School Hut

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School Hut is a summit base camp at roughly 4,800 metres, set in the stark alpine desert on the northern side of Kibo. It is the final launch point for climbers on the Northern Circuit and Rongai routes, sitting on an open field of volcanic gravel. Despite the name, climbers camp in tents here rather than staying in a building.

This is a basic public campsite exposed to extreme cold and biting wind, with no rooms, restaurant, tap water, electricity, Wi-Fi or private bathroom. Sleeping is in expedition tents pitched by the crew near a stone-walled ranger base, with shared pit latrines the only facility. At this altitude, warmth depends entirely on high-quality sleeping gear and the mountain support team.

All meals, tents and water are prepared and carried by your trekking crew, not provided on site. Climbers usually eat an early dinner and rest for only a few hours before being woken around midnight for the final switchback ascent to Gilman’s Point and Uhuru Peak. Sub-zero temperatures and thin air make this the most demanding night of the climb, so following your guide on layering, hydration and pace is essential.