Ultimate Kilimanjaro Packing List

Get ready for your adventure

Snow-covered Mount Kilimanjaro summit rising above the clouds

Everything you need to know about what to pack for climbing africa’s tallest mountain

Kilimanjaro's Climate Zones

Mount Kilimanjaro features five distinct climate zones that change as you ascend higher up the mountain. As you climb, you'll notice a decrease in vegetation, a drop in temperatures, and a change in atmospheric pressure. The trek begins in a lush tropical forest, progresses through the Heath and Moorland zone, traverses an Alpine Desert, and concludes in the Arctic summit zone characterized by rocks, snow, and ice.

This journey emulates a rapid transition from the equator to Antarctica within a week, demanding different clothing and gear to adapt to the changing conditions. This guide will help you understand the essential gear and optional items for enhanced comfort. We will walk you through what you need to wear on each day of your epic Kilimanjaro adventure.

Tanzania, located on the equator, has consistent temperatures year-round, with slight seasonal variations. June to August is winter, while December to February is summer, with a maximum temperature difference of around 7°C (45°F). Climbs occur year-round, but we advise against climbing during the peak rainy season in April. Read more about the best time to climb Kilimanjaro in our blog post.

Your Packing List

We've led Kilimanjaro expeditions for over a decade, with more than 5000 clients climbing with us yearly. This packing list reflects our experience, and we ask you to take it seriously. Even in the dry season, a hardshell jacket & pants, and a rain poncho are essential. Missing equipment can be rented from Altezza; prices are listed at the end of the brochure. If you don’t plan other mountain expeditions after Kilimanjaro, investing in the purchase of expensive equipment might not be worth it

Feel free to use this page as a checklist when packing for your expedition.

Essential Items

Optional Extras

Since 2014, we have organized thousands of Kilimanjaro expeditions. There are some items that appear non-essential but can greatly improve your experience on Kilimanjaro. Consider packing them for your trip in addition to the items from the main packing list.

Remember about the weight limit: the total weight of your duffle bag should not exceed 15 kg. For an extra fee, it’s possible to hire an additional porter thus increasing the weight limit to 30kg. Please contact us if you require that option.

What to wear during climbing

Day 1

3,000 m / 10,000 ft

Rainforest

20°C / 68°F

13°C / 55°F

Click

for more info

Day 2-5

4,000 m / 13,000 ft

Heath and Moorland

7°C / 45°F

0°C / 32°F

5,000 m / 16,500 ft

Alpine Desert

0°C / 32°F

-7°C / 19°F

Click

for more info

Day 6

5,895 m / 19,340 ft

Arctic Summit

-10°C / 14°F

-17°C / 1°F

Click

for more info

Day 1

3,000 m / 10,000 ft

Rainforest

20°C / 68°F

13°C / 55°F

Click

for more info

Day 2-5

4,000 m / 13,000 ft

Heath and Moorland

7°C / 45°F

0°C / 32°F

5,000 m / 16,500 ft

Alpine Desert

0°C / 32°F

-7°C / 19°F

Click

for more info

Day 6

5,895 m / 19,340 ft

Arctic Summit

-10°C / 14°F

-17°C / 1°F

Click

for more info

Altezza Travel’s Rental Shop

The gear you choose for Kilimanjaro significantly influences the comfort of your journey and impacts your chances of reaching the summit. We recommend selecting quality equipment from reputable brands.

Altezza Travel safari vehicle with a pop-up roof in the Tanzanian savanna

Spacious reclining seat inside an Altezza Travel safari vehicle

If you don't have all the necessary items or prefer to travel light, you can rent everything you need on-site from Altezza Travel’s rental shop. The rental shop is available only for Altezza’s clients.

Our team provides top-notch gear from USA and EU manufacturers. We regularly renew our stock to ensure it is always in prime condition.

Available for rent from Altezza

The prices below are for the entire expedition period

After booking your tour, you will receive access to a personal account where you can select rental equipment online. We will prepare all the gear you chose, and bring it to the pre-climb briefing.

Footwear

Leg gaiters

0.25 kg / 0.55 lbs

$10

Trekking sneakers

Out of stock

Hiking boots

1.35 kg / 2.98 lbs

(ankle-fixing)

$45

Microspikes

0.4 kg / 0.88 lbs

$20

Clothing

Thermal underwear set

0.4 kg / 0.88 lbs

$30

Trekking pants

0.35 kg / 0.77 lbs

$15

Long sleeve shirt or T-shirt

Out of stock

Warm fleece jacket

0.4 kg / 0.88 lbs

$10

Fleece liner

0.8 kg / 1.76 lbs

$15

Hardshell Jacket

0.4 kg / 0.88 lbs

$30

Hardshell Pants

0.35 kg / 0.77 lbs

$25

Summit jacket

0.95 kg / 2.09 lbs

(comfort -15°C / 5°F)

$40

Summit pants

0.85 kg / 1.87 lbs

(comfort -15°C / 5°F)

$30

Waterproof poncho

0.3 kg / 0.66 lbs

$15

Sleeping

Sleeping bag

2.35 kg / 5.18 lbs

(comfort -12°C / 10°F)

$45

Hand gear

Fleece gloves

0.1 kg / 0.22 lbs

$10

Mittens

0.25 kg / 0.55 lbs

(comfort -15°C / 5°F)

$20

Headgear

Mountain sunglasses

0.1 kg / 0.22 lbs

(with UV protection, 3-4 Cat.)

$30

Sun hat (cap or other brim hat)

Out of stock

Headlamp

0.1 kg / 0.22 lbs

(including 1 set of batteries)

$15

Fleece hat

0.05 kg / 0.11 lbs

(in addition, balaclava is recommended)

$10

Bags

Small backpack

0.85 kg / 1.87 lbs

(30-40 liters)

$30

Waterproof duffel bag

2.5 kg / 5.51 lbs

(≈100 liters / carried by porter)

$40

Other items

Power bank

0.35 kg / 0.77 lbs

$20

Trekking poles

0.5 kg / 1.10 lbs

$15

Available for sale at our shop

Hydration bag / Bladder

$35

Flask or water bottle

(reusable)

$15

Vacuum flask

(thermos)

$35

Electrolytes

(powder/tablets)

$20

Neck gaiter

Out of stock

Balaclava

Out of stock

Sunscreen

(SPF 30+)

$25

Lip balm

Hiking socks

$15

Summit socks

(Smartwool)

$20

Wet wipes

(Big)

Wet wipes

(Small)

Paper napkins

Microfiber towel

$25

Toothpaste

Toothