Mount Kilimanjaro Packing List
Mount Kilimanjaro Packing List
Mount Kilimanjaro is the ultimate mountaineering experience of a lifetime for many trekkers on Tanzania safaris. Being the highest mountain in Africa and standing at 5,895 meters / (19,341 feet) high, Kilimanjaro is both accessible and challenging. There is no technical climbing involved, but the trek is at an extreme altitude, cold weather, and the varying terrains; hence, preparation is essential. Having the correct equipment may spell the difference between a successful peak and an unsuccessful turn-back.
This ultimate Kilimanjaro packing list will include key equipment and hardware, clothing, accessories and personal items to prepare in order to make the climb a safe and comfortable experience.
Clothing Layers
There are five climate zones on Mount Kilimanjaro, including rainforest and the arctic summit. Layers have to be taken to cater to all weather conditions.
Base layers (moisture-wicking)
2-3 thermal tops with long sleeves
2-3 thermal leggings
Fabric: Merino wool or synthetic (cotton is a bad idea)
Purpose: Helps prevent sweat from adhering to the body and also acts as insulation.
Mid Layers
2 pullovers or pullovers
1 light down/synthetic insulated jacket 1
Optional: soft jacket
Purpose: Saves warmth; needed on colder nights and during summit push.
External Layers (Waterproof and Windproof)
1 hard shell jacket/Hood (GORE-TEX or similar)
1 pair of waterproof trousers
Protection: Guards against wind, rain and snow.
Shirts and Pants Trekking Pants
2- 3 hiking trousers (zip-offs preferably)
2-3 moisture-wicking t-shirts
1 sun protective hiking shirt (long sleeve)
Insulated Jacket (Heavy)
1 down or synthetic parka rated to 10- 14 degrees lower
Needed on summit night when it can be below zero.
Footwear
Your boots are the vehicle to take you up the mountain; therefore, be selective about your shoes.
Hiking Boots
Waterproof, well-worn, ankle-supporting hiking shoes
Stiff sole for rocky nature
Take cold-weather boots
Camp Shoes / Sandals
Sneakers or Crocs
To wear round camp on which to rest your feet
Socks
4-5 pairs of moisture-wicking trekking socks (wool or synthetic)
1-2 pairs heavy thermal socks (summit night)
Gaiters (Optional)
Effective in muddy areas or snow, so that mud or snow does not get inside the footwear
Additional (Head and Hand Gear)
Headwear
Sun hat or cap with a brim
Warm beanie or fleece hat (in cold weather)
Neck protection, either in the form of a balaclava or a neck gaiter (buff)
Gloves
Thin liner gloves (1- 2 pairs)
Insulated mitts or gloves (waterproof and waterproof poncho, for summit night)
Sleeping Gear
Most of the guided tours offer tents, sleeping mats, but personal sleepgear is essential.
Sleeping Bag
4-season sleeping bag with at least a -10C, better a -15C rating
Down bags are lighter and warmer than synthetic ones, but are more costly as well.
Sleeping Bag Liner (Optional)
Preserves an additional level of warmth and maintains the purity of your bag
Travels Pillow or Stuff Sack with Clothes
Lightweight and compressible so that it can fit in a bag easily
Daypack and Luggage
Daypack (30–40L)
Personal items you’ll carry each day, such as snacks and water and rain gear
Should have padded straps, a hip belt and a hydration port in case of using a bladder
Duffel Bag (80- 100L)
Laid on up with porters
Waterproof or put on a cheap rain cover
Packing Cubes/Dry Bags
To sort and store clothing and keep equipment dry
Hydration and Nutrition
Water Bottles
2-3 big wide-mouthed bottles (1L each)
Optional: hydration bladder (do not bring it to the summit night because it will freeze)
Water Purification
Water purification tablets or a filter
In most outfitters, water is boiled, but extra water treatment is a good idea
Snacks
Dried fruit, chocolate, energy bars, trail mix, and other lightweight, high-energy food: Extremely lightweight, high-energy food such as trail mix, energy bars, dried fruit and chocolate are all excellent options.
Adequate to have 1-2 snacks daily
Personal Items/Toiletries
Toiletries
Biodegradable soap
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Wet wipes (in place of showers)
Hand sanitizer
Quick-dry towel
Antiperspirant deodorant (plain is preferable)
Toilet Paper and Ziplock Bags
Bring your own toilet paper
Ziplocks for used toilet paper and trash
Sunscreen and lip balm
SPF 30 or greater
Lips are especially dehydrated at high altitude
Medication and First Aid
Personal medications
Pain medicines (ibuprofen/paracetamol)
Diamox (alleviation of altitude sickness, talk to a doctor)
Antidiarrheal (e.g., Imodium)
Moleskin (Blister care)
Bandages and infection lotions
Electronics & Accessories
Headlamp
Added batteries
Critical both on summit night and in camp at night
Camera or Smartphone
For photos
Solar charger/power bank (no electricity)
Earplugs and Eye Mask
Camping may be loud and sunny
Trekking Poles
Adjustable, lightweight
Lessen the stress on the knees, particularly during descent
Some Optional but Helpful Items
Book or Kindle (when you have downtime)
Pad and pen
Altimeter watch/GPS (to monitor altitude)
Travel game/ cards
Sit pad or inflatable cushion, Lightweight
Documents and Cash
Passport and visa (copies as well)
Insurance (need to cover and include high-altitude trekking)
A vaccination certificate, such as Yellow Fever, is required when coming from an endemic country.
Tips and souvenir money (USD)
Rental Gear or Purchase
Most outfitters in Tanzania will rent gear, such as sleeping bags, jackets, poles, and even boots. This helps to save on both cost and baggage space and ensures rented equipment is good and fits well. Never carry a base layer or boots.
Final Tips
Try out your equipment prior to the trip- use your boots on practice hikes, load up your day pack, wear all the right clothes that feel right, etc.
Be a lightheaded smart packer. There are very strict limitations on weight (approximately 15 kg on one duffel).
Write names and phone numbers on your bags.
Be organised with packing cubes or a compression sack.
Conclusion
When preparing for Mount Kilimanjaro, one has to carefully plan and ensure proper equipment to cover all weather conditions and terrain types. Being adequately equipped and ready, you will feel less stressed, safer and prepared to have one of the best hiking experiences in the world. As a well-chosen Kilimanjaro packing list is the key to successful high-altitude hiking, whether you are an experienced trekker or a novice at this adventuresome type of travelling, keep the following list at hand to move your focus and attention to where they are intended, i.e., to the peak of Kilimanjaro.
