I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro a few years back and was blown away by the opportunities to take incredible photos along the way. There are sunning sunrises, vast ice falls, and endemic flora and fauna that can’t be found in any other part of our planet.

Now, looking back, these are some of my favorite photos of my collection – and memories that make for a unique photo calendar to cherish forever.

If you’re climbing Kili soon or thinking of booking a trip, I put this guide together for a little inspiration on what you’ll see and be able to photograph along the way.

Here are some of the best places on the mountain to capture the perfect shot.

On the Mountain

1. The Barranco Valley

The Barranco Valley is a lush, green area filled with giant heather and stunning views. It’s a great place to capture some of the unique flora and fauna of Kilimanjaro, as well as the surrounding landscape.

2. The Shira Plateau

The Shira Plateau is another beautiful spot on the mountain. It’s a high-altitude desert that’s home to some of the most unique plants and animals in the world. The views from this area are simply breathtaking.

3. The Barranco Wall

The Barranco Wall is one of the most iconic features of the Kilimanjaro climb. It’s a steep, rocky wall that requires some scrambling to get up. The views from the top are incredible, and it’s a great place to take some action shots.

4. The Lava Tower

The Lava Tower is another unique feature of the Kilimanjaro climb. It’s a 300-foot tall volcanic plug that offers some of the best panoramic views on the mountain.

5. The Kibo Saddle

The Saddle is the high-altitude plateau that connects Kilimanjaro’s two main peaks. It’s a great place to capture some of the more dramatic views on the mountain.

6. The Mawenzi Peak

The Mawenzi Peak is one of the most visually stunning features of the mountain. It’s a jagged, rocky peak that stands in stark contrast to the surrounding landscape. It’s a great place to capture some dramatic shots.

7. Stella Point

Stella Point is the first place on the mountain where you can see the stunning views of the crater rim and glaciers. Additionally, it is the last stop before reaching the summit, so it is often a place where climbers take a break and catch their breath before continuing on.

The lighting at Stella Point is also great for photography, with soft morning light and sunset often creating stunning colors in the sky and on the surrounding landscape. It can be a great place to capture images of fellow climbers and the camaraderie of a shared experience.

8. Crater Camp

Crater Camp is located near the top of Kilimanjaro, and it’s one of the most stunning places on the mountain. It’s a great place to capture some of the incredible sunrises and sunsets that occur on the mountain.

9. The Southern Ice Field

The Southern Ice Field is the largest ice field on Kilimanjaro. It’s a great place to capture some of the unique and otherworldly features of the mountain.

10. The Reusch Crater

The Reusch Crater is located near the summit of Kilimanjaro. It’s a great place to capture some of the most dramatic views on the mountain, as well as some of the unique geological features.

11. The Uhuru Peak

The Uhuru Peak is the highest point on Kilimanjaro, and it’s a great place to capture some of the most stunning views on the mountain.

Off the Mountain

1. From Above
2. Near Kilimanjaro Airport
3. From Mount Maru
4. From Moshi

12. From Above

One of the best ways to capture the beauty of Kilimanjaro is from above. You can take a helicopter or small plane tour, or even book a hot air balloon ride to get a unique perspective on the mountain.

13. Near Kilimanjaro Airport

Kilimanjaro Airport is located in the town of Moshi, and it’s a great place to capture some of the mountain’s beauty from a distance.

14. From Mount Maru

Mount Maru is a nearby mountain that offers some stunning views of Kilimanjaro. It’s a great place to capture some of the unique features of the mountain from a different perspective.

15. From Moshi

Moshi is a small town located near Kilimanjaro, and it’s a great place to capture some of the local culture and scenery. You can capture some great shots of the mountain from the town, as well as some of the unique flora and fauna in the area.

Photographic Tips

Now that you know some of the best places to take photos on Kilimanjaro, here are some tips to help you capture the perfect shot.

Remember the Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is a basic principle of photography that can help you compose better shots. Essentially, it involves dividing the frame into thirds both vertically and horizontally, and then placing the subject of the photo at one of the intersections.

Ask Permission

If you’re taking photos of people or private property, make sure you have permission before you start shooting. Kili is so busy it’s hard to NOT get other people in your shot.

Remember if you want to use these commercially you need to get their permission first!

Use a Tripod

A tripod can be incredibly useful when taking photos on Kilimanjaro, especially if you’re shooting in low light conditions.

Shoot Away from the Sun

When taking landscape photos, it’s often best to shoot away from the sun. This will help you capture the colors and details of the landscape without the harsh glare of the sun.

Avoid Shooting at Midday

The light is often too harsh and direct during midday, which can make it difficult to capture good photos. Try shooting in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light.

Think About the Foreground

When taking landscape photos, it’s important to think about the foreground as well as the background. Including an interesting foreground element can help add depth and interest to your photos.

Shoot at Golden Hour

Golden hour is the period of time just after sunrise or just before sunset when the light is soft and warm. This is often the best time to capture stunning landscape photos.

The Best Cameras for Taking on Kilimanjaro

When it comes to taking photos on Kilimanjaro, you’ll want a camera that’s lightweight, durable, and capable of capturing high-quality images. Here are a few of the best options:

• Canon EOS Rebel T7i
• Sony Alpha a6000
• Fujifilm X-T2
• Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
• Nikon D5600

Learn More: When it comes to taking photos on Kilimanjaro, you’ll want a camera that suits your specific needs. Here is my full list of recommendations for the best camera to climb Kilimanjaro.

Best Lightweight Camera

If weight is a concern, the Fujifilm X-T2 is a great option. It’s a mirrorless camera that’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry with you as you climb the mountain. Despite its small size, it still delivers high-quality images thanks to its 24-megapixel sensor and 4K video capabilities.

Best High-End Camera

For those who want the best of the best, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a great option. It’s a professional-grade DSLR that delivers stunning image quality and is built to withstand harsh conditions. It features a 30-megapixel sensor, 4K video capabilities, and a weather-sealed body that can withstand rain, wind, and dust.

Best Battery Life

If battery life is a concern, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is a great option. It features a high-capacity battery that can last for up to 420 shots per charge. It’s also a lightweight and compact mirrorless camera that’s easy to carry with you on the mountain.

Best Wet Weather Camera

If you’re expecting to encounter wet weather on your climb, the Nikon D850 is a great option. It features a weather-sealed body that’s resistant to dust and moisture, so you can capture great shots even in challenging conditions. It also features a 45.7-megapixel sensor, 4K video capabilities, and a tilting touchscreen for easy composition.

Conclusion

Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most stunning places on Earth, and it’s a photographer’s dream come true. With these tips and some of the best places to take photos on the mountain, you’ll be able to capture some truly incredible shots. So grab your camera and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

[block id=”kilimanjaro-travel-cheatsheet”]