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Kilimanjaro Packing List
Despite that of the "Seven Summits" - highest climbs on all seven continents - Kilimanjaro is considered the easiest, this expedition shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Packing your Kilimanjaro kit is one of the most important steps on the way to a successful climb. The Web is full of travel recommendations, however, most of them inevitably fail to explain why a certain piece of equipment is a must-have while others may be left at home.
We have compiled our packing guide so that even a complete novice could use it as a reference, though some recommendations might be obvious to seasoned mountain climbers. Also, you can find more information about Kili climbing in this article.
Most items mentioned in this article are absolutely necessary. Those regarded as comfort enhancers have been marked as “optional”.
Useful tips for packing your Kilimanjaro clothing and kit
Here are some tips for how to pack for climbing Kilimanjaro:
You can hire the required gear on the spot when you arrive in Tanzania
Those who don’t want to bring the whole bulk of their climbing equipment to Tanzania can always hire it on the spot from our rental shop. And it’s more pocket-friendly to hire from us than to buy new.
For first-time climbers or anyone who doesn't have their own climbing gear, renting is a much more affordable choice than investing in top-quality gear you may only use one time. We are the only company in the region to provide our clients with gear from such brands as The North Face, Marmot and Red Fox straight from our own store, the biggest in the Kilimanjaro region. All equipment is clean and in perfect condition as we renew our stock twice a year.
Avoid buying the cheapest gear
There’s no need to spend a fortune on buying branded clothes and footwear, and yet low quality items should not be an option either, no matter how attractive the price. After all, it is your safety and comfort at stake. On today's market you can find plenty of high-quality alternatives at affordable prices.
Clothing for Kilimanjaro
On Kilimanjaro you will be trekking through four different climate zones (rainforest, moorland, alpine meadows, and Arctic desert). At the lower altitude of tropical rainforest, the weather is mostly humid and hot, while in the summit zone it is snowy, windy and frosty. In addition, while the temperature is usually high during the day, it can drop to the freezing point at night.
You should be properly prepared for all of these conditions.
Jackets
You will need to have three types of jackets for this trip:
Fleece jacket as an insulation layer
Fleece jackets can be worn as a separate piece of clothing or over a trekking shirt. They are great to have at night when you are in the camp. A fleece jacket is a must have - you will be using it on most of your Kilimanjaro days.
Polartec-200 fabric is recommended over all others for Kilimanjaro expeditions. The best brands of fleece jackets are: The North Face, Red Fox, Mountain Hardwear, and Patagonia. Hooded fleece jackets are better, as they provide extra warmth and comfort. We recommend taking 2-3 pieces for your trip.
The best brands of fleece jackets for expeditions to Kilimanjaro are The North Face, Red Fox, Mountain Hardwear and Patagonia.
Warm jacket / Down jacket
A warm jacket is used in camps to keep you warm during chilly evenings and for the summiting part of your trip. It is an absolutely necessary element of your kit.
A warm jacket should not be too heavy or too light and it should be comfortable to wear at -15°C / (5°F).
Make sure that your warm jacket is a hooded one.
Another important thing to bear in mind is the waterproof capacity of a down jacket. Rain and snow are not unusual on Mount Kilimanjaro, therefore, we recommend choosing warm jackets with a water-resistant outer material to protect you against minor precipitation. If heavy rain or snow starts, you’ll need a special rain jacket to provide extra cover.
Membrane Hard shell rain jacket (Gore-Tex or other)
Hard shell rain jacket will likely be necessary from the first day of your trip (especially on Lemosho 7-day program, where you’ll be starting from 3,500 m/11,500 f), and should always be packed into your backpack for easy access.
This jacket is meant to protect you against wind and drizzly rain before you reach the summit camp. On most of the Kilimanjaro days it would be your third layer, after thermal underwear and a fleece jacket.
Trousers
You will need several types of trousers for this trip.
Trekking pants
Trekking pants of good quality are usually enough for a Kilimanjaro expedition. If you prefer hiking in shorts, taking a pair of trousers is nevertheless needed for the higher elevation parts of Kilimanjaro and chilly evenings in the camps.
