Mount Kilimanjaro holds many stories within its icy crown and rugged slopes. One such tale is the origin of Stella Point, a landmark near the summit named after a woman of remarkable courage. This is the inspiring story of Estella Latham.

Stella’s Early Life and Move to Africa

Estella Latham was born in Youghal, Ireland, in 1901. After losing her parents at an early age, she was raised by her eldest sister, Kathleen.

Driven by a passion for horticulture, Stella moved to South Africa. There, she met Kingsley Latham, an agricultural officer who later became her husband. Together, they settled in Tanzania.

 

A Family Legacy of Mountaineering

Mountaineering ran in the Latham family, and Mount Kilimanjaro was an irresistible challenge. Inspired by the simple idea that “the mountain was there to be climbed,” Stella and Kingsley prepared for their ascent.

Hans Meyer had reached the summit in 1889 via the Marangu Route. However, the Lathams chose a different path—Maua Trail—to avoid a smallpox outbreak along the standard route.

In July 1925, the couple assembled a team that included a local guide, a cook, and several porters. Despite limited gear, cold weather, and the tough terrain, they pushed forward.

The Difficult Climb to the Crater Rim

At that time, there were no clearly marked trails. The terrain was brutal, and alpine clothing lacked the technology climbers enjoy today.

Stella described the temperature as bitter cold, which sapped their energy. A navigation mistake cost them precious strength. But they pressed on.

Eventually, they climbed several hundred feet past Hans Meyer’s Notch. It was there that Stella became the first woman to reach this part of the crater rim.

It would later be named Stella Point.

How Stella Point Got Its Name

In her words, the highest visible point was not a sharp peak, but a snowy cap above a cliff opposite the Notch. The couple aimed for this destination.

They first attempted to cross the ice rim of the crater. But when it proved too risky, they navigated back down to the rock lining one side of the crater.

Kingsley soon became too sick to continue. Stella remained strong and led their descent. Before turning back, they climbed the highest rock pinnacle nearby.

There, they left a record in a glass jar and named the pinnacle “Point Stella.”

“In her honour I have named the point we reached ‘Point Stella.’” – Kingsley Latham

Upon returning, Kingsley formally registered the name with the Mountain Club of South Africa.

Stella Point Today

Today, Stella Point stands proudly at 18,885 feet (5,756 meters) above sea level. A signboard marks this iconic location, passed by thousands of climbers each year on their journey to Uhuru Peak.

It serves as a lasting tribute to Stella Latham and her historic climb.

Life After Kilimanjaro

Stella never returned to Kilimanjaro, but Kingsley did, 12 years later in 1937. Tragically, he collapsed on the upper slopes and lost consciousness, likely due to an aneurysm.

He survived, but the incident left him with severe amnesia. Kingsley had to relearn how to walk, talk, read, and write. As a result, he retired from public service.

The couple later purchased a coffee estate in Zimbabwe, where they lived until their passing. They had three sons: Patrick, Robert, and Jim.

A Legacy of Strength and Courage

Stella Latham stood less than five feet tall, but her inner strength knew no bounds. At a time when women’s achievements were often ignored, she made history.

Stella Point is more than a name on a mountain, it’s a symbol of endurance, courage, and quiet leadership.

Though official records may not fully reflect her achievements, personal stories and testimonies ensure her legacy endures.