The Complete Kilimanjaro Packing List
To stay safe and comfortable while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, it’s essential to bring the right gear. Preparing properly can make a big difference in your overall experience. We’ve created a complete Kilimanjaro packing list to help you get ready, covering everything from clothing to personal items. The right equipment will protect you from the elements and ensure you’re ready for the challenges of the climb. As you trek, you’ll pass through five different climate zones, from warm rainforest to freezing alpine conditions near the summit. This means you must be prepared for all kinds of weather sunshine, wind, rain, and even snow. We supply tents, meals, cooking gear, and other shared items. Your main gear will go in a duffel bag carried by our porters, while you carry a light daypack with essentials like water, snacks, and extra layers during the day.
Mount Kilimanjaro Packing List
FOR SLEEPING 3-4 season sleeping bag and silk liner(optional), on the mountain temperature can get down to zero degrees Fahrenheit (-18° C) at night, so bring a warm bag. Sleeping pad, a closed-cell form camping mattress is OK; an inflatable Thermo-Rest is more comfortable.
FOR THE HEAD AND FACE • Pile or a wool hat-Bring one that covers ears, a balaclava • Shade hat or cap and scarf to cover your neck • Dark sunglasses with strong UV protection (glacier glasses) • Sunscreen-30 SPF • Lip salve • Head torch(flashlight) with spare batteries
FOR THE UPPER BODY • T-Shirts-Synthetics are the best approx 4. • Upper body layers-long sleeved thermal tops, a fleece/warm jumper (thick winter fleece), and a pile jacket. • Rain Gear-Bring a good pair of Gore-Tex or waterproof clothes. • Wind stopper (optional, you can use rain gear) • Gloves for summit night (e.g. ski gloves with silk liner or down Mittens are ideal. • 25-35 liters’ day sack/rucksack with a good waist strap to carry water, camera, snacks, etc.
FOR THE LEGS • Quick-dry hiking shorts. • Long underwear bottoms • Warm trousers/for the evening and summit day • Rain paints and wind paint as well. • Undergarment (enough for the duration of the trek)
FOR THE FEET • Thin Socks-Three pairs of synthetic socks. • Thick socks-3/4 pairs of specialist trekking socks, one warm pair for summit day. • Hiking boot (one pair,r medium weight) • Gaiters-To keep dirt, sand,e and snow out of your boots. • Tennis shoes (to wear in the camp after a day of hiking)
FOR HYDRATION • Water bottles (minimum 2 liters), Camelback packs (with dust cup) , Nalgene bottles, aluminum Sigg, ideally one bottle should be able to contain hot liquids(optional) • Water Treatment-Bring a water treatment. We will filter the water before you us ite. • Water flavoring (optional)
ADDITIONAL ITEMS • Trekking poles • Camera/film or memory card, extra batteries • Casual clothes for traveling, a spare day, and a celebration dinner. • Isotonic drink powder or tablets (optional) • Energy bars/chocolate/nuts or energy tablets • Plastic bags (to protect clothes from rain, for dirty washing, etc.) • Sunglasses (spare) • Swiss army knife (optional) • Credit card (in case of emergencies) – let your credit card company know you are traveling to Tanzania • A money belt to be worn inside trousers or a skirt • If you wear contact lenses, it is advisable to also bring your glasses • Playing cards, reading material,l etc.
HEALTH AND HYGIENE • High-factor sun cream (30SPF) and lip salve (mountain sun can be very strong) • Wet wipes • Antibacterial hand gel • Biodegradable nappy sacks (optional, but useful to store rubbish) • Personal toiletries (please only bring biodegradable products) • Earplugs (in case of snorers!) • Toilet paper (will be provided) • Lightweight trekking towel • Vaseline/talcum powder
SMALL MEDICAL KIT Although you will have a team Medically Trained Guide in your trip, it is advisable bring along a small personal medical kit. • Dimox (Accetomalozide) for altitude adjustment • Dexemethasone (Emergence medicine) • Antiseptic cream • Plasters (band-aids) • Lint wound dressing • Knee support • Crepe bandage • Safety pins • Pain killers (Paracetamol and ibuprofen) • Insect repellent • Deep heat ointment • Diareze/Imodium, Cipro, and Pepto-Bismol • Oral rehydration salts • Compeed blister plasters (Moleskin) • Malaria tablets /Malaron
Note: Malaron, Dimox, and Dexamethasone are prescription medicines we highly recommend you discuss with your Doctor. We are not carrying this medicine in our First Aid Kit. Hiring any additional clothing upon booking, we will provide the equipment hiring price list. Upon arrival in Moshi, we will check over any clothing/equipment you have. COTTON clothing must be avoided, because it dries very slowly; choose wool or synthetic fabrics that wick the sweat and moisture from your skin.