Membrane pants of rain pants
Membrane pants are needed for your Kilimanjaro adventure, and they are especially useful during the rainy season. When worn together with the trekking pants, they provide excellent protection against winds and rains, making your overall experience better.
Warm trousers or ski pants
Warm trousers or ski pants are another must-have item on your packing list. They are needed for the summiting part of your hike, when the weather is particularly cold. These trousers should be water resistant, lined with fleece on the inside for warmth and covered with good hard shell insulation for protection against wind and rain. Ideally, you should be able to feel comfortable wearing these pants in temperatures under -15 CO/5°F. If you are not quite used to cold temperatures, you will also be especially happy to wear warm pants in the higher camps of Kilimanjaro.
Hiking underwear and shirts
You will need 5-6 pairs of underwear for your Kilimanjaro adventure. In addition to that, having 2-3 pairs of thermal underwear (base layer) is necessary for this trek - you’ll be wearing the first pair on your usual days, and the second one on the summit night. Also, sleeping in thermal underwear is more comfortable than without it.
The first set can be made of light synthetic fabric so that it dries faster. The one used for the summiting should contain warmer, more natural components, e.g. wool.
Any branded thermal underwear will be perfectly suitable for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
As far as shirts for Kilimanjaro expeditions are concerned, having 3-4 short-sleeved and 2 two long-sleeved shirts is necessary. Avoid cotton, as it is bad for wicking. Fabric should be light and ‘breathable’. Shirts made of the mixture of polyester and spandex or nylon are excellent.
Bags & Backpacks for hiking
High-quality bags are necessary for your Kilimanjaro trip. In short, you will need two types of bags: a daypack that you’ll be carrying yourself and a duffle bag that will be taken care of by a porter.
Daypack
Your daypack will carry your daily essentials, such as: sunglasses, sunscreen, rain poncho, flashlight, flask with water and snacks. It is also the right place to put your gadgets, for example: your camera and smartphone.
Your daypack should be as light as possible. Leave heavier alternatives for other treks. Moreover, make sure that your daypack fits your back comfortably. We recommend testing it on a smaller hike before Kilimanjaro to make sure it is suitable and comfortable for this adventure.
While choosing a backpack please pay attention to the following:
- Your Kilimanjaro backpack should have a rain cover. Rain can start quickly, and it will be necessary to protect the contents.
- It should have side pockets for trekking poles, a water flask (bottle) and other items that you deem useful to have in easy access.
- A good backpack should also have a hip belt which is helpful for reducing weight pressure.
- Ideally, a daypack should be compatible with a camel bag/hydration bladder.
The best hiking daypacks are produced by Black Diamond.
A good backpack should also have a shoulder hip belt which is helpful for reducing weight pressure.
Duffle bag
Typically, porters carry duffle bags on their heads, making it necessary to choose soft models for their comfort. The total distance covered by a porter with your duffle on his head will be around 40-60 km. Some Kilimanjaro trekking routes, such as the Northern Circuit, are longer than the others, so the load on porters increases proportionately.
Your fully loaded duffle bag should weigh up to 15 kg according to Kilimanjaro National Park regulations.
- Have a minimum of 90-120 liter capacity. Otherwise, you won’t be able to fit in the entire Kilimanjaro kit.
- It should be made of waterproof materials.
Along with a duffle bag we recommend taking several large dry bags and packing your gear inside separately. This approach will provide extra protection and will keep all your gear dry in case of heavy rains (sometimes the water can leak through the zippers straight inside to your duffle bag). You may hire a suitable, water-resistant duffle bag from Altezza Travel before the start of your expedition.
Along with a duffle bag we recommend taking several large dry bags and packing your gear inside separately. This approach will provide extra protection and will keep all your gear dry in case of heavy rains.
Dry bag (Optional)
Since rains are not rare on Kilimanjaro, taking a dry bag is a good idea. Putting it inside your duffle bag or backpack can help you keep all your Kilimanjaro gear dry and fit for use. If you decide to take one, make sure that it is large enough to fit a sleeping bag and all other gear.
