Summit night begins around midnight. You'll wake to hot tea and biscuits, then step into the cold, clear night. The temperature can drop to -20°C or lower. Layer up and make sure your headlamp is fully charged.
The first section is a steady climb across rocky terrain. The altitude makes breathing difficult – every step requires conscious effort. Pace yourself and follow your guide's rhythm.
From Gilman's Point (5,681m), it's another 1-2 hours to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. The final stretch is mentally challenging but the reward is incredible.
Standing on the "Roof of Africa" at dawn is profoundly moving. Many climbers describe it as a life-changing moment. The views stretch across Tanzania and into Kenya.
The descent is faster but harder on your knees. You'll drop from 5,895m to 3,100m in a single day. Trekking poles help significantly.