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Why Is It Called Gilman’s Point?

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Why Is It Called Gilman’s Point? The Story Behind the Name | Kili Quests

Climbers taking the Marangu or Rongai Route to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro will first reach a significant milestone before Uhuru Peak: Gilman’s Point, located at 5,681 meters (18,638 feet) on the rim of Kibo crater.
But what exactly is Gilman’s Point, and who was Gilman? In this article, Kili Quests reveals the historical origins behind this lesser-known but important summit marker.
 
Gilman’s Point summit sign on Mount Kilimanjaro, located at 5,681 meters above sea level, with rocky terrain and clear blue sky.
Gilman’s Point, located at 5,681 meters on the crater rim of Mount Kilimanjaro, marks one of the recognized summit points along the Marangu Route.

Where Is Gilman’s Point on Kilimanjaro?

Gilman’s Point lies on the eastern rim of Kilimanjaro’s Kibo crater and is the first major summit marker reached by climbers ascending via the Marangu or Rongai Route.
Reaching this point is a huge accomplishment — it marks the beginning of the crater rim and earns climbers an official “Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate.” From here, it takes roughly 1.5–2 hours to continue on foot to Uhuru Peak, the true summit of Africa.

Who Was Gilman?

Black and white portrait of Clement Gillman, British surveyor and geographer, circa 1928.
Clement Gillman was a British geographer and colonial surveyor whose name was given to Gilman’s Point on Mount Kilimanjaro’s crater rim.
Gilman’s Point is named after Clement Gillman, a British geographer, civil engineer, and explorer who conducted important mapping and survey work in East Africa during the early 20th century.
  • He helped document Kilimanjaro’s physical geography and elevation
  • His surveys contributed to modern cartography in Tanzania
  • The point was named to honor his contributions to Kilimanjaro’s exploration.
Although he wasn’t the first to climb Kilimanjaro, Clement Gillman’s legacy is closely tied to understanding the mountain’s terrain, geology, and routes.
Note: The name is sometimes misspelled as “Gillman’s Point,” but the correct version is “Gilman’s Point.”
 
Curious who first reached the summit of Kilimanjaro? Discover the full story of Hans Meyer’s historic ascent in 1889

Why Does Gilman’s Point Matter?

For many climbers, Gilman’s Point represents:
  • The beginning of the crater rim, and the hardest part of the climb.
  • A key psychological victory before the final summit push.
  • A place of recognition, since reaching here earns you a summit certificate (even if you don’t continue to Uhuru).

Gilman’s Point vs. Uhuru Peak

Feature Gilman’s Point  And  Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 5,681 m / 18,638 ft     vs   5,895 m / 19,341 ft
Location : Eastern crater rim     vs   Western crater rim
Routes Reached:  Marangu, Rongai  vs    All main routes
Certificate Official: “summit” certificate    vs   Full summit certificate
Time to Uhuru :1.5hr     vs      2 hours more —
 
Ever wondered why it’s called Stella Point? Here’s the real story
Snow-covered view of Mount Kilimanjaro’s crater rim as seen from Gilman’s Point at sunrise.
After arriving at Gilman’s Point (5,681 m), climbers are rewarded with breathtaking views across the snow-covered crater rim — a dramatic landscape near the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Did You Know?

The final push to Gilman’s Point is often done at night and is one of the toughest sections of the Marangu Route.
Sunrise from Gilman’s Point offers stunning views over the clouds and down toward Kenya.
Gilman’s Point is one of three named summit markers on Kilimanjaro, along with Stella Point and Uhuru Peak.

Final Thoughts

Gilman’s Point may not be the highest point on Kilimanjaro, but it’s packed with historical and emotional significance. Named after a key explorer who helped map the region, it marks a transition point between struggle and summit, where climbers often reflect on how far they’ve come.
Whether you stop here or continue to Uhuru Peak, standing at Gilman’s Point is a true achievement, worthy of celebration.
 

Plan Your Journey with Kili Quests

If you’re planning to climb via the Marangu or Rongai Route, you’ll pass through Gilman’s Point — one of Kilimanjaro’s historic landmarks.
With Kili Quests, you’ll be guided by experienced professionals who know every twist of the trail and the story behind every name on the mountain.

 

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Rongai Route: Quiet Kilimanjaro Trail from North

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Rongai Route on Kilimanjaro: Quiet Kilimanjaro Trail from North

Why Choose the Rongai Route?

