Summit night is the hardest and most memorable part of a Kilimanjaro climb. You leave high camp around midnight, climb slowly in the dark for six to eight hours to the crater rim, and reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 metres, around sunrise.
Why start at midnight?
- Sunrise from the top, or close to it.
- Frozen scree is firmer and easier to walk on than loose scree later in the day.
- Time to descend before afternoon cloud and weather.
The three points on the crater rim
| Point | Altitude | Reached from |
|---|---|---|
| Stella Point | About 5,756 m | Barafu Camp: Machame, Lemosho, Umbwe |
| Gilman’s Point | About 5,685 m | Kibo Hut or School Hut: Marangu, Rongai, Northern Circuit |
| Uhuru Peak | 5,895 m | 45–90 minutes along the rim from either point |
Reaching Stella Point or Gilman’s Point earns a certificate, but most climbers continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak. The walk is gentler, past glaciers and ice cliffs, though the altitude makes every step slow.
What it feels like
It is cold, often -10°C or lower with wind chill. You walk in a line of headlamps at a very slow, steady pace, with short breaks to drink and eat. Many climbers feel sleepy, nauseous or tired. Guides keep a close eye on everyone and decide when someone should turn back.
After the summit
You spend only a few minutes at Uhuru Peak for photographs, because the altitude is hard on the body. Then you descend to high camp for a rest and a meal, and continue down to a lower camp such as Mweka or Horombo. The whole day can take 12 to 16 hours.
How to prepare
- Rest and eat in the afternoon before the climb.
- Wear all your layers, including your warmest jacket and gloves.
- Keep water from freezing: insulated bottles, carried upside down, or inside your jacket.
- Keep batteries warm in an inside pocket.
- Bring snacks that are easy to eat with gloves on.
Read the Kilimanjaro packing list and how hard Kilimanjaro is.
Frequently asked questions
5,895 metres above sea level, the highest point in Africa.
Usually six to eight hours from high camp, plus 45 to 90 minutes from Stella Point or Gilman’s Point.
Yes. Climbers who reach Stella Point or Gilman’s Point receive a certificate, and Uhuru Peak earns a separate one.