Water flask
A water flask is an absolute must. Unlike some poor-quality hydration bladders, it will not freeze at night. You are required to drink at least 3-4 liters of water every day, so a flask is one of the key items for this trip.
You should have 1-2 water flasks (one liter each) for your Kilimanjaro trip.
Apart from having a water flask, it is also recommended to have a thermos for hot tea/coffee. Though the guides normally carry one thermos each for the hikers to have a hot drink on the way, taking your own means extra supply, which will be never superfluous on Kilimanjaro. More tea or coffee means more energy, which you will surely need.
Camel bag / Hydration bladder (Optional)
Hydration bladder (or “camel bag”) is highly recommended for this trip.
If your daypack is compatible with a hydration bladder, having one will surely add comfort to your trek. You should be very cautious and choose only high-quality models. Make sure that the pipe is insulated, otherwise, it might freeze on the summit night.
High-quality hydration bladders retail at USD 30 and more, but this is a good investment. 1.5 and 2-liter variations will be perfect for your trip.
Travel bag organizers (Optional)
A highly recommended item that makes it comfortable to get all of your gear sorted inside a duffle bag. Also, using such organizers is helpful for keeping dirty and wet clothes apart from the clean ones.
Footwear
Footwear is one of the most important items on your Kilimanjaro pack list. This is where you should be particularly attentive and selective. Choosing your hiking boots and/or sneakers is a task of supreme importance. A wrong choice here can result in broken toenails, corns and blisters.
For this trip you will need high-quality hiking boots, trekking sneakers (optional) and trekking socks.
Hiking boots
Choosing appropriate hiking boots is probably of utmost importance. There are many options on the market, and sometimes it’s hard to find the right one.
Ideally, your hiking boots should meet the following criteria:
- Boots should have good ankle support. To avoid getting injured make sure to choose a robust model with sufficient ankle support.
- Boots should be of medium weight. Avoid buying boots that feel very heavy, it will affect your comfort and make your feet quickly tired.
Of course, your boots should be waterproof to keep your feet dry all the way up to the top. It is especially important in the summit area if you climb Kilimanjaro during the rainy season. Wearing high-quality trekking socks will provide extra protection, so it is always recommended to have a pair.
Preferably, laces should get fixed to the speed hooks for better comfort and protection. It is critically important to break in your boots before the start of your Kilimanjaro trip. Taking a pair of brand new boots will cause discomfort, sore soles and calluses. Therefore, it is highly recommended for you to wear your boots for about 5-6 days before the start of the expedition. You should take at least one long hike to get them ready.
It is critically important to break in your boots before the start of your Kilimanjaro trip. You should take at least two long hikes to get them ready.
The brands of hiking boots that we recommend include: La Sportiva, Zamberlan, The North Face, Asolo, Salomon and Scarpa. Any of these brands will be perfect for Kilimanjaro. In our Kilimanjaro rentals shop you can find over 100 pairs of high-quality boots, all ideal for the Kilimanjaro trip. Hiring boots from us will cost you only USD 45 per trip, which is much cheaper than buying new (around USD 200-400), not to mention that bringing your own boots means extra weight for your luggage. So, if you don’t plan to hike actively after Kilimanjaro, it will be a good option.
Sneakers (Optional)
On some routes the first days of your hike won’t be very steep, making it possible to use simple trekking sneakers instead of boots. On the following days, after arriving at your camp, you’ll probably want to take off your hiking boots and let your feet rest. That’s when sneakers might come in handy. They’ll be perfect for exploring the camp surroundings and to move between your tent and dining tents.
Zamberlan, La Sportiva, The North Face and Scarpa all make excellent trekking shoes.
Trekking socks
Trekking socks are a must on hikes like this. Do not pack cotton socks, as they will retain sweat and give you blisters.
In contrast, woolen socks are a good option for Kilimanjaro - they will ensure fast and effective. wicking. A brand to choose is Bridgedale.
Thermal socks (Optional)
Thermal socks are optional, but highly recommended, especially for climbs during the summer months. There are a lot of brands available on the market. The ones with flat seams, not made of cotton, will suit perfectly! Wool is a great alternative.
