Day 6: The summit bid awaits, and the air is charged with anticipation. In the darkness before dawn, you begin your final ascent, illuminated only by the stars above and your determination within. Step by step, you push the boundaries of your own limitations, embracing the euphoria that comes from conquering both the physical and mental challenges that Mt. Kilimanjaro presents.
Elevation: 4,700m/15,400ft to 5,895m/19,340ft to 3,720m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km to 15km/3.7 miles to 9.3 miles
Hiking time: 6-8 hrs to the summit then 6 hrs to Horombo Hut
Habitat: Alpine desert/arctic/moorland
Day 6 begins at midnight. You’ll be woken up with a hot cup of tea and a biscuit before you begin your ascent in the dark. Once we reach Hans Meyer Cave, you’ll be able to have a break and refuel with an energy bar. We’ll then continue zigzagging our way as the terrain steepens coming onto Gilman’s Point. Standing on this crater rim, you’ll take a short break, take on some sugar/electrolytes and rest a little before you cross the crater to Stella Point. Our porters will have arrived ahead and heated up some ginger tea for us to drink and warm our insides before the final push.