Kilimanjaro Summit Points

Uhuru Peak is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent, standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. Located on the southern rim of Kibo’s crater, it is the ultimate goal for climbers and a symbol of achievement and perseverance.

Historical Significance

The name “Uhuru” means “freedom” in Swahili and was chosen to celebrate Tanzania’s independence from British colonial rule in 1961. Prior to this, the peak was known as Kaiser-Wilhelm-Spitze, named by Hans Meyer in 1889 after the German emperor. The renaming to Uhuru Peak reflects the mountain’s importance as a national symbol and its role in Tanzania’s identity.

Climbing to Uhuru Peak

Reaching Uhuru Peak requires determination and proper preparation. Climbers typically attempt the summit during the early morning hours to take advantage of stable weather conditions and to witness the breathtaking sunrise from the top. The final ascent involves navigating steep scree slopes and rocky paths, often in freezing temperatures, with night temperatures ranging from 20 to -20°F (-7 to -29°C).

From both Stella Point and Gilman’s Point, the path to Uhuru Peak follows the crater rim. From Stella Point, it is approximately a 1-hour hike, while from Gilman’s Point, it takes about 2 hours. The trail is relatively gentle compared to the ascent to the rim, but the high altitude can make every step challenging, requiring a slow pace to manage altitude sickness.

Views and Experiences

At Uhuru Peak, climbers are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the vast African plains, the nearby Mawenzi peak, and the remnants of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers. The sense of accomplishment is profound, and many climbers take the opportunity to capture photographs with the iconic signboard that marks the summit, updated over the years to reflect the mountain’s history.

However, due to the extreme altitude, it is recommended to spend only a short time at the peak to minimize the risk of altitude sickness. After celebrating their achievement, climbers begin their descent back to lower elevations, often via Stella Point and Barafu Camp, depending on the route.

Stella Point, located at 5,756 meters (18,885 feet), is a significant milestone on the way to Uhuru Peak. It is named after Estella Latham, who in 1925 became the first woman to reach this point on Mount Kilimanjaro, adding a historical note to its significance.

Location and Routes

Stella Point is situated on the southern rim of Kibo’s crater and is a key junction for several climbing routes, including Machame, Lemosho, Shira, and Umbwe. Climbers on these routes typically reach Stella Point after ascending from Barafu Camp, and from there, they can continue to Uhuru Peak, a relatively easy 1-hour hike along the crater rim.

For climbers on the Marangu and Rongai routes, who first reach Gilman’s Point, Stella Point is passed on the way to Uhuru Peak, forming part of the crater rim walk. This makes Stella Point a pivotal waypoint for all climbers, regardless of their chosen route, once they reach the rim.

Significance

Reaching Stella Point is a major achievement in itself, as it marks the point where climbers have successfully ascended to the crater rim, often after a challenging ascent from Barafu Camp, taking 5 to 7 hours. The Kilimanjaro National Park recognizes this accomplishment by issuing certificates to those who reach Stella Point, even if they do not proceed to Uhuru Peak, acknowledging their effort and altitude gain.

For many climbers, especially those struggling with altitude sickness or fatigue, Stella Point serves as a potential turnaround point. However, for those who can continue, the path to Uhuru Peak from Stella Point is less steep, offering a more manageable final push to the summit.

Views

From Stella Point, climbers can enjoy stunning views of the crater and the surrounding glaciers. The early morning light often casts a golden hue on the ice fields, creating a magical atmosphere, especially at sunrise. It’s also a popular spot for taking photographs before continuing to the summit or beginning the descent, with views into the crater and across to Mawenzi peak.

Gilman’s Point, at 5,685 meters (18,652 feet), is another important summit point on Mount Kilimanjaro’s crater rim. It is named after Clement Gillman, a British engineer and geographer who made significant contributions to the mapping and exploration of East Africa, including Kilimanjaro, adding a historical dimension to its name.

Location and Routes

Gilman’s Point is located on the eastern side of Kibo’s crater rim and is the first point reached by climbers on the Marangu and Rongai routes after ascending from Kibo Huts, typically starting at midnight and taking 6 to 8 hours. From Gilman’s Point, climbers can choose to continue along the rim to Stella Point and then to Uhuru Peak, a 2-hour hike, or descend back to Kibo Huts if unable to proceed.

Climbing Experience

The ascent to Gilman’s Point is challenging, involving steep and rocky terrain, often through heavy scree, making it the toughest part of these routes. Climbers often start their summit attempt in the middle of the night to reach Gilman’s Point by dawn, benefiting from frozen scree for easier footing. Upon reaching Gilman’s Point, climbers are greeted with a signboard and spectacular views of the sunrise over the African plains, marking the end of the steep ascent.

For many, this is a moment of triumph, and some may choose to end their climb here if they are unable to continue to Uhuru Peak due to fatigue or altitude sickness, though the climb from here is relatively easier compared to the ascent from Kibo Huts.

Path to Uhuru Peak

For those who proceed to Uhuru Peak from Gilman’s Point, the journey involves walking along the crater rim for approximately 2 hours, passing Stella Point. This path offers views into the crater, across to Mawenzi peak, and of the surrounding landscape, with the altitude remaining high, requiring a slow pace to manage altitude-related symptoms.