Looking for an adventure that will take your breath away? Look no further than a Kilimanjaro trek on the Shira Western Breach!  This Kilimanjaro itinerary is a very successful trek with almost 100% of the climbers summiting. Explore East Africa is one of the few expedition companies using this route. With a direct access to the crater, this route is one of the less crowded. You will have the chance of sleeping in the crater at 18 500 ms, the view of the glacier is breath taking. The route has the added benefit of passing though the Shira Plateau World Heritage Site and some other pristine wilderness.    This incredible journey will take you through stunning landscapes, including lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and rocky ridges.

As you ascend to the summit of Kilimanjaro, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Tanzania's majestic landscape.  But the Shira Western Breach route is not for the faint of heart. You'll need to be in good physical condition and be prepared for challenging terrain. But don't worry – our experienced guides will be with you every step of the way to ensure your safety and comfort.  At night, you'll rest in comfortable tents and enjoy delicious meals prepared by our skilled chefs. And as you wake up each morning to the sound of birds singing and the crisp mountain air, you'll know that you're embarking on an adventure that you'll never forget.  So what are you waiting for? Sign up for a Kilimanjaro trek on the Shira Western Breach today and experience the adventure of a lifetime! 

Day 1 Arrive Arusha

Arrive in Amsterdam this morning and check in for your connecting flight to Kilimanjaro, arriving in the evening. You are met by your guide and transferred to your lodge located in the hills just outside of Arusha, set in a stunning location with magnificent views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Overnight: Arusha Lodge

Day 2 West Kilimanjaro Camp

Giraffes in Arusha National Park

This morning you will have a climb briefing at your lodge before transferring to base camp on the west side of Kilimanjaro. The camp is set in under the spreading branches of Acacia Tortillis nestled near a volcanic cone, which affords superb sundowners and good views. This day also serves as an acclimatization day and a day to recover from the long flights.

Overnight: West Kilimanjaro Camp

Day 3 Forest Camp

After a hearty breakfast and a climb briefing, you’ll be transferred to the Londorossi Gate (5,900 ft.) to begin your climb. This first trekking day is through dense rainforest (approx. 80 inches precip / yr), under the tangled canopy of moss-coated vines, which are home to the black & white colobus monkey, blue monkey, and a vibrant array of exotic birds. Arrive at your camp set in the lower heather belt and enjoy a hot dinner in the mess tent.

Trekking: 3-4 Hours

Overnight: Forest Camp (9,281 ft.)

Day 4 Shira 1 Camp

Enjoying Lunch at 12,000 Feet with Magnificent Views of Kili's Summit

Once out of the forest, take a steep track into a Savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. Ascend through the lush rolling hills below the Shira plateau, finally reaching camp at the edge of the plateau. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.

Trekking: 5-6 Hours

Overnight: Shira 1 Camp (11,499 ft.)

Day 5 Shira 2 Camp

Full day exploration of the Shira plateau. Trek east toward Kibo’s glaciated peak. Arrive at Shira 2 camp. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth, averaging 12,500 feet.

Trekking: 3-4 Hours

Overnight: Shira 2 Camp (12,795 ft.)

Day 6 Lava Tower Camp

Lava Tower Camp at 15,100 Feet

Proceed steadily upward over expansive ridgelines of high desert to our camp set in a striking spot near Lava Tower. You can test your ardor this afternoon or tomorrow morning by climbing to the top of Lava Tower for spectacular panoramas.

Trekking: 4-6 Hours

Overnight: Lava Tower Camp (15,213 ft.)

Day 7 Karanga Camp

This morning you will descend into the majestic Great Barranco Valley, amidst the forest of giant groundsels, between sheer cliffs with brilliant hanging glaciers. After lunch at Barranco Camp, you begin a scramble up the steep "Barranco Wall."

We then traverse up and down the slopes of valleys, which have carved their way into the mountain's southern face. Kibo’s glaciers loom above to your left and the jagged peak of Mawenzi appears just over the southern slope of Kibo. We stop in the Karanga Valley at the end of this day.

Trekking:6-7 Hours

Overnight: Karanga Camp (13,231 ft.)

Day 8 Barafu Camp

As we begin this morning the trail turns steadily uphill. The temperature will grow colder and the landscape more sparse as we near Barafu Camp. Barafu Camp is set on an exposed ridge and is the staging point from which you will make your way into the arctic summit zone tomorrow morning. Our cooks will help you eat and drink as much as possible before retiring to your tent for rest and sleep.

Trekking:5-6 Hours

Overnight: Barafu Camp (15,331 ft.)

Day 9 Crater Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro's Western Approach

Today you will wake up at dawn and set out for Crater Camp, climbing over 2,500 ft. with magnificent views of Mt. Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s second volcanic cone, to the east. In the afternoon, you will arrive at the crater rim to an arctic moonscape. Camp is set in the wide crater atop Kilimanjaro, in soft sand near the indigo streaked Furtwangler Glacier.

Trekking: 9-10 Hours (Optional 3-Hour Trek to Reusch Crater)

Overnight: Crater Camp (18,802 ft.)

Day 10 Summit Mount Kilimanjaro

Approaching One of Kilimanjaro's Few Remaining Glaciers

Arise with hot tea and some breakfast, and then amble your way up the last 600 feet to Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft.). Descend the Mweka Route to Barafu Camp for lunch, then continue to your camp nestled in thick heather on the southern slopes.

Trekking:1-2 Hours to Summit / 5-7 Hours to Reach Mweka Camp

Overnight: Mweka Camp (10,065 ft.)

Day 11 Depart Tanzania

Complete your descent through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate, where you will be met and transferred back to your lodge for a much-needed shower and some merry convalescence. For those not continuing on safari, you will be transferred to the airport this evening for your flight to Amsterdam.