How High Is Stella Point Kilimanjaro? Elevation, Distance to Uhuru Peak & Summit Guide
Stella Point elevation: 5,756 meters (18,885 feet) above sea level.
Stella Point is one of the most important milestones on a Mount Kilimanjaro summit climb. Located on the crater rim of Kibo, it marks the point where climbers on several southern and western routes emerge from the steep volcanic scree and join the crater rim before continuing toward Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). Multiple trekking references give Stella Point’s elevation as 5,756 m / 18,885 ft.
For climbers, reaching Stella Point is a major achievement—but Stella Point is not the summit of Kilimanjaro. Uhuru Peak is approximately 139 vertical meters (456 feet) higher.
How High Is Stella Point Kilimanjaro?
Stella Point is 5,756 meters (18,885 feet) above sea level.
It sits on the Kibo crater rim, close to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. From Stella Point, climbers continue along the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet).
Stella Point at a glance
| Feature | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Stella Point | 5,756 m / 18,885 ft |
| Gilman’s Point | About 5,685 m / 18,652 ft |
| Uhuru Peak | 5,895 m / 19,341 ft |
| Difference: Stella Point → Uhuru Peak | About 139 m / 456 ft |
Important: The exact figures shown for some crater-rim locations can vary slightly between mapping sources because of surveying and the precise point being measured. The commonly cited elevation for the Stella Point sign and trekking information is 5,756 m.
Where Is Stella Point on Mount Kilimanjaro?
Stella Point is located on the southern crater rim of Kibo, the highest volcanic cone of Mount Kilimanjaro.
It is positioned between the approaches from the mountain’s southern and western climbing routes and the final crater-rim traverse to Uhuru Peak. Outdooractive’s mapping information places Stella Point at approximately 3°04′42″S, 37°21′46″E.
Is Stella Point the Summit of Kilimanjaro?
No. Stella Point is not the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Stella Point is a high point on the Kibo crater rim, while Uhuru Peak is the true summit and highest point of the mountain.
The distinction is important:
- Stella Point: 5,756 m / 18,885 ft
- Uhuru Peak: 5,895 m / 19,341 ft
- Vertical difference: approximately 139 m / 456 ft
Although the elevation difference is relatively small compared with the overall climb, reaching Stella Point does not mean you have reached the highest point in Africa. Climbers continuing to Uhuru Peak still have to traverse the crater rim.
How Far Is Stella Point From Uhuru Peak?
After reaching Stella Point, the route continues around the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak.
For many climbers, the final section takes roughly 45 minutes to 1½ hours, depending on fitness, altitude effects, weather, pace and trail conditions. Some itineraries describe it as approximately an hour.
The terrain is generally different from the exhausting scree ascent below Stella Point. Once on the crater rim, climbers follow a more defined path toward the summit.
The final summit sequence
High camp → steep summit ascent → Stella Point → crater rim → Uhuru Peak
This is why Stella Point can feel like an enormous psychological breakthrough: the steepest scree section is behind you, but the summit is still ahead.
Stella Point vs. Uhuru Peak
| Stella Point | Uhuru Peak | |
|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 5,756 m / 18,885 ft | 5,895 m / 19,341 ft |
| Location | Kibo crater rim | Highest point of Kibo |
| Is it the highest point? | No | Yes |
| Difference in elevation | — | +139 m / +456 ft |
| Summit certificate | Depending on park procedures/operator | Summit certificate |
| Final destination? | For some climbers | Ultimate summit objective |
Reaching Stella Point is nevertheless a significant accomplishment, particularly because climbers have already spent hours ascending at extreme altitude.
What Route Takes You to Stella Point?
Stella Point is particularly associated with the Machame, Lemosho, Shira and Umbwe approaches, where climbers generally ascend toward the summit from the southern side of Kibo.
A typical summit sequence from the southern side is:
Barafu Camp → summit slopes → Stella Point → crater rim → Uhuru Peak
By contrast, climbers approaching from the Marangu and Rongai sides generally reach the crater rim through Gilman’s Point before continuing toward Uhuru Peak.
