A Guide to Kilimanjaro Summit Night

A Guide to Kilimanjaro Summit Night : Mount Kilimanjaro is a breathtaking spectacle in the world—and, of course, the highest peak in Africa. Taking on this great challenge is both an inspiring and rewarding achievement for both beginners and experienced hikers. The good news is that Kilimanjaro doesn’t require special mountaineering skills. You can just conquer it by following one of its routes.

No matter the route you follow, you’re mostly going to begin your final attempt during the night. This guide will give the details about the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Kilimanjaro. Let’s get right into it.

Routes of Kilimanjaro

Mt. Kilimanjaro has seven routes to the summit: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Umbwe, Shira, and the Northern Circuit route. A Kilimanjaro hike takes between 6 days and 11 days depending on the route you follow. Marangu and Umbwe usually take six days of hiking before reaching the highest peak. Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, and Shira usually take 7 days. The Northern Circuit route can take up to 11 days.

How hard is Kilimanjaro?

While Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb, it’s not as easy as pie. It’s difficult, and the difficulty level gradually increases as you approach the peak. You’ll need certain fitness levels to hike it successfully. The major challenge is altitude sickness, especially when you’re not familiar with higher altitudes.

Why summit Kilimanjaro at night?

If you have climbed Kilimanjaro once or more than once, you probably know this. While it’s possible to do it during the day, the summit attempt usually begins at midnight. And there are several reasons for that.

• The glacier is stiff in the night. The Kilimanjaro has plenty of glaciers as you approach its highest points. The ice does not melt during the day, and this makes hiking easier. During the day, ice melts and makes the trail slippery.
• The summit route is long. There is more ground to cover uphill and downhill. So, it’s better to start hiking at night so you can have ample time to rest.
• It’s hard to sleep at high altitudes. Breathing becomes difficult due to an insufficient supply of oxygen. So, it’s really hard to fall asleep. Instead of staying awake in bed, we face the elephant in the room and begin the final ascent.
• Water is scarce at the summit. The drinking water usually comes from streams. There are few streams in the alpine desert zone where the summit camps are located.
• Witnessing sunrise at the summit is hilarious. The other reason we begin the summit attempt at night is the view of sunrise. The sun illuminates the snow, creating an interesting view.

Tips for Success

The summit attempt is the most difficult part of the Kilimanjaro hike. Some climbers fail to beat this great challenge. They then end up there and miss the best part of the hike, conquering Kilimanjaro. However, for a successful climb, here are some tips.

• Eat well before sleep.

Diet is important for a successful hike. Eat well even if you’re feeling full. High altitude can affect your appetite, but you need to eat to obtain enough energy to conquer the toughest part. Always adhere to the meal plan throughout the hike. Bring some energy-giving snacks to eat when resting.

• Drinking enough water

Hydration is key to summiting. The more water you drink, the better your chances of completing the final ascent. Water freezes as you approach the summit. So, it’s essential to drink enough water (at least one liter) before hiking. To avoid your water being frozen, carry your bottle upside down.

• Wear thick layers.

The summit is very cold and windy. You’ll need thick layers to avoid freezing. You also need a balaclava to protect your face from strong winds. Layering is key to a successful Kilimanjaro summit attempt.

• Prepare your gear beforehand.

The final ascent starts at midnight. So, prepare the necessary gear before going to bed. Talk to your guide about what you should pack. Avoid overpacking your backpack with unnecessary things. Leave other things to your porter.

• Don’t worry much.

Try to stop worrying about the big challenge ahead. Instead, engage in conversation with your guide or friends. Anxiety can cause altitude sickness. Sleep early after dinner to gain strength and to avoid staying awake thinking of the summit attempt.

• Take as many breaks as possible.

As you hike up the last trail, take as many stops as possible. This will help you regain energy to conquer the highest peak. The hike becomes more challenging as you reach Gilman Point and Stella Point. As you rest, eat some energy-giving snacks.

• Acclimatize well before the final ascent.

Before you embark on the toughest part of the Kilimanjaro climb, it’s better to get your body used to higher altitudes. Depending on the route followed, there is a day that you’ll hike at the same altitude to acclimatize.

And there you have it! Hiking Kilimanjaro is a wonderful experience and, of course, something to tick off your bucket list. At Focus East Africa Tours, we prepare hiking trips to the peak of Africa’s highest peak. If you have inquiries, don’t hesitate to contact our safari experts.