After getting as much rest as possible, it’s time for your exciting early start. You will be woken up around 11:00 pm, and will have breakfast waiting for you. The reason for the (very) early start is to try and make the summit by sunrise. Try to eat as much as possible, making sure that you have energy for the thrilling day ahead. Your day pack should be ready with rain gear, hand warmers, snacks, sunscreen and sunglasses for the summit, and of course, your camera.

As your summit ascent begins, your pre-summit goal is to reach Gillman’s point. The scree-sloped Kibu is steep in the beginning, but the switchbacks will make the climb easier for you. As the oxygen becomes thinner, you’ll begin to feel the effects of the higher altitude. Take your time and focus on taking the trek step-by-step. After approximately an hour and a half you will hit rockier terrain, with some boulders to walk over. These rocks are called the Jamaican Rocks, and can be slippery at times so be mindful of your steps as you cross over them.

The night will be cold with frigid temperatures and altitude sickness may begin to hit you. Your final push to the top may seem endless, but rest assured that it will come to an end. What satisfaction as you reach Gilman’s point at the top of Kibo! From here, it is only an hour and a half or so until Uhuru Peak and you will have the opportunity to rest and refuel a bit before the final haul. As you look across the starlit sky, you have the outline of Mawenzi glaring back at you. Take in the cosmic sights and congratulate yourself for making it thus far! The worst has been accomplished.

As you turn Southwest, you start to push through the steady but shallow trail along the crater rim and past Stella Point to arrive at the breathtaking Uhuru Peak. While it’s a very gradual ascent, the thin air will make it challenging and each step will take all your focus and energy. Dawn is approaching, take some pictures, pat yourself on the back, and enjoy the glistening pink and orange sunrise hues overlooking the icefields and glaciers. The rolling clouds splash against the noble beauty of Kibo – it’s a sight you won’t soon forget.