Our guides wake us before midnight for tea and cookies and final dressing (in many layers) for our summit attempt. It can be bitterly cold. The guides like to have the team on the trail between 12-1a.m. in hope of reaching the summit for the sunrise. Starting off, the trail swings back and forth up a steep scree slope while the line of climbers stretches out in the darkness, only visible by their headlamps. Placing one foot in front of the other and focusing on your breathing, the black sky infinitely above you, this climb is one you will never forget. Most climbers arrive at Gillman’s point, elevation 18,685 feet, in time to see the sunrise around 6:30 a.m. The views from the top looking down on the plains of Africa make it all worthwhile. Some climbers decide they have reached their goal and head down from here, a legitimate summit. Others hike an additional 2-3 hours to the true summit, Uhuru Peak at 19,340′. The descent from Gillman’s point is fairly rapid, taking about 2 hours. Most climbers take a short rest at Kibo Hut before descending to Horombo Hut for the night, arriving in the late afternoon.
- Elevation (ft): 15,520ft to 19,340ft
- Distance: 3.5 miles ascent + 9.5 miles descent
- Hiking Time: 8-10 hours ascent + 4-6 hours descent
- Habitat: Arctic
