Western Breach Route still closed

Monday September 25th 2006

Following the deaths of the three Americans earlier this year on the Western Breach Route, that path to the summit remains closed. This is, of course, of particular importance to trekkers who want to sleep in the summit campsite and explore the top of Kibo, as this was always the easiest way to access the crater.

However, there is some more positive news on this front. I’ve heard of people accessing the crater via the Barafu route (commonly used by those on the Machame, Umbwe, and Shira/Lemosho routes) using a path described in the book. There are also confirmed rumours of a new campsite - known as the Kosovo Campsite for reasons that currently remain obscure - above the Barafu Campsite. Whether this camp is an ‘official’ one, and more importantly a permanent one, I have yet to discern; I’ll let you know as soon as I know.