Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) Guide
Uhuru peak (which is not a peak as described earlier) is the highest point of the crater rim around the inner caldera. It is the official summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro and is 19,340 feet above sea level.
It was formerly known as Kaiser Wilhelm Spitze and was named by Hans Meyer, a German geologist and the first European to reach the summit. When Tanzania became independent in 1961, the government renamed it Uhuru Peak, as “uhuru” is the Swahili word for “freedom”.
Other important place names are around the crater rim. Stella Point is the first stop on the rim for climbers heading up from Barafu camp and is named after Stella Latham, the wife of a member of the South African Mountain Club, Kingsley Latham. They arrived at this place together, in 1925. For some reason the name has remained. The following paths lead to the Barafu camp: Machame route, Lemosho route and Umbwer way
For those coming via School Hut on the Marangu path the first point on the rim is Gilman’s Point. It is named after Clement Gilman, one of the founders of the East African Mountain Club (perhaps the first ‘tour operator’, established in 1926).
The Leopard was supposedly located on the western side of the crater rim and is informally known as “Leopard Point” although there is no signboard.
Fun Facts About Uhuru Peak
- While it is the tallest peak in Africa, experienced athletes and climbers may make the trek from the base of Kilimanjaro to Uhuru Peak in less than a day!
- There are seven established routes to Kilimanjaro. Marangu route, Machame route, Lemosho route, Shira route, Rongai route, Northern Circuit and Umbwe route.
- The Marangu, Machame and Umbwe routes all reach the mountain from the south (Mweka is utilised for descent only). The Lemosho, Shira and Northern Circuit paths arrive from the west side of the mountain. From the north comes the Rongai route. Some are easier than others. Some are easy enough for beginners while others are so demanding that even athletes struggle with the steep climbs and rapid changes in altitude.
- Uhuru is not itself an active volcano, but it sits on top of an active volcano which may explode sometime in the future.
- Altitude sickness is the biggest obstacle for most hikers who can’t make it to Uhuru Peak. For most hikers the hike is not the issue.
- There is a book kept within a wooden box at Uhuru Peak. The book is for tourists to record their thoughts on getting to the top of the mountain.
- Although the base of Kilimanjaro is only 205 miles (330 km) from the equator, Uhuru Peak is still an arctic habitat, which cannot support life for long periods of time.
Preparing for the Hike to Uhuru
You don’t need any major climbing skills for going up Kilimanjaro, but there are still numerous things visitors should do in preparation for their journey. To stand the best chance of success in attaining the spectacular Uhuru Peak, it is vital to plan adequately for the trip. Here are some professional preparation ideas:
Choose a tour that is at least 8 days – Climbing Kilimanjaro is a lifetime experience and while many have made the trip up and down in five days or less, eight days (or more) gives the best chance for success, especially when fighting the changes in altitude, the most difficult part of the hike.
Pack sensibly – it’s crucial to take only what’s absolutely necessary, but comfort is important. Clothes should be easy to layer to handle the drastically variable temperatures; air mattresses and comfortable sleeping bags will help you get appropriate slumber. Most important: don’t forget a camelbak or water bottle. You should try to consume 3-4 litres of water per day. If you find plain water uninteresting, we suggest taking an electrolyte mix to add to your water and any flavouring drops. See our entire Kilimanjaro packing list, and do not hesitate to contact us if you have any enquiries regarding brands or specific models.
Build up endurance — Hikers might consider some simple endurance and strength training before the trip. Carrying weighted packs on long daily hikes will assist imitate the kind of day to day walking that hikers might expect on their journey. Cardio training is also essential, as bulking up the heart and lungs can help you cope with fluctuations in altitude.
have necessary vaccines and a check-up — It is important for tourists to have a comprehensive physical in preparation for tackling Kilimanjaro, as well as any immunisations required to avoid any surprise illness or other health calamity. Changes in altitude can induce a number of medical symptoms and discomfort, so it’s crucial to be in good health before you go. You may read more about training to climb Kilimanjaro on our Kilimanjaro training program page to help you prepare correctly.
Do some research on when to arrange the hike. Tours are offered year-round, although different times of year may be better for different travellers. The weather and temperature vary a lot from top to bottom. The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is from January to early March and June to October.