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. These are Shira 2 Camp on the mountain’s western slope, and Karanga Camp on its southern slope. 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…

Remember the beautiful sunset scene at a campsite in the feature image at the top of this blog post? That's Shira 2 Camp!

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

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.

This stunning shot was taken from camp on the Lemosho route

Karanga Camp is situated 3,995 (13,106 ft) above sea level and sits on the edge of the moorland and alpine desert zones of Kilimanjaro. If you look at the above map, you can find Karanga Camp perched just south of the snowy summit.

From Karanga Camp, you have just two days of climbing till you reach the mountain's summit.

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

Karanga Camp is great for both sunrise and sunset. 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!

Sunset as seen from Karanga Camp

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).

Twilight

The Lemosho and Machame are excellent routes for a number of reasons, including that they offer many chances to enjoy sunrise and sunset. Other positives to these routes are that they:

If we had to choose between the Lemosho and the Machame, we'd probably go with the Lemosho, as it's slightly less crowded than the Machame.

You might like to read Dwayne's Lemosho route Kilimanjaro journal.

The Lemosho route takes you through varied and gorgeous terrain, making it one of our favourite Kilimanjaro routes

On the day you summit Mt 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 Kilimanjaro full moon climb). There are a few reasons for this, one of which is the great distance that must be hiked on summit day – you must reach the summit, and still then hike a long way back down the mountain to reach camp for the night.

One of the glorious results of such an early start is the climbers usually reach the summit of Kilimanjaro around sunrise. The goal is to reach Stella Point (5, 739 m), from which you have a perfect view east to the rising sun. Here, high up on the mountain, the emerging sun burns away the mist and brings with it warmth and renewed determination.

After that, there's about half an hour of climbing left to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), which is the top point of both Kilimanjaro and Africa!

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

Of course, please note that not everyone gets a perfect sunrise. Sometimes a summit climb is done in the mist. 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!