Kilimanjaro is a high mountain with cold weather year-round, and sometimes rain or snow can present a challenge. You do not want to be cold on the mountain, so be sure you are well prepared. If you plan not to bring something on this list, please check with us to be sure it’s not vital. People are often surprised by how cold it is on Kilimanjaro and how cold they can feel - especially if not prepared - on the mountain.
Luggage: Check with your airline about luggage allowances as they are constantly changing. Usually people check two bags, 50 pounds maximum each with linear dimensions (length plus width plus height) not to exceed 62 inches. For the mountain climb, you should have one soft, light, very large duffel bag that has no wheels and can fit your (compressed) sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and all clothing and gear except what little you need available in your day-pack on the trail. This is usually the largest size duffel bag that is also acceptable size to check with the airlines. Usually people will check (on the flight) a second duffel bag with some extra clothes for safari; this bag can be left at the hotel or headquarters while we are on the mountain and also may have extra space to bring home souvenirs. If you have extra space in your bags on the way to Tanzania, please contact us so we can mail you donated porter gear or school supplies
| Kilimanjaro Final Packing List | |
| Running or tennis shoes. 1 pair to wear around camp and also for safari. | |
| Hiking Boots. 1 pair of sturdy boots that should be broken in, water proof and warm. | |
| Gaiters. to keep rocks out of shoes and boots dry. | |
| Wool or Synthetic Socks. 3 pair heavyweight socks (wool is warmer). to be worn over the liner socks. When layering socks, check fit over feet and inside boots. Remember to keep one fresh, dry pair of socks available at all times. It is very important to buy new socks regularly as they lose their cushioning over time. | |
| Liner Socks. 3 pair of smooth thin wool, nylon or Capilene to be worn next to the skin. While liner socks are not necessary, they can help reduce the incidence of blisters and hot-spots and make the outer sock last longer before needing to be changed. They should fit well with your heavyweight socks. | |
| Down Booties. nice for evenings | |
| Underwear about 5 sets of underwear and a few t-shirts, wicking material is best. | |
| Long Underwear. 2 Tops and 1 lightweight bottom, 1 medium weight bottom. Capilene, other synthetic or wool. No Cotton. Lightweight is preferable as it is more versatile (worn single in warmer conditions and double layer for colder). Zip-T-neck tops allow more ventilation options. One set of white for intense sunny days and one pair of dark for faster drying gives the most versatility. | |
| Trekking Pants. Lightweight nylon trekking pants worn during start of climb and safari. (with zip off legs is good, then you have your shorts too.) | |
| Soft Shell Pants. (Optional) These non-insulated pants can be worn in place of trekking pants while on the climb. They provide a higher level of warmth and also repel light rain | |
| Hard Shell Pants. Waterproof, breathable. Full length side zippers preferred but not required. Full zip can be helpful when removing pants while wearing boots. 7/8th or 3/4 zips that reach to lower hip will work. Ankle zip pants are not recommended since pants can not be quickly or easily removed while wearing boots. | |
| Hiking Shorts. Zip offs are great | |
| Insulation Layer, Down puffy jacket, fleece or wool sweater | |
| Synthetic/Soft Shell Jacket. Mid- to Heavyweight. A full-zip version is easier to put on and has better ventilation than a pullover. | |
| Hard Shell jacket w/ hood. We recommend a waterproof breathable shell material with full front zipper, underarm zips, and no insulation. This outer layer protects against wind and rain. | |
| Lightweight synthetic gloves. 2 pair, quick drying material. Should fit comfortably inside your heavy gloves or mitts. | |
| Warm gloves or Shell Mitts A good pair of ski mittens/gloves work well. | |
| Balaclava. Look for a simple lightweight model. (there are some nice ones available that can double as a hat) | |
| Warm Lightweight synthetic/wool hat. Hat should cover ears. | |
| Baseball cap/sun hat. One with a good visor to shade the nose and eyes. Synthetic is nice as it dries quickly. | |
| Bandana. Used to shade your neck, bring a couple | |
| Sun glasses. 100% UVA/B, IR, glacier type designed for mountain use are best. High quality “wrap around” style glasses work as well. Its important for glasses to have either side shields or wrap around to protect eyes from high wind and dust. | |
| Trekking Backpack. A day pack big enough to carry water bottles, camera, lunch and extra clothing. 3,000-3500 cu.in. with rain cover | |
| Water Bottles: 2 to 3 Wide mouth bottles with minimum 1 Liter capacity per bottle, or 1 bottle with insulator (or a wool sock) and a Camel back style system with insulated tube. | |
| Pee Bottle (1 Liter). For those who don't like to get up during the night. Large mouth, clearly marked bottle. | |
| Sunscreen. SPF 30 or better, 2 small tubes. Make sure that the sun screen is not older than 6 months. Sunscreen older than six months loses half of its SPF rating. | |
| Lipscreen. SPF 40 or better, at least 2 sticks. Not older than 6 months. | |
| Sports Drink Mix. Powdered electrolyte drink mix. 1-2 Servings per day for 7 days. | |
| Water Purification tablets. enough for 1 gallon per day. | |
| Sleeping bag. Expedition quality to at least 100. Down is lighter and less bulky, but more expensive than synthetics | |
| Self Inflating pad. One 3/4 or full length w/repair kit. a lightweight self inflation pad with a separate closed cell foam pad works ok too. | |
| Travel Pillow. or pillow case to stuff with clothing | |
| Adjustable 3 section Ski/Trekking poles. 1 pair. | |
| Headlamp. A good quality climbers headlamp. Bring extra batteries. | |
| Small personal first-aid kit. (Simple and Light) Antibiotic ointment, Moleskin, molefoam, waterproof first-aid tape, athletic tape, Band-Aids, personal prescriptions, etc. The guides will have extensive first-aid kits, so leave anything extra behind. Please let your guide know about any medical issues before the climb. | |
| Duffle Bag to be carried by porter, water proof is good, if not bring large plastic trash bags | |
| Pplastic bags."Ziplock" type (for rubbish/wet washing/muddy shoes/organise clothes in duffel bag – for the latter you can also use stuff sacks). Smaller Ziplock bags for glucose or other gel packets – lower air pressure may cause them to break and mess. | |
| Trail snacks, snacks are provided during the day, but a few more is good. | |
| Toiletries, etc Wet wipes, nice for quick sponge baths, regular soap, no rinse body soap and shampoo, Toothbrush, tooth paste, towel, comb or brush, deodorant, Foot powder, Shaving kit, feminine hygiene products, small mirror | |
| Insect repellent, a good deep woods product, preferably with Deet | |
| Camera, with extra batteries, gigabytes or film | |
| Misc. Playing cards, extra shoelaces, string, tape, leatherman, earplugs, safety pins, Notebook & pen/pencil, book, MP3 player with extra batteries (no place to plug in on the mountain) | |
| Suggested Medicines/First Aid: Diamox or similar (high altitude), Band aids & moleskin (blisters, small cuts), Bandages, gauze pads, Vitamins, Painkillers, Allergy medicine, Nasal decongestant, Antiseptic cream, Heartburn remedy, Indigestion medicine, Anti-diarrhea medicine, Cold/flu tablets, Throat lozenges. Some people take a basic antibiotic, just in case. Contraceptives, Contact lens solution & extra set of disposable lenses, Eye rinse/moisturising drops, Prescribed medicine (enough to last your trip, ) | |
Documents and other things: |
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Safari: |
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