7 Days – Umbwe Route via Western Breach

On the second day, you ascend from the forest zone into the heath zone, encountering some very steep sections. It's essential to pace yourself to allow your body to acclimatize. A picnic lunch is taken en route. In the afternoon, you arrive at Barranco Camp, where you can relax before dinner. The views of the Barranco Wall and Western Breach date back to an event 60,000 years ago when this part of the mountain collapsed.

Today's ascent is very steep and leads into the alpine desert, where the air is typically dry. Guides will carefully monitor your progress. If you're not acclimatizing well, the route may be switched to an ascent via Stella Point. Lunch is taken at Lava Tower, with the afternoon dedicated to rest.

The ascent to Arrow Glacier is relatively short, leaving plenty of time to rest. You can take short walks with the guides to enjoy views of the Great Barranco Wall and remnants of the glaciers that once filled the breach. Dinner is followed by an early night.

The start time today depends on the previous day's weather, temperature, ice, and snow conditions. Ascents begin early to avoid significant thawing later in the day. The ascent to the crater floor takes about 4 to 6 hours, with a picnic stop near the top of the breach wall. Once on the crater floor, there's time to rest. For those feeling strong, a hike to the ash pit is a great option.

Unlike other routes that require a nighttime ascent, this hike allows for a daytime ascent to the summit. Starting an hour before dawn, you climb to the Roof of Africa! Afterward, you descend to Mweka Camp for dinner and an overnight stay at an altitude of 3,100m (10,171ft).

After breakfast, you descend through the afromontane forest. Around midday, after bidding farewell to your crew, you are picked up and transferred back to your lodge for a well-deserved shower. In the evening, a Summits Africa representative will visit to congratulate you, discuss your trip, and answer any final questions about your onward journey.