This makes understanding the route important when planning your summit night. The precise sequence depends on your Kilimanjaro route and overnight camp.
How Hard Is Stella Point?
Reaching Stella Point is very challenging because it comes after a long nighttime ascent at extreme altitude.
The difficulty is not simply the distance. At 5,756 meters, the air contains substantially less oxygen than at sea level, and climbers are usually:
- tired from the preceding days of trekking
- climbing through the night
- exposed to cold temperatures
- dealing with steep volcanic scree
- affected by altitude
- trying to maintain a slow, sustainable pace
The final ascent can therefore feel much harder than the same elevation gain would at low altitude.
Altitude acclimatization, gradual pacing and an appropriate itinerary are more important than simply being physically strong.
What Does the Climb to Stella Point Look Like?
The approach to Stella Point from the southern high camps involves a long ascent over loose volcanic scree and rocky terrain.
Instead of taking large strides, climbers are normally encouraged to move slowly and steadily. The famous Kilimanjaro approach of “pole pole”—Swahili for “slowly, slowly”—is particularly relevant at high altitude.
As you approach the crater rim, the landscape becomes increasingly barren. Vegetation has disappeared, leaving volcanic rock, scree, snow and ice depending on current conditions.
Then, reaching Stella Point means arriving at the crater rim.
What Happens After Reaching Stella Point?
Once you reach Stella Point, there are two broad possibilities.
1. Continue to Uhuru Peak
If you are feeling well enough and conditions are suitable, you continue along the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak.
The route climbs gradually and passes spectacular views of Kibo’s crater and summit environment.
2. Descend
If a climber is experiencing significant altitude illness, severe exhaustion or deteriorating conditions, continuing higher may not be appropriate.
Do not treat reaching Stella Point as a requirement to push through dangerous symptoms.
The mountain should always be approached with the guidance of qualified mountain professionals and appropriate altitude-safety procedures.
Is Stella Point Harder Than Uhuru Peak?
For most climbers approaching from Barafu, the ascent to Stella Point is generally the more physically demanding section of the summit push.
The climb from the high camp to Stella Point involves a long, steep ascent over scree. From Stella Point, the route follows the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak with considerably less steep climbing.
However, the final section should not be underestimated.
At 5,756–5,895 meters, altitude remains a major factor. Even relatively easy terrain can feel difficult because of reduced oxygen availability.
What Is the Elevation Gain From Stella Point to Uhuru Peak?
The elevation difference between the two points is approximately:
5,895 m − 5,756 m = 139 meters
That’s approximately 456 feet of vertical elevation.
The number sounds small compared with the total climb, but the experience can be demanding because you are already above 5,700 meters.
This is one reason why the final push to Uhuru Peak can be mentally challenging even after reaching Stella Point.
Stella Point and Kilimanjaro Summit Night
Most climbers attempting the summit from Barafu begin their final ascent around midnight or during the early hours of the morning, with the objective of reaching the crater rim around sunrise.
A typical sequence looks like this:
11:00 PM–1:00 AM: Wake up and prepare
↓
Early morning: Begin summit ascent
↓
Night: Climb through volcanic scree
↓
Around sunrise: Reach Stella Point
↓
Morning: Traverse crater rim
↓
Final push: Uhuru Peak
↓
Descent: Return toward high camp
Actual timings vary substantially according to route, weather, group pace, altitude response and mountain conditions. A Kilimanjaro summit itinerary should therefore avoid treating these times as guarantees.
What Is the Temperature at Stella Point?
Stella Point is close to the summit environment, so very cold conditions are possible, particularly during the early-morning summit push.
Temperature alone does not tell the whole story. Wind can make conditions feel considerably colder, and conditions can change rapidly.
For this reason, your Kilimanjaro summit clothing should use a layering system, typically including:
- moisture-wicking base layer
- insulating mid-layer
- warm down or synthetic insulated jacket
- waterproof/windproof outer shell
- warm trekking trousers
- insulated gloves or mittens
- warm hat
- neck gaiter or buff
- suitable summit socks
- headlamp
The goal is to allow you to add or remove layers as your body temperature changes during the ascent.
