The Ridge Route - Kilimanjaro's Western Breach
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The Ridge Route up Kilimanjaro is a somewhat more challenging option to the summit. The Western Breach Route otherwise known as the Arrow Glacier is an alternative concluding ascent trail up Kilimanjaro. Far more challenging than the Barafu Route, it is considered to be the most demanding non-technical ascent to the summit and is recommended only for extremely fit individuals, or those with previous mountaineering experience.
Although an alternative on most routes, the Western Breach option is most commonly used on the Umbwe Route and begins in the Barranco Valley at an altitude of 12 950 feet. From the Barranco Camp, climbers will set off on the Lava Trail en route to the Arrow Glacier Camp. Along the way they will pass the Lava Tower Hut and the former Arrow Glacier Hut, before scrambling up a rocky edge to the base of the Crater at an altitude of 16 100 feet.
The following day, hikers will set off for Uhuru via the sharp cliffs of the amphitheatre. The sheer, rocky face of the Western Breach proposes a taxing although exciting scramble over icy scree, with an ice axe occasionally being required in particularly slippery sections. Once abreast the Breach, climbers will be able to pause and enjoy the spectacular surroundings, including breathtaking views of Kibo and the many icefields surrounding the crater.
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From there on there is one final push of approximately an hour and a half in order to reach the summit. After enjoying the thrill of conquering the Great Rooftop of Africa, hikers will then have the option of spending an extra night inside the Crater itself, or alternatively descending immediately to Mweka Camp via Barafu. After a well deserved night's rest at Mweka Camp, climbers will begin their final descent through the leafy rainforests to Mweka Gate.
Gazing back at the mountain, the entire experience may seem to some to be as dreamlike as the clouds which swirl around its summit. Few will argue however, that once you have felt the earth of Oldoinyo Oibor under your feet, it will remain in your blood forever.
The Kilimanjaro Experience
