Stella Point on Kilimanjaro

Stella Point is a notable landmark on Mount Kilimanjaro, located at an altitude of 5,756 meters (18,885 feet). Here’s what you need to know about this key point on your ascent

Location and Significance

  • Position: Stella Point sits at the edge of the crater rim on Kilimanjaro. It is one of the three official summit points on the mountain, the other two being Gilman’s Point and Uhuru Peak.
  • Role in the Ascent: If you’re coming from Gilman’s Point, you will pass Stella Point on your way to the actual summit, Uhuru Peak, which is at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). Reaching Stella Point marks a significant achievement in the climb, as it’s a crucial milestone on the path to the summit.

 

Stella point Mount Kilimanjaro

 

 

 

 

 

 

Climbing Considerations

  • Altitude and Fatigue: Many climbers reach Stella Point and decide to stop there due to fatigue or altitude sickness. Although the climb to the summit from Stella Point is relatively easier compared to the ascent from the base camp (Barafu Hut), the high altitude can make the final push to Uhuru Peak challenging.
  • Summit Certificate: Climbers who reach Stella Point are awarded the official Kilimanjaro climbing certificate, acknowledging their achievement of reaching one of the summit points of Kilimanjaro.

Routes to Stella Point

  • Routes: You can reach Stella Point via the Machame, Lemosho, Umbwe, and Shira routes. After reaching Stella Point, the descent is typically made via Barafu Camp and Millennium Camp, concluding at Mweka Gate.

Distance to Uhuru Peak

  • Distance: The distance from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is approximately 170 meters (600 feet). This final stretch generally takes around 60 minutes to complete.

Signage

  • Visibility: Stella Point features a prominent sign provided by Kilimanjaro National Park authorities (KINAPA), making it a recognizable and important marker on the climb.

Stella Point is a significant milestone in the climb of Kilimanjaro, offering climbers a momentous achievement in their journey. While it is not the highest point on the mountain, reaching it is an important part of the ascent, leading to the final push to Uhuru Peak.