Gaiters (Optional)
The use of gaiters on Kilimanjaro is not mandatory, but during the rainy season they are absolutely indispensable to prevent mud, snow or pebbles from getting inside the boots.
Hikers often think that gaiters are of little value. And yet, they do help to keep your trekking pants and boots clean during the trek, making your clothing more pleasant to put on. Also, the gaiters help to protect your more expensive membrane and trekking pants from the edgy rocks which are ubiquitous on Kilimanjaro.
Headgear
Like other trekking equipment categories, Kilimanjaro headgear has both mandatory and optional items.
Sun hat
A sun hat is a must have on your packing list. Ideally, it should also have a neck cover. This headgear will protect your face from sunburns and overheating.
Beanie
Taking a beanie is necessary for this trip.
At higher elevation you’ll start feeling cold, so in order to keep your head and ears warm you will need a good beanie. It should be warm enough for the low temperatures and snowy conditions of the summit area.
Balaclava (Optional)
Balaclava is a handy solution for hikers who are particularly susceptible to cold temperatures. A woolen balaclava will protect your chin, nose, cheeks and forehead from wind on the summit night. It is unlikely that you will be using it anywhere else.
Neck warmer (Optional)
Many climbers find neck warmers very useful as they provide good protection to your neck and face if it gets very cold. It’s also a good solution against dust.
Sunglasses
When it comes to sunglasses, there are some key points to pay attention to. Firstly, sunglasses should provide good UV protection. At the elevation of 6,000 m above the sea level UV radiation is much higher than at sea level.
Secondly, when choosing sunglasses you should remember that snow in the summit area reflects light, thus putting extra strain on your eyes. Once near the summit, you should put your sunglasses on even if it is cloudy. Otherwise, you might develop a condition known as snow-blindness. It is very dangerous and may cause permanent damage to your vision. Thus, make sure to choose a high-quality, mountain model with 3 or, better, 4-level of UV protection.
Together with other required gear, it is always possible to hire summit glasses at a competitive price in our Kilimanjaro rental shop.
The best sunglasses for a climbing expedition to Mount Kilimanjaro are by Julbo Explorer and Oakley.
Headlamp
You can not hike Mount Kilimanjaro without a headlamp.
Firstly, you’ll need it for moving around the camp after sunset when finding your tent can become quite a task. Besides, if you decide to go to the bathroom at night without a headlamp on you could stumble upon the tent ropes.
Secondly, a headlamp will be necessary during the summit. Normally, hikers start at midnight aiming to reach Uhuru peak by sunrise. So a headlamp will be a great help to see the path.
Please pay attention to the following points while choosing a headlamp for your trip:
- Check the quality of light. The brighter your headlamp, the more suitable it is for the trek. Optimally, the light output should be higher than 90-100 lumens and the beam distance should be at least 40-50 m.
- Buy good batteries. Ideally, the active mode should be around 30 hours. Otherwise, do not forget to take spare batteries.
- Finally, your headlamp should not be too heavy. Since it is worn on the head, it should be relatively light. Thus, do not consider anything above 120 g.
- Avoid buying headlamps with rechargeable batteries. Their battery life is much shorter, and, most importantly, there are no power outlets on Kilimanjaro to recharge them.
A headlamp will be necessary during the summit. Normally, hikers start at midnight aiming to reach Uhuru peak by sunrise.
Trekking poles
Trekking poles
Trekking poles are a highly recommended item on your Kilimanjaro packing list, not only because it is a matter of comfort, but because of health concerns.
High-altitude trekking is a strenuous activity that puts great strain on your knees and joints. Average daily hiking leg on Mt Kilimanjaro is 7-10 km which takes 4-8 hours to complete. The terrain is rugged, and, at some points of the trek, rocky. This is where the trekking poles will help you to keep balance, adding two extra supporting points. The hikers also say that the trekking poles are very helpful on the summit night, especially when fatigue takes over them.
That is why some people who do not use trekking poles complain about sore legs during and after the trip.
Good trekking poles will minimize the impact of a lengthy hike on joints, since part of your weight will be moved upon your hands and back, relieving your knees and other joints from extra stress.