Why Is Stella Point Important?
Stella Point is important for three reasons.
1. It marks the crater rim
After the long ascent from the southern high camps, reaching Stella Point means you have reached the edge of Kibo’s crater.
2. It is a major summit milestone
At 5,756 meters, Stella Point is already higher than almost any trekking destination in the world.
3. Uhuru Peak is finally close
Once at Stella Point, Uhuru Peak is visible along the crater rim, giving climbers a clear final objective.
For many people, reaching Stella Point is one of the most emotional moments of the entire Kilimanjaro climb.
Stella Point Elevation in Feet and Meters
If you’re searching for Stella Point elevation, here’s the simple conversion:
Stella Point = 5,756 meters = approximately 18,885 feet.
For comparison:
- Barafu Camp: approximately 4,600–4,700 m
- Stella Point: 5,756 m
- Uhuru Peak: 5,895 m
Exact camp elevations can vary by route and published mapping data.
Does Reaching Stella Point Mean You Have Climbed Kilimanjaro?
Not quite.
Reaching Stella Point means you have reached a major crater-rim milestone at 5,756 meters, but Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters remains the highest point.
If your goal is to summit Mount Kilimanjaro and stand at the highest point in Africa, you should understand the difference between reaching Stella Point and reaching Uhuru Peak.
At the same time, a climber should never ignore serious altitude symptoms simply to reach a particular sign or elevation.
How to Prepare for Stella Point
The best preparation combines fitness, acclimatization, appropriate equipment and sensible pacing.
Physical preparation
Train for:
- long uphill walking
- sustained aerobic activity
- hiking with elevation gain
- back-to-back hiking days
- descending efficiently
- carrying a daypack
You don’t need to sprint up the mountain. Kilimanjaro rewards endurance and consistency.
Altitude preparation
You cannot completely predict how your body will respond to altitude.
A longer itinerary generally provides more time for acclimatization than a very short climb. Spending additional days on the mountain can therefore be valuable.
Equipment preparation
Your summit kit should prioritize warmth, weather protection, comfort and reliability.
Particularly important items include:
- head torch with spare batteries
- insulated jacket
- waterproof shell
- warm gloves
- warm hat
- trekking poles
- water bottles or hydration system
- comfortable hiking boots
- sunglasses
- sunscreen
- personal medication and required medical supplies
Stella Point FAQs
How high is Stella Point Kilimanjaro?
Stella Point is 5,756 meters (18,885 feet) above sea level.
Is Stella Point the summit of Kilimanjaro?
No. Stella Point is on the Kibo crater rim. Uhuru Peak, at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), is the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro.
How far is Stella Point from Uhuru Peak?
The final crater-rim section from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak generally takes around 45 minutes to 1½ hours, depending on conditions and the climber’s pace.
Can you stop at Stella Point instead of Uhuru Peak?
Yes, some climbers finish their ascent at Stella Point, particularly when fatigue, altitude symptoms or conditions make continuing unsafe. The priority should always be safe decision-making rather than forcing the final section.
What route reaches Stella Point?
Stella Point is commonly reached by climbers using approaches such as Machame, Lemosho, Shira and Umbwe, while routes approaching from the eastern/northern side may use Gilman’s Point instead.
Is Stella Point higher than Everest Base Camp?
Yes. At 5,756 m, Stella Point is substantially higher than the elevation of Everest Base Camp. However, comparing the two directly can be misleading because they are different types of trekking objectives and involve very different routes and altitude profiles.
Plan Your Kilimanjaro Summit With Local Expertise
Reaching Stella Point is one of the defining moments of a Kilimanjaro climb. Understanding its elevation, route, terrain and relationship to Uhuru Peak can help you prepare realistically for summit day.
For route planning, climbing logistics and local trekking information, explore the Mount Kilimanjaro Guide and learn more about working with a kilimanjaro local guide.
