There are three points on the Kilimanjaro that are the official areas to summit to the Kilimanjaro. The points are the Gillman’s Point, Uhuru peak and the Stella Point. The Stella point is located south of the Uhuru peak and its lies at an elevation of about 5,756 meters above sea level.
This point is also the last point of the slopes filled with scree on the Kibo cone which you use the Barafu huts route.
Located to the Eastern side of Kibo’s crater rim, this makes up one of the three high peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro.
With the previous campsite before reaching Gilman’s Point, the Kibo huts, when you head to Gilman’s Point you will see it clearly as it has a unique resemblance of a pile of rocks on an infinite hill with solid ground.
Vegetation and Climatic Zone
This area is located in the Arctic vegetation zone of the Kilimanjaro Mountain. At the level of about 5000 meters above sea level, we find the arctic zone which is characterized by the frozen moonscape.
This pace is covered in rocks and ice. The nights usually cold to the extreme and the sun has scotching rays during the day. This area has no life that survives and those small plants that try to grow can’t go beyond.
Is The Gillman’s Point the top of Kilimanjaro?
The Gillman’s Point is one of the three summit points. Reaching here and not reaching the actual summit point, Uhuru peak your efforts will not go to waste. You will also be given a certificate to acknowledge that you have reached the top of Africa’s tallest mountain.
There is a huge sign post onsite, courtesy of the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities (KINAPA).
Sunrise at Gillman’s Point, Mount Kilimanjaro
You will set off from the Kibo huts camp at around midnight. You get to the Gillman’s point at dawn. With this, you will be able to see the sun rising from the Gillman’s Point. Leave before the rays become too hot.
The views you get while the sun is rising will give you the best feeling.
Distance from Gillman’s Point to Uhuru Peak Summit
The distance from Gillman’s Point (5,681 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), Kilimanjaro main summit is 5.5km or 3.5 miles on foot, and it would take you about 5-6 hours by hiking gaining an altitude of over 100m from Gillman’s to Uhuru Peak.
Which Routes take you to Gilman’s Point?
The Machame Route, Lemosho Route, Umbwe Route, and Shira Route all lead to the Gillman’s Point. Through Stella Point, Barafu Camp, and Millennium Camp, one descends from the top before arriving at Mweka Gate.
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