What Summit Night on Kilimanjaro Is Really Like

Summit night is the most demanding — and most rewarding — part of any Kilimanjaro climb. Here's what actually happens.

The midnight start

You'll be woken around 11pm or midnight for tea and biscuits, then set off into the dark. The early start times your arrival at the crater rim for sunrise and gives you the whole day to descend.

The climb to the rim

By headlamp, you'll zig-zag up steep scree towards Stella Point or Gilman's Point on the crater rim. This is the toughest stretch — cold, dark and high. The secret is to focus on your breathing, your footing and your guide's steady pace.

Sunrise and Uhuru Peak

From the rim it's a gentler walk along the crater to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. With luck you'll watch the sun rise over the clouds and the glaciers glow gold — a moment that makes every step worth it.

The long descent

After photos and celebration you'll descend back to high camp for a rest, then continue down to a lower camp for the night. It's a long day, but you'll sleep like never before — a summiteer.