Breakfast is often served between 7.30 and 8 a.m., "bed tea" is typically served between 6.30 and 7 a.m., and camp departure is at the latest 8.30 a.m. during your Kilimanjaro climb. A midday snack lunch is served, followed by tea and cookies at 4 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. The morning at the summit is different; tea and cookies are served around 11.30 p.m., and trekking begins at midnight or shortly thereafter. The average daily hike lasts four to seven hours. The tempo is leisurely and unforced. At least once every hour, there is a break, and there is lots of opportunity to talk, take pictures, and take in the scenery. The tents will be fixed up and your bags will be waiting for you when you arrive to the campsite. In the morning, you will pack your bags ready for a rapid departure after breakfast.
SUMMIT DAY: Get ready for a long day that begins at midnight and ends at around 4 p.m. with a return trip to High Camp. It will be cold and frequently windy, and the ascent will be in the dark, therefore a headlamp is necessary. It will take roughly six to eight hours to get from Barafu Camp to the Crater Rim, and it will be a truly remarkable experience to arrive as the sun rises. Expect to reach the peak between 7 and 9 am, as it takes an additional hour to go there from the rim (Stella Point). The descent is sandy, loose, and fairly taxing on the knees, but you have an hour on top to take pictures, take in the breathtaking view, and feel completely thrilled. Stay with one of the guides and take it easy; they will divide up to cover all the smaller groups that inevitably develop for the descent.
After you return to Barafu, prepare your baggage for the porters to carry down (you should do this the night before), relax, and have lunch. After that, we'll descend to High Camp, which is another two hours away from the forest's border. Although some people doubt this, descending is essential because Barafu is still above 4,600 meters, and your body will appreciate the drop in elevation. After climbing Kilimanjaro, this may be the last thing you want to do, but it's essential.