The Rongai Route is the only trail that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. It’s known for being the quietest and driest route, making it a favorite for those seeking solitude and avoiding wet, muddy trails.Although less scenic than Lemosho Route or Machame Route, Rongai offers uninterrupted wilderness, steady elevation gain, and dramatic views of Mawenzi Peak. It’s also a great alternative during the rainy seasons.Each route has its pros and cons—see our Kilimanjaro Route Comparison to choose the best fit
View of Mawenzi Peak from Stella Point on Mount Kilimanjaro, with snow-covered terrain and clouds below — typical scenery on the Rongai Route | Kili Quests
The Rongai Route’s final summit approach offers this dramatic view of Mawenzi Peak from Stella Point. A snowy, unforgettable moment near the crater rim.

Rongai Route Overview

 Feature Details
Route Length                    –            6 or 7 days
Distance                              –          ~73 km (45 miles)
Start Point                           –           Rongai Gate (northeast Kilimanjaro)
Highest Point                      –           Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft)
Difficulty                               –           Moderate
Best For                                 –           Quiet treks, dry seasons, steady ascent
Success Rate                         –           ~85% (7-day itinerary)

Rongai Route Days and Elevation Profile

Rongai Route elevation profile showing day-by-day camps, hiking times, and altitudes for a Kilimanjaro summit trek.
Rongai Route – The only northern approach to aKilimanjaro, known for low crowds and great views of Mawenzi Peak.

7-Day Rongai Route Itinerary

Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

  • Altitude: 2,000 m to 2,625 m
  • Time: 4–5 hours
  • Gentle hike through forest zone
Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp
  • Altitude: 2,625 m to 3,450 m
  • Time: 5–6 hours
  • Beautiful views of Kibo and wilderness trail
Day 3: Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp
  • Altitude: 3,450 m to 3,600 m
  • Time: 4 hours
  • Scenic moorland terrain with fewer climbers
Day 4: Kikelewa to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
  • Altitude: 3,600 m to 4,330 m
  • Time: 4–5 hours
  • Camp beneath rugged Mawenzi Peak
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
  • Altitude: 4,330 m to 4,700 m
  • Time: 4–5 hours
  • Final staging point before summit night
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, descend to Horombo Hut
  • Altitude: 4,700 m to 5,895 m (summit), then down to 3,720 m
  • Time: 12–14 hours
  • Overnight climb, summit at sunrise, long descent
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
  • Altitude: 3,720 m to 1,870 m
  • Time: 5–6 hours
  • Final descent through forest and receive certificate

Difficulty and Acclimatization

The Rongai Route is one of the easier Kilimanjaro trails, thanks to its gentle slope and steady elevation gain. When trekked over 7 days, it offers excellent acclimatization, especially with the overnight stay at Mawenzi Tarn — one of the most scenic and helpful acclimatization points on the mountain.Its gradual profile makes it a great choice for first-time high-altitude trekkers or anyone looking for a more comfortable summit approach.
 
The Lemosho Route is our most scenic trail and has a 98% success rate

Best Time to Climb the Rongai Route

One of Rongai’s biggest strengths is that it stays drier than southern routes. This makes it ideal during:
  • January to early March
  • June to October
  • April–May or November (when other routes are wetter)
Group of Kilimanjaro trekkers posing at the Kikelelwa Camp sign on the Rongai Route, with Moorland vegetation and Mawenzi Peak in the distance | Kili Quests
Kikelelwa Camp (3,600m) is a scenic overnight stop on Kilimanjaro’s Rongai Route, offering hikers a closer view of Mawenzi and a peaceful high-moorland setting.

What Makes Rongai Unique?

  • Only northern approach to Kilimanjaro
  • Less crowded than any other route
  • Amazing views of Mawenzi Peak
  • You descend via Marangu Route — giving you two route experiences in one
  • Good wildlife sightings near Simba Camp

Is the Rongai Route Right for You?

Rongai is ideal for climbers who:
  • Want a peaceful, uncrowded trail
  • Are trekking during the rainy season
  • Prefer a gradual ascent
  • Enjoy remote nature and simplicity
Acclimatization is the key to avoiding altitude sickness — learn how to climb high, sleep low, and pace yourself the right way.”
Kilimanjaro trekker walking across the dry alpine desert zone with summit in view
Kibo Hut is the final overnight stop on the Rongai Route before summit day. The surrounding alpine desert offers stark beauty and wide-open views toward Mawenzi.

Climb Kilimanjaro via Rongai with Kili Quests

 At Kili Quests, our Rongai Route programs are designed for those who value a quiet trek, steady acclimatization, and expert guidance. Our 7-day version gives you the highest chance of success, with full support from experienced local crews.Looking for a warm-up before Kilimanjaro? The Mount Meru Trek offers a stunning multi-day hike through wildlife-filled forests to a dramatic volcanic summit — perfect for acclimatization and adventure.
 
Contact us now to plan your Rongai Route climb with Kili Quests.

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