Preparing for summit
Summit night on Mount Kilimanjaro is the pinnacle of your trekking adventure, and meticulous preparation is key to your success. At Nyamera Treks and Safaris, we guide you through every step, ensuring you are well-prepared and supported as you ascend to the Roof of Africa.
Arrival at Barafu Camp
Upon reaching Barafu Camp, your immediate priority is rest. This high-altitude camp serves as the base for your final push to the summit. Upon arrival, settle into your tent and prepare your daypack. You’ll be waking up around 11 PM to begin your ascent, so having everything ready in advance is crucial.
Pre-Summit Preparation
After an early dinner, we advise you to retire to your tent. Although the anticipation and altitude might make sleep difficult, any rest you can get will be beneficial.
At 11 PM, our team will wake you with a hot drink to help you warm up and prepare for the climb. A quick snack in the mess tent will give you the energy needed for the initial stages. Ensure your daypack is ready with essentials like your head torch, water, snacks, and warm clothing.
Managing Your Temperature
Conserving energy by maintaining an optimal body temperature is essential. Here’s how you can manage this effectively:
- Start Cool: Before you begin trekking, remove your down jacket or overcoat to prevent overheating.
- Layer Up During Stops: During “maintenance stops,” put on your down jacket to retain warmth immediately. This practice helps conserve energy by preventing your body from working overtime to regulate temperature.
Eating and Hydration
Summit day is extremely demanding, often involving 13-15 hours of trekking. To sustain your energy levels, it’s important to “feed your climb.” You may burn approximately 4,000 calories, so bring easy-to-eat, high-energy snacks like:
- Candy bars
- Crisps
- Cookies
- Trail mix
- Fruits and nuts
- Energy bars
- Hard sweets
Frequent snacking and staying hydrated will keep your energy levels up and help you combat the effects of altitude.
Effective Use of Stops
During your ascent, we will have several “maintenance stops” rather than rest stops. Use these effectively by planning in advance:
- Adjust your clothing layers as needed.
- Use the toilet if necessary.
- Eat and drink to maintain your energy.
- Put on warm clothing to prevent heat loss before you stop moving.
Pacing Yourself
Your guides will set a pace that balances safety and efficiency. Moving too quickly can increase the risk of altitude sickness, while moving too slowly can make the trek unbearably long. Aim for a steady, consistent pace – “pole pole” (slowly, slowly) as the Swahili say.
Reaching the Summit
By daybreak, you’ll reach the crater rim, witnessing the breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi and the panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 19,341 feet, takes about 1-2 more hours. This is where you’ll experience the awe-inspiring sight of Kilimanjaro’s glacial icefields, famously known as the “snows of Kilimanjaro.”
Summit Conditions
The summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak, can be extremely cold, with nighttime temperatures ranging from 20°F to -20°F (-7°C to -29°C). The mountain’s immense height generates its own weather patterns, so be prepared for these challenging conditions.
The Descent
After celebrating at the summit and capturing memorable photos, it’s time to descend. The descent back to Barafu Camp can be strenuous, particularly on the knees. If you have knee problems, this is the time to use a knee brace. Trekking poles are invaluable for maintaining balance and reducing strain.
As you descend, the increase in oxygen at lower altitudes will provide a welcome relief. Upon returning to Barafu Camp, you’ll have lunch before continuing to a lower camp for the night. Exhausted yet exhilarated, you’ll likely enjoy a well-deserved deep sleep.
Final Descent
On the final morning, you’ll trek for 3-4 hours downhill through the lush forest to the trailhead. From there, our team will transport you to your post-climb hotel accommodation, where you can rest and celebrate your incredible achievement of conquering Mount Kilimanjaro.
At Nyamera Treks and Safaris, we ensure that every aspect of your summit night and descent is meticulously planned, providing you with the guidance and support needed to make your Kilimanjaro journey a safe and unforgettable experience.