Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Packing List

Kilimanjaro, standing at an altitude of 5,895 meters (19,340 feet) above sea level, is the tallest mountain in Africa and the world’s largest free-standing mountain. It is not only a mountain, but also a symbol of Africa’s beauty and diversity, as well as a popular climbing and hiking destination on the continent.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is an unforgettable experience, but it requires a great deal of preparation and planning. Packing is one of the crucial aspects of preparation, and our comprehensive Mt. Kilimanjaro packing list provides trekkers with all the necessary equipment and gear to ensure a safe and comfortable climb.

1. Travel Documents

• A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity, along with 2-3 photocopies of the passport and a photo on your phone in case of theft or loss, are required.
• You will need to have your airline tickets and trip confirmation itinerary.
• Tanzanian Visa is obtainable on arrival at the airport, although some countries may need to acquire it before arrival.
• Four passport-sized photos are required when obtaining a permit.
• You must have travel insurance that covers medical, flight cancellation, trip cancellation, rescue, and air ambulance services during your trip.
• For your health, you may need to obtain certain immunizations. Please contact your physician or visit the CDC website for more information.
• You will need a Yellow Fever Certificate only if you are traveling from or via a country where yellow fever exists, such as Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, Ghana, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Angola, and others.
• US dollars are the most widely accepted currency. You can exchange your cash for the required Tanzanian shillings. Bringing cash as well as credit/debit cards is recommended.

2. Travel Clothing

Headwear

• Brimmed Hat or Sun Cap (for sun protection)
  Exposure to the sun is one of the biggest risks during climbing Kilimanjaro, which can cause possible heat strokes. Therefore, it is recommended to wear wide-brimmed hats that cover your ears, neck, and face from the strong rays of the sun.
• Bandana or headscarf (useful for protection against dust and cold)
  The trails remain dusty mostly due to dry weather. So, a bandana can protect your face from the sun, dust, and wind.
• Knit Hat (for warmth)
  Warm fleece or woolen hats are essential during the freezing nights to keep you warm and maintain heat in your body. You should ensure that your knit or thermal hat covers your ears and isn’t too tight to wear.
• Balaclava or Buff (recommended)
  A fleece-lined buff keeps your neck and back of your head warm. Most importantly, it covers your mouth that prevents you from coughing and damaging your throat and lungs.
• Buff/Neck Gaiter (for sun protection)
  The Kilimanjaro trail can get really dusty. Therefore we recommend bringing buff/neck gaiter to keep your neck warm and protect you against the dryness. It also covers your mouth hence preventing dust particles from entering into your throat.
• Headlamp with extra batteries
  They are essential especially for the summit night and also for going to the toilet at night time. It is recommended to bring a headlamp with good light output and one spare set of batteries.
• Sunglasses or Goggles
  The intensity of the sun above 4,500m is usually very high, so it’s important to protect your eyes from harsh UV rays and ice glare at high altitudes. It is recommended to choose a pair of dark, wrap-around sunglasses of category 3 or 4. Optionally, you may want to include an extra pair of sunglasses in your Kilimanjaro packing list in case of need.

Bodywear – Torso

• Long/Short Polypropylene Sleeve Shirt (moisture-wicking fabric)
  For the first few days of trekking, it is recommended to have two or three polypropylene shirts, both long and short. They should be lightweight and made of moisture-wicking fabric. Merino wool or synthetic fabrics are good choices for short sleeve shirts, while nylon or synthetic fabrics are recommended for long sleeve shirts.
• Down jacket (Puffer Jacket)
  Down jacket or a thick fleece are essential on the summit night and for the evenings. It is a vital piece of kit for an adventure trip like Kilimanjaro. If you carry a lightweight down jacket, then you will probably need a fleece jacket as well.
• Lightweight thermal tops
  A thermal base layer ideally made from merino wool is recommended to keep your body warm and protect from the deep cold of the mountain. These are normally lightweight to add on as vital warm layers on cold evenings and the summit night.
• Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
  A mid-layer fleece wind-stopper or pullover or an equivalent jumper for use over T-shirts during your Kilimanjaro climb is essential. Gore Tex material is recommended.
• Soft Jacket, fleece, or soft-shell
  Fleece or soft-shell jacket, usually a mid-weight polar Tec fleece jacket is ideal for Kilimanjaro Climb
• Waterproof jacket with hood (waterproof and breathable)
  An essential item for the climb is a waterproof hard shell outer jacket, preferably with a hood, to keep you protected from all the elements. Gore-Tex or a similar waterproofing material is recommended for this purpose. A breathable outer shell layer wicks away moisture and keeps you dry inside, while the hood of the jacket helps protect you from rain or snow and blocks the wind.
• Sports Bra (women)
  A proper hiking sports bra will support your breasts comfortably on the trip. A quick-dry sports bra made of merino wool that has moisture-wicking properties will help you keep off the excessive sweat sticking on your body.

