Stella Point Kilimanjaro: The Final Frontier Before The Summit

Your Kilimanjaro climb takes you through many notable landmarks, viewpoints, and overnight stops. All of which provide you with a different experience to savour. For instance, imagine standing at the edge of the world, where the sky melds into the earth, and the horizon stretches infinitely before you.

Welcome to Stella Point, the last stop before you conquer Kilimanjaro's summit. Situated at a dizzying altitude, this spot is a rite of passage for every climber daring enough to tackle Africa's highest peak.

As you pause here to catch your breath and perhaps sip some much-needed water, you'll feel a cocktail of emotions—exhilaration, exhaustion, and, above all, anticipation for the final ascent that lies ahead.

So, intrepid trekkers, here's what we can tell you about Stella Point.

Stella Point is one of the three official summit points on Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s usually one of the last stops for climbers before reaching the highest point of the mountain, Uhuru Peak Kilimanjaro.

The peak is named after Mrs. Estella Kingsley Latham, who became the first woman on record to reach this point.

Stella Point stands at an impressive elevation of approximately 5,756 meters on the crater rim of Kilimanjaro.

This vital landmark marks the crossroads for trekkers on the Kilimanjaro Machame, Kilimanjaro Lemosho, Kilimanjaro Umbwe, and Kilimanjaro Shira routes. It's a place where diverse paths converge, making it a pivotal stop before the final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro.

The terrain leading to Stella Point is incredibly diverse and is mirrored by the changing Kilimanjaro mountain weather. You'll trek through dense rainforests teeming with flora and fauna, march across alpine meadows adorned with vibrant wildflowers, and navigate otherworldly landscapes as you enter the high alpine desert zone.

Upon reaching Stella Point, you'll find yourself on Kilimanjaro's southern crater rim, a rugged and rocky ridge that starkly contrasts the verdant lower slopes. As you progress towards the summit, the terrain becomes increasingly rocky and steep, a testament to the physical and mental stamina you'll need to reach Uhuru Peak.

The main reason for stopping is that Stella Point is just a short trek from the ultimate goal, Uhuru Peak, and an ideal point to catch your breath. You're so close that you can almost taste the victory in the crisp mountain air. It's a motivator, urging you forward, making the final leg of the journey seem within reach.

Other reasons why the stop at Kilimanjaro Stella Point is essential are:

Stella Point stands at a significant elevation, and by the time you reach it, you've already surpassed several climate zones. It's a moment where you've acclimatised to the increasingly thin air, and your body has adapted to the altitude, preparing you for the final push to the summit. Without this pause, the risk of altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro would be much higher.

Not everyone makes it to Uhuru Peak - they may be experiencing fatigue, altitude sickness, or a combination of the two. Although Uhuru isn’t far off from Stella Point (another one to two-hour hike, depending on fitness level and pace), some people choose to stop here. Those who do receive an official certificate to state their accomplishment of reaching one of Kilimanjaro’s three summits.

While many aim to see the sunrise from the summit, you can see it along the crater rim, including at Stella Point. Seeing the sun rising above the continent from this high vantage point is awe-inspiring. It's a memory that will stay with you long after the climb.

Stella Point is also where you connect with your fellow trekkers. You've all endured the same challenging journey, and reaching Stella Point becomes a collective accomplishment. Sharing this moment with others creates a sense of camaraderie and makes the experience even more profound.

First, it's the awesome views this stop has to offer. Stella Point serves up some jaw-dropping panoramas. You'll be treated to stunning vistas of Kilimanjaro's rugged landscape and the vast African plains below. As you take it all in, you'll realise that you're not just on an ordinary hike but an extraordinary, life-changing journey.

Secondly, there's a sense of accomplishment like no other. When you reach Stella Point, you'll have trekked through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to otherworldly alpine deserts. You'll have pushed your limits, battled altitude, and shared the trail with fellow adventurers. Stella Point is where it all comes together, and you'll feel proud knowing you've made it this far.

Stella Point is a place where the natural world and human spirit converge. It's a place of natural beauty, geological wonder, and shared achievement.

Ready to hike Kilimanjaro and record your moments on Stella Point? Book your trip through Skyhook today. We work with trusted local guides whom we’ve personally hand-picked and hiked with.