While deciding on the trekking poles for your Kilimanjaro hike pay attention to the following:
- Ideally, the weight of your trekking poles should be around 400 g - not too heavy and not too light. Durability also matters - they should be able to endure lengthy hikes.
- As for materials, aluminium is the most optimal option that will make the poles durable. Also, make sure to check the grip materials - in a high-quality pair of poles grips are made of cork or foam. Cork is always a better option, as it feels more comfortable in the palm and doesn’t damage the palm skin.
- Also, remember that the trekking poles should match your height. Apart from adjustable models, there are special models for tall people and for kids.
Black Diamond is known to have the finest collection of trekking poles for hiking.
Good trekking poles are exactly what you need to minimize the impact of a lengthy hike on your knees and joints.
Gloves
You will need two types of gloves for this adventure - light inner gloves and warmer outer gloves for the summit night. Both types of gloves are essential for your Kilimanjaro trip.
Lightweight gloves
Lightweight gloves are meant to keep your hands warm starting from the second day of your expedition. Most hikers wear them till the summit camp and then put on their outer gloves. Inner gloves should be made of good-quality materials, the best options being wool, polartec or synthetics. Avoid buying cotton gloves - they are not suitable for Kilimanjaro because of their poor wicking capacity.
Mittens
You will also need warm gloves or mittens for the summit night. They should be warm and waterproof, while comfortable to use. Mittens are better - the summit usually takes around eight hours, and all the time you will be holding trekking poles in your hands. Because of that, it is imperative to keep them warm at -15C/ 5F (lowest temperature in the summit zone).
Sleeping bag
Sleeping bag for Kilimanjaro
No matter which season you are climbing Mt Kilimanjaro, a sleeping bag will be necessary in any camp and on all routes. Though some may think that it is warm in huts on the Marangu route, the fact is that they are not heated, making it your responsibility to keep warm at night.
Your sleeping bag should be warm. To begin with, your sleeping has three temperature levels.
“Comfort level” means the temperature at which you can sleep in your sleeping bag comfortably with only your thermal underwear on.
“Limit level” stands for the temperature when you can use your sleeping bag while wearing some layers of extra clothes. Sleeping bags should not be used in conditions beyond that temperature limit.
“Extreme level” means the temperature when a sleeping bag can be used as an emergency measure to save a climber from hypothermia until the emergency services arrive.
It is very cold in the upper camps of Kilimanjaro at night. Thus, the comfort level of your sleeping bag should be at least -10°C / 14°F. If you can get a sleeping bag warmer than that, you won’t regret it! No one has ever complained that it was too hot in his or her sleeping bag.
Ideally, your sleeping bag should have a hood to cover your head for better sleep at night.
Our Kilimanjaro recommendation is Lamina Z Blaze (Comfort Level 5°F / -15°C) by Mountain Hardwear and The North Face sleeping bags. Because sleeping bags are quite large in size, you may hire one in our Kilimanjaro rentals shop upon arrival. We regularly renovate our stock, making sure that our hikers have access to the best sleeping bag
Sleeping bag liner (Optional)
A sleeping bag liner will add extra warmth on the final days of your climb. Mummy-shaped liners are better than rectangular ones. Either a fleece or an insulated liner will be great for your Kilimanjaro hike.
A good liner can add from 3 to 8°C to your sleeping bag comfort level, which enables you to take your own sleeping bag if it does not match the -10°C comfort level requirement.
Inflatable pillow (Optional)
An inflatable pillow will be of great use for those who like reading in a tent. At the same time, however, you may put your backpack or some clothes under your head to make an improvised pillow.
Personal & Medical items
Wet wipes (Optional)
Wet wipes will help maintain personal hygiene if you decided to climb Kilimanjaro without hiring a personal portable shower. Take two packs - put a small one into your daypack to use on the way, and a larger one will go to the duffel bag to be used for the evening hygiene.
Don’t forget about suncream. Without it the open parts of your hands and face will easily get sunburnt.
Even though the guides will have a medical kit with everything needed for common conditions such as nausea, headache, stomachache, etc., you should definitely bring any personal medication you may require. Remember that some of the pills that you can easily buy in the home countries might be unavailable in Tanzania.