Handwear

• Gloves (Warm Gloves or Mittens & Light Gloves)
  Fleece gloves with a waterproof outer and thin inner gloves are recommended. Both light and warm gloves or mittens are essential for Kilimanjaro climb. The outer gloves should be able to withstand the freezing temperatures.

Bodywear – beneath the torso

• Breathable Waterproof Hiking Pants (side zipper recommended)
  We recommend 1 or 2 pairs of good quality hiking pants, preferably made of a quick-drying material such as synthetic. Cotton material is not preferred as it does not dry quickly.
• Light thermal trouser (moisture-wicking fabric)
  We recommend the use of Merino wool base layers. They can be used for sleeping in, night climbing, and the first layer in keeping your body warm and keeping cold conditions at high altitudes at bay.
• Hiking shorts (advised for use on sunny days)
  Shorts don’t restrict movements and allow more motion options. Hence, we recommend stretchy comfort, very lightweight, quick dry, and sturdy possibly with multiple pockets.
• Fleece Pant
  We recommend the heavyweight fleece pants These pants can be worn during the coldest nights, especially on the summit night, during the evenings, or while inside your sleeping bag.
• Underwear (moisture-wicking fabric)
  You will need at least 5 – 6 pairs of undergarments, preferably breathable sports underwear, except cotton ones for your Kili trip. Make sure they are moisture-wicking fabric underwears made of light materials or synthetics.

Footwear

• Hiking Boots
  A comfortable, warm, water-proof, and broken-in pair of hiking boots are very essential  as you will need to walk from 6 to 8 days. A hiking boot with rigid soles that fits perfectly and has a good ankle support is recommended.

Tips: When buying shoes, make sure it perfectly fits your feet and you must feel comfortable wearing it. Our blog can help you find the best hiking boot for Mount Kilimanjaro Climb.

• Trekking Sandals
  They should be  light and feel relaxed when you’re on it. We recommend wearing warm socks underneath it. 
• Trekking Socks (5 – 6 pairs)
  You should consider comfy socks with at least low calf or knee high length. You should bring lightweight or medium-weight socks. Merino wool or synthetic socks are preferred.
• Hiking Socks
  They should be made of moisture-wicking materials that will help you keep your feet warm on the trek. It is good to have at least 3 to 4 pairs of thin liner socks, and 2 pairs of thick socks that are preferably made from Merino wool or synthetic material, but not cotton.
• Running Shoes/Trainers (optional)
  They are useful in making your feet comfortable after taking off your hiking boots at the end of the day’s trek. These should be very light and do not go past your ankle
• Gaiters (optional)
  Gaiters are optional and used for preventing things from entering inside your footwear on the hike. If you are planning a trip to Kilimanjaro during rainy season or winter you might consider them.

3. Trekking Equipments

• Duffel Bag, 90L/20 Gallons (for porters to carry your stuff)
  This bag is used for carrying gears or trekking equipment, clothes, and other items that you will not be using during the day time. They are normally carried by porters if you hire one.
• Sleeping Bag (warm & suited for four seasons)
  We recommend a 4-season sleeping bag and compression sack that should withstand -20ºC of temperature. 
• Daypack, 30L – 40L (for your carry)
  A daypack is essential for carrying daily items, personal documents, camera, cash, water bottles, and other necessities. It is important to ensure that your daypack has enough room for these essentials. We recommend a daypack of approximately 30L to 40L (6.5 to 9 gallons) with a hip belt for support. Recommended brands of daypacks include Osprey, Vorlich, Gregory, REI Flash, Deuter Speed, and many others.
• Collapsible Trekking Poles (highly recommended)
  Trekking poles are highly recommended as they help reduce the impact on your joints while walking. We suggest hikers who are concerned about their knees to use a pair, preferably with suspension. Some recommended brands of trekking poles are Black Diamond, Gossamer, Montem Ultra Strong, and Leki Micro Vario Carbon.
• Thermosets (optional)
  It is an optional item for those who wish to have extra insulation for their sleeping bags. The extra layer of insulation of the thermoset keeps you much warmer and more comfortable
• Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)
  They provide an added warmth. Some of the brands that we recommend are Brave Era, Mountain Warehouse, Lifeventure, and Sea to Summit.

If you want to enjoy the freedom of traveling light for your Kilimanjaro trip, you can leave your bulky clothes and gear at home and purchase or rent them in Moshi instead. Furthermore, to ensure that you have all the essential gear you need for the trip, Himalayan Glacier will assist you in getting properly equipped.

4. Trekking Accessories

• Water Bottle (plastic free)
  Water bottles should be plastic free and also Bisphenol A-free (BPA-free). These bottles should be able to refill water or even boil water for the night time without any issues.

Note: Disposable plastic bottles are not permitted and illegal on Kilimanjaro. Breaking the law can attract hefty fines from the Rangers.

