Kilimanjaro Summit Night: Tips to Reach the Top

Summit night is the hardest and most rewarding part of any Kilimanjaro climb. You leave your high camp in darkness, walk slowly upward for hours in the cold, and, if all goes well, watch the sun rise over Africa from the roof of the continent.

Knowing what to expect takes away much of the anxiety. Here is how our guides prepare climbers for the big night.

What the night looks like

On most routes, summit attempts begin from a high camp such as Barafu, Kibo Hut or School Hut. You usually rest in the afternoon and evening, then wake around midnight for tea and a light snack before setting off.

The climb to the crater rim at Stella Point or Gilman's Point typically takes several hours, followed by a slower walk along the rim to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters. The descent back to high camp, and then on to a lower camp for the night, makes it a very long day.

Many climbers find it hard to sleep in the hours before the start, and that is completely normal. Simply lying down and resting in a warm sleeping bag still helps. Lay out your clothes, headlamp, snacks and water before you rest, so getting ready in the dark is quick and calm.

Dressing for the cold

Temperatures near the summit are often well below freezing, and wind can make it feel much colder. Layer up before you leave camp, because stopping to change in the dark wastes energy and heat.

• Thermal base layers on top and bottom
• One or two insulating mid layers, such as fleece
• A warm down or synthetic insulated jacket
• Windproof and waterproof outer layers
• Warm hat, buff, insulated gloves or mittens with liners
• Thick socks and well broken-in boots

Pacing and breathing

Your guide will set a very slow, steady pace. It may feel almost too slow at first, but it is designed to keep your breathing and heart rate under control at high altitude. Try to match your breathing to your steps and avoid stopping for long, as you will quickly get cold.

Many climbers find it helps to focus only on the boots of the person in front and the next few steps, rather than thinking about the summit.

Water, food and batteries

Water freezes easily on summit night. Use insulated bottle covers, start with warm water, and carry bottles upside down so the cap does not ice up first. Hydration bladder tubes freeze quickly, so bottles are more reliable.

Carry small snacks you enjoy, even if your appetite is low. Keep phone and camera batteries in an inside pocket close to your body, because cold drains them fast. A headlamp with fresh batteries is essential.

Listen to your guide

Summit night is when altitude symptoms are most likely to worsen. Your guide will check on you regularly, and if they decide you need to turn back, it is for your safety. Be honest about how you feel. Reaching the crater rim is an achievement in itself, and coming home safely matters most.

Once you reach the top, take a few minutes to celebrate, take photos and look around, but do not linger too long. Your guide will want to start the descent while you still have energy, as the way down can be tiring on loose ground.