Gadgets (Optional)
Some of the gadgets that will be useful on your Kilimanjaro trip are:
Camera
The scenery opening from Mt Kilimanjaro is truly spectacular! Taking great pictures is one of the main reasons people sign up for this trip. You may take a smartphone with a power bank or a Go-Pro camera with spare batteries to capture the most fantastic moments of your adventure.
Power banks
As said above, If you are taking any gadgets with you, taking a power bank is a must. There are no power outlets on Kilimanjaro and it is the only way to keep your smartphone, e-reader or other devices charged.
E-book
For those who like to read before going to sleep, it is a must-have item on the packing list.
Mp3 Player
This is what will make your Kilimanjaro adventure truly great, especially on the summit night. Your favorite songs will certainly keep up your spirits and make the moments on the top of Africa even more wonderful.
Gear and equipment to hire
If Kilimanjaro is not your first mountaineering experience of summits above 5,000 m, then you probably already have most of the equipment needed. Yet, for many, Kilimanjaro is their first big climb. Therefore, you should seriously consider hiring some of the items on the spot as not to spend a fortune on equipment.
Buying the whole Kilimnajro kit is likely to cost you more than a thousand dollars, increasing the overall budget of your adventure. Hiring everything that you need for the hike will cost around USD 250-300. If Kilimanjaro is your once-in-a-lifetime venture and you are not sure whether you are going to continue climb, then hiring will be a cost-saving solution.
If Mt Kilimanjaro is only the first hiking adventure on your bucket list and you plan to explore other mountains, then buying your own gear is not a bad idea. Remember, however, to choose an appropriate luggage tariff when buying air tickets, as the whole kit is likely to weigh 15-17 kg. Therefore, even if you are arriving with your own gear, hiring some of the heaviest and most cumbersome items (such as a sleeping bag, down jacket or trekking poles) may be a good idea, especially if you have a trip to Zanzibar or a safari after the hike. Most local airlines operating Zanzibar flights have a 15 kg luggage limit, which will surely not be enough to pack all your hiking and usual travel luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions
The weather on Mt Kilimanjaro depends on the season. Summer months are mostly dry and chilly, spring and autumn through early winter are rainy, and middle and late winter is sunny, hot and dry.
Because of that, the most popular climbing seasons on Kilimanjaro are August-September, the New Year holidays, and January through early March.
You may read about the weather on Kilimanjaro and the best time to climb in our article.
Depending on the route, a standard Kilimanjaro adventure takes from six to eight days. Longer trips are always better because of acclimatization transition. Seven days on Kilimanjaro usually sufficient for the overwhelming majority of hikers in average physical shape. You can always add extra days to your itinerary for better acclimation.
Trekking poles are highly recommended for every climbing program. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro puts much strain on your knees, joints and feet, and trekking poles are used to alleviate that stress. They also provide stability and rhythm to assist trekking through rough terrain.
Less oxygen in the air is what causes problems with sleep at high altitudes. In most cases, if your acclimatization transition is going well, you won’t have any issues with your sleep at night. In other words, following the golden rules of high-altitude acclimatization will make your sleep better.
Here is a recap of them:
- Hike slowly! Ideally, your pace should be two times slower than normal walking pace.
- Choose longer routes. 7-day climbs through Lemosho, Machame and Rongai are enough for most hikers.
- Do not ignore acclimatization hikes. Following the “go high, sleep low” principle will help your acclimatization.
If, however, you have a headache at night or it is difficult to fall asleep, make sure to tell your guide and he will give you the necessary pills.
Practically, due to high elevations there are no malaria-carrying mosquitos on Kilimanjaro. Also, anti-malaria pills are reported to impact the hikers health condition on Kilimanjaro in a negative way, while, worsening the symptoms of high-altitude acclimatization.
However, the risk of infection is always present on the lower elevations before or after Kilimanjaro, as well in the National Parks on safari. Because of that, we recommend consulting your physician before the trip.
Overall, it is always your decision whether to take malaria pills or not.
Types D and G (British) with standard voltage of 230 V are used in Tanzania.
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