• Waterproof Day Backpack Cover for protection (optional)
  They are optional in case your backpack does not come along with it. It protects your backpack from rains and also keeps water from seeping inside the daypack.
• Stuff Sacks, Dry Bags, or Ziploc -Type Bags
  It is a good idea to carry some Ziploc-type bags, dry bags or stuff sacks to store your gadgets, gears, and other important items in a dry place all the time.
• Garbage Bag
  We highly recommend that you bring compostable or biodegradable bags, high-density light bags, biohazard bags, or autoclave-able garbage bags. Avoid using plastic bags.
• Book/Diary/Games
  You can carry along your favorite book to read or a diary to note down the exciting things that you saw and experienced during the day hike. You can even bring games to spend time with your crew members or other hiking partners

It is essential that we keep the Kilimanjaro and its surroundings clean.  We encourage you to follow eco-friendly practices on every trip.

4. First Aid & Medicines

• Antibiotics
  Always consult and ONLY use antibiotics prescribed by your physician.
• Painkillers
  We recommend that you carry Paracetamol, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, or Advil to shoo away your headaches or body aches.
• Cough Lozenges
  Carry some cough lozenges or throat pastilles for treating cough.
• Plasters, Bandages & Zinc Oxide Tape
  They are useful for any cracked skin or small cuts. We also recommend carrying blister pads for your feet and good quality zinc oxide tapes to cover over hot spots, if required.
• Foot Powder
  They help you get rid of the bad odor coming out from your sweaty feet while also inhibiting bacterial growth.
• Skin-blister repair kit
  They help prevent and manage blisters and calluses while walking long hours during the hike.
• Antidiarrheals
  Common anti-diarrhea pills, such as Imodium or Lomotil that help stopping or slowing diarrhea are recommended to carry.
• Altitude sickness drugs
  Diamox or Acetazolamide to prevent AMS. You should always consult your doctor for the medicines.

Don’t buy the medicines by your own wish. ALWAYS consult and use the medicines prescribed by your physician.

• Water purification tablets or water filters
  They are essential  to purify the water along the trails. As there are no facilities to recycle the plastic bottles in the mountains, we do not recommend buying water on the trail .
• Earplugs
  These can be essential for blocking out sounds that could interfere with your sleep, like your partner’s snoring or intrusion of water, dust or excessive winds.
• Prescriptions
  Prescriptions provided by your doctors.
• Sunscreen Cream
  Due to the high risk of sunburn you should always carry a strong factor long-lasting, waterproof sun-block cream. We recommend having a Factor 50 + to protect you from the extreme rays, in particular P20, FixDerma Shadow, Rivela Lite, Minimalist, and La Shield Fisico.
• Lip Balm
  Lip balm preferably with SPF25 protection is recommended to protect yourself from chapped or wind-burnt lips caused by the fierce sun in high altitude.
• Insect Repellent
  Although mosquitoes are not spotted at higher altitudes,  we recommend carrying an effective insect repellent spray containing DEET as the mosquitos might surely greet you when you first arrive in Tanzania!
• Hand Sanitizer
  They are generally used to kill many viruses,bacteria or microorganisms from your hand. 
• Wet Wipes/Baby Wipes (recommended)
  We always recommend bringing a pack of Baby Wipes to keep yourself clean in the wilderness
• Snacks, lightweight, high calorie (optional)
  We recommend that you bring a few of your favorite snacks that are lightweight and contain high calorie, such as chocolates, nuts, sweets, energy bars, etc. 
• Electrolytes, powder, or tablets (optional)
  Electrolytes can prove vital to prevent dehydration during your hike.

5. Toiletries/ Personal Hygiene

• Toothbrush (preferably biodegradable)
• Toothpaste (preferably biodegradable)
• Small personal First Aid Kit
• Small bar or soap bottle (preferably biodegradable)
• Dry Shampoo (preferably biodegradable)
• Medium-sized quick-drying towel
• Multi-purpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
• Deodorants
• Nail Brush & Clippers
• Small hair brush
• Face flannel
• Hand and face moisturizing cream
• Toilet paper
• Eye drops
• Oral rehydration sachets
• Flasks
• Umbrella
• Pad locks
• Multi-tools

Extras (for men)	Extras (for women)
Small mirror Razor and shaving cream Shave gel or lotion Pee bottle	Pee cloth Feminine wipes Menstrual cups Tweezers

We hope this comprehensive Kilimanjaro packing list, containing all the essential items, gave you an idea of what to pack during your Mt. Kilimanjaro climb. While packing, the Kilimanjaro gear list should not include unnecessary items, as overpacking can be a hindrance during the trek and may cause injury or fatigue. Follow our Kilimanjaro packing list to avoid unnecessary packing and make your trek easier.

Are you ready to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro after reading the Kilimanjaro equipment list? Join our expert guides and enjoy a safe and unforgettable journey to the roof of Africa. If you are ready to challenge yourself or have any queries, feel free to call or message us on WhatsApp. (+1-410-307-0007).