Gilman's Point
Elevation: 5,681 meters above sea level
Gilman’s Point is one of three high spots on Mount Kilimanjaro, sitting at 5,756 meters on the edge of Kibo’s crater rim, alongside Stella Point and Uhuru Peak. Even if you stop here and don’t make it to Uhuru Peak, the main summit, you still get a certificate for reaching a top point on Africa’s tallest mountain. From Gilman’s Point, you can look out over the wide, open crater of Kibo, with amazing views all around. After this spot, the path to Uhuru Peak gets easier, following the crater rim with a gentler walk.
This point is where the tough, loose scree slopes of Kibo end and the crater rim begins, leading to the summit trail. Only climbers on the Marangu, Rongai, and Northern Circuit routes pass through Gilman’s Point, usually near the end of their climb. The trek up starts in the middle of the night from Kibo Huts, and it’s a hard slog—many give up here because of tiredness or altitude sickness. A big signpost stands at Gilman’s Point, put up by the park authorities to mark this milestone.
Location & Weather
Gilman’s Point is on the eastern side of Kibo’s crater rim, part of Kilimanjaro’s three peaks. Coming from Kibo Huts, you can spot it ahead—a pile of rocks on what feels like an endless hill, but with solid ground underfoot. The area is in the arctic zone, a cold, rocky place with no plants or animals, just ice and snow. It gets no rain, and the air is thin and freezing.
What It’s Like on the Lemosho Route
On both the 7-day and 8-day Lemosho treks, Gilman’s Point comes into play during the summit push from Barafu Camp. You set out in the dark, between midnight and 2 a.m., heading northwest through thick scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. It’s a steep, grueling climb that tests your strength and willpower. You reach Stella Point first, where you catch your breath and might see a gorgeous sunrise if the weather’s clear. From there, it’s another hour to Uhuru Peak, passing near Gilman’s Point along the rim, sometimes through snow. Fast climbers hit the top in time for sunrise. After celebrating at Uhuru Peak, you head down to Mweka Hut, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The descent is rough on loose gravel, so poles and gaiters help. At Mweka Camp, in the forest, mist or rain might roll in, and you enjoy your last mountain meal before resting.
Gilman’s Point is a proud stop—cold, high, and rocky, with a view that makes the tough climb worth it, even if you don’t go all the way to the top.