After days of steady walking, the final push to the summit starts at night. You begin before midnight, climb in the dark and aim to reach the crater rim around sunrise. It is long, cold and slow, and for most climbers it is also the highlight of the trip.
The afternoon before
You reach your high camp (on many routes this is Barafu Camp, around 4,600 metres) in the middle of the day. Eat, drink and rest. Try to sleep for a few hours, even if it is hard. Lay out your clothing so you can dress quickly in the dark.
About midnight: the start
Your guide will wake you with tea or hot water. Dress in all your layers: thermal base layers, insulated jacket, shell, warm hat, gloves and headlamp. Check that your water is not frozen. Keep water bottles inside your jacket or in an insulated cover.
The climb
You walk in single file behind your guide, following a zigzag path on loose scree. The pace feels very slow, and that is the point. Your guide sets it to conserve your energy and manage the effects of altitude. The route climbs about 1,200 metres in height over roughly six to eight hours. You will take short breaks, drinking and eating a little at each.
It is normal to feel tired, cold and slightly sick, and to ask yourself why you are doing this. Break the climb into small goals: the next rest, the next ridge, the next light.
Sunrise at the rim
You reach the crater rim at a point such as Stella Point (5,756 metres) and often see the sun rise nearby. From there it is a further walk along the rim to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the highest point in Africa. Take your photographs, stay only briefly, and start the descent. The air is thin and cold, and the summit is not the place to linger.
The descent
Going down is faster, and it is also tiring. You return to high camp to rest and have a meal, then walk down to a lower camp the same day. Poles help your knees. Many people are surprised by how tired they feel that night, so rest properly.
Tips for a better summit night
- Practise with your headlamp and gloves in the days before.
- Keep snacks in an easy-to-reach pocket. Sweets and energy bars you like work best.
- Use warm drinks at camp and sip often on the climb.
- Tell your guide early if you feel unwell or cold.
- Remember that not everyone reaches the summit: reaching Stella Point is already a major achievement, and the guide's judgement about safety comes first.
Updated 15 October 2026
