itinerary is:

    Zanzibar Extension

    Zanzibar Island is a superb destination to wind down after the rigours of climbing Kilimanjaro. This tropical Indian Ocean island has a fascinating combination of Arabic and African cultures. If you are still feeling energetic, you could do some snorkelling or diving! The following represents the standard itinerary that we currently recommend.

    Day 11:Complete expedition itinerary. Overnight hotel.
    Day 12:Fly to Zanzibar
    Fly from Kilimanjaro International to Dar Es Saleem and onwards to Zanzibar. Overnight in Stone Town.
    Day 13:Stone Town
    Overnight Hotel.
    Day 14:Travel to Nungwi on the northern pinnacle of Zanzibar Island.
    The hotel commands wide views over sparkling turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Overnight Beach Hotel.
    Day 15-17:Activities at Beach Hotel.
    Relax on the fabulous beaches or take a diving lesson. You have three whole days in paradise! Overnight Beach Hotel.
    Day 18:Transfer to Airport.
    Depart Zanzibar to Dar Es Saleem to connect with homeward international flight to UK via Amsterdam.
    Day 19:Arrive UK, mid morning.

    Please note: The hotels, as named, cannot be guaranteed, as this will depend upon availability. If these hotels are not available then we will endeavor to book hotels of at least the same standard, wherever possible.

    Either Extension can be booked on-line at the same time as your trek booking.

    Acclimatisation

    One of the most crucial components of a successful ascent of Kilimanjaro is a carefully designed acclimatisation programme, built into the itinerary. Our Kilimanjaro itinerary has been tried and tested since 1994 and our success rate is one of the highest there is. By climbing the nearby Mt Meru (4,556m) prior to tackling Kilimanjaro, not only do our clients experience another worthwhile peak, they are also far better prepared to enjoy an ascent of the main objective - Africa's highest mountain. In a recent investigation by the Expedition Advisory Service at the Royal Geographical Society, they recommended an ascent of Mt Kenya or Mt Meru prior to attempting Kilimanjaro.

    Acclimatisation

    Approximate altitude profile of Kilimanjaro - Western Breach: Kilimanjaro - Western Breach altitude profile, 14 kb
    Please note: This profile does not represent the gradient of the mountain!

    Leadership

    Our Kilimanjaro treks are led by qualified and experienced mountain leaders. In selecting suitable leaders, we not only look to ensure that they have the relevant qualifications but we also ensure that they have a good track record of mountaineering at high altitudes. Whilst qualifications and experience are essential requirements, we also make sure that our leaders have the right temperament to lead an team comprised of individuals who have a range of previous experience and expectations. To that end, we aim to provide a leader who will make the trek both successful and enjoyable throughout.

    All of our leaders are personally known to us, having normally led several expeditions or treks for us previously. They are familiar with what we expect from them and how we like them to run trip on our behalf. Their main aim will be to ensure that you derive optimum benefit from taking part in the trip and to maximise every individual's chances of reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro. However, as experienced and qualified mountaineers, they will always operate with safety as the prime consideration. In the past, the careful selection of our expedition leaders has proved to be a major asset in the continuing success of our expeditions and treks and the overall enjoyment of the team members taking part.

    Our leaders also hold a current mountain first aid certificate and have experience of dealing with the symptoms of acute mountain sickness and other altitude related illness.

    Team Composition

    The Jagged Globe leader is supported by English speaking Tanzanian guides and local porters, who have climbed Kilimanjaro many times before. Porters are provided throughout the trip so that team members only need to carry the items they need for each day.

    Experience Required

    Kilimanjaro - Western Breach is graded 1A.

    The ascent of Kilimanjaro by the Umbwe Route and the Western Breach is one of the world's great mountaineering adventures, suitable for people who have done several Grade 1 and preferably some Grade 2 or 3 scrambles in the British Hills (such as Striding Edge, Aonach Eagach or Grib Goch), or equivalent. In deciding if you should join this trip, or climb Kilimanjaro by the Lemosho Glades route, which requires straightforward hill-walking experience alone, please remember that on the Western Breach you will be scrambling on steep terrain, loose in places, in the dark, in the cold, at high altitude and the rocks may be icy in places, or covered in snow. Therefore, you must be able to tackle Grade 1 scrambles with confidence in all situations, even though no previous experience of high altitudes is necessary. If you have not scrambled before, we recommend that you complete one of our Scrambling Courses in Snowdonia, prior to joining the Western Breach ascent, or take part in our Scottish Winter Courses.

    Porter Protection

    Any trek or expedition to Kilimanjaro relies on the hard work of local porters. It is their carrying of our supplies and baggage that makes the journey into the mountains possible. Jagged Globe is therefore careful to ensure that they are well treated, not exploited and have good protection from the elements. Our expeditions and treks to Kilimanjaro abide by the rules and regulations of the National Park with porters carrying no more than 20Kgs on Mt Meru and on Kilimanjaro, 15Kgs . We make sure that our porters never go any higher on Kilimanjaro than the top camps (Arrow Hut camp, Barafu Camp or Kibo Hut), or the paths that connect them. We also ensure that all porters going on the mountain have access to shelter such as tents or huts, as appropriate to the route. We make sure that porters on Kilimanjaro have fleeces and waterproofs.

    In addition, Jagged Globe supports the work of the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG) and Tourism Concern and provides help and advice to those organisations to improve the working conditions of the porters on whom we depend. All team members are asked to provide feedback on porters' working conditions in post-trip questionnaires.

    Pre-Expedition Meeting

    Prior to all our expeditions, we host a Pre-Expedition Weekend in North Wales. The primary purpose of the weekend is to provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about the forthcoming expedition and to introduce them to other team members. The weekend covers topics as diverse as personal equipment and acclimatisation and usually involves a hike and some skills training. To find out more about our Pre-Expedition Weekends [click here].

    Equipment

    Find out about our comprehensive Equipment Hire Service.

    To join the Kilimanjaro expedition, you will need the following specialist equipment:

    A complete climbing equipment and clothing list is included in the expedition dossier, which is sent to you on booking along with details of our comprehensive Equipment Hire Service.

    What the price includes

    What the price does not include

    Regional Flights and Departures from UK Airports

    For flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport from the UK, we use KLM via Amsterdam. Using Amsterdam as the hub, KLM offers flights to Kilimanjaro from most of the regional airports in the UK. So, if you would prefer to fly from your local airport, rather than from Heathrow, we can arrange this for you. Please indicate when you book the airport you would like to fly from, either by giving us a call or on your booking form. We will do the rest. You will be scheduled to fly from the UK to Amsterdam to catch the same onward flight to Tanzania as everyone else in your team. So you will not be travelling to Africa alone as the expedition members will all be united on arrival in Amsterdam.

    Kilimanjaro International Airport is only a short distance from our hotel base in Moshi and is the most conveniently located airfield for entering the region. Unlike some operators, we fly directly into Tanzania rather than travelling across land from Nairobi in Kenya. We therefore avoid the hassle of obtaining two visas (for both Kenya and Tanzania) and do not have to endure the long and tiring.

    Insurance

    Special travel insurance is available from us which provides a wide range of cover. Our 'Expedition only' premium for this expedition is detailed in the Prices & Booking section. A full explanation of the Jagged Globe Insurance Scheme is available on the website and in our brochure.

    Additional Information

    If you wish to discuss any aspect of the expedition or your suitability for it, please contact us by telephone:

    Alternatively, you can contact us by email via the Contact Page on the website.

    Booking

    If you would like to book a place on this expedition, you can do so on our secure on-line booking facility, on our website. The £300 deposit for this expedition will secure you a place on your chosen departure. You will receive an automatic email confirmation, followed by a written confirmation of booking, climbing questionnaire and Expedition Dossier. Alternatively, you can book over the telephone or by sending in a booking form by post. Book Now!