Where to see the best sunrises and sunsets on Kilimanjaro

When you’re climbing Mt Kilimanjaro – a mighty volcano that rises up out of the plains – you naturally look forward to seeing some spectacular sunrises and sunsets throughout your trek. Two of Kilimanjaro’s dozen or so camps offer the most spectacular views of sunrise and sunset:

We discuss which routes take you via these camps so that you can factor this into your choice of Kilimanjaro route.  

The good news is that summit night on Kilimanjaro rewards all trekkers with a glorious sunrise! This is because you start your summit climb at midnight, and by the time the sun rises, you’re very near the top of the mountain!

So here’s what you need to know about the best sunrises and sunsets on Kilimanjaro…

What's most special about Shira 2 Camp is the sunset. Having had a hard's day slog up the mountain, you're rewarded with a clear view to the west of the sunset. Everyone in camp tends to gather by the rocks at the edge of the camp to watch the sun as it descends over the western plain. It's a special moment of beauty and camaraderie at the end of a tiring day.

In her Lemosho route video journal, Tash encourages everyone to enjoy the sunset at Shira 2 Camp as she did. Watch from the 10:09 mark to see Tash head with others to watch the sunset. Or you might like to start at the 09:00 mark to see her enter Shira 2 Camp.

As was the case with Tash's sunset at Shira 2 Camp, often you're watching the sun as it drops into a thick sheet of cloud.

And remember the beautiful sunset scene in the feature image of this blog post? That was taken at Shira 2 Camp too!

The map below shows the seven different routes leading up Kilimanjaro (as well as the descent-only route to Mweka Gate). It also shows the campsites along each route. Shira 2 Camp can be found on the west of the mountain. It sits at 3,505 m (11,500 ft) above sea level and is your first night's stop.

Map of the seven routes and all the stopovers (huts and campsites) on Kilimanjaro

Shira 2 Camp sits in the heather and moorland zone (or band) of Kilimanjaro. In this zone you've climbed above the trees of the rainforest zone, and so there's no longer tall, thick vegetation blocking your view of the sunrises and sunsets.

If you want to stay at Shira 2 Camp and enjoy the sunset and sunrise there, you must trek one of the following Kilimanjaro routes:

The tail end of the sunset

A sunset as seen from Karanga Camp

Karanga Camp is 3,995 (13,106 ft) above sea level and sits on the border of the moorland and alpine desert zones of Kilimanjaro.

Karanga Camp is great for both sunrises and sunsets. This is because the camp sits due south of the summit and has no obstructions to both the east and the west. You're also so high up on the mountain, that your views feel endless! We love Karanga Camp, and a stay there is very special.

If you'd like to see what Karanga Camp looks like, start watching Tash's video journal at the 18:08 mark. She also shows the beautiful sunset and sunrise she enjoyed there!

If you want to stay at Karanga Camp, you must trek one of the following routes:

The following three Kilimanjaro routes stop over at both Shira 2 and Karanga Camp. If you're super keen on enjoying the best sunrises and sunsets on Kilimanjaro, then we recommend opting for one of them:

Having more than one chance to see the best sunset and sunrise on your trek is also a good idea should there by mist or clouds obscuring the view on one day. Remember that the weather on a mega mountain like Kilimanjaro is unpredictable, and it also varies depending on the time of year you climb (in that vein, you might like to read Best time to climb Kilimanjaro).

The Shira route starts at a very high altitude, which leads to many developing altitude sickness straight out of the gate. It's really too risky to trek the Shira unless you've done a pre-acclimatisation trek, trek often at very high altitude and know your body can manage, or live at extreme altitude.

The Lemosho and Machame routes begin at sensible elevations that require you to gradually hike up into the rarified air that can cause altitude sickness, meaning your chances of good acclimatisation are much better on these routes.

Near the summit, and the sun rises in power and glory!

On the day you summit Kilimanjaro, you start your hike at midnight. That's right – you read correctly! You set off in the middle of the night for the summit, guided only by torchlight (unless you're doing a full moon climb). There are a few reasons for this, which you can read about in Why summit Kilimanjaro at night?But one of the glorious results of such an early start is that you usually reach the summit of Kilimanjaro a little after sunrise. And this is the most exciting and often glorious sunrise of them all!

It's thrilling to stand atop Africa's tallest mountain and watch the sunrise turn the plains or clouds below you various changing hues as it rises in the sky.

Of course, please note that not everyone gets a perfect sunrise. Sometimes a Kilimanjaro summit climb is done in mist or falling snow. We recommend not setting your hopes too firmly on a sunrise climb. That way, if it happens, you're delighted, but your mood isn't dampened if it doesn't. Because no matter what the weather is doing, if you're standing on Uhuru Peak, then you're a champion!! 🏆

Morning breaks over the roof of Africa, and you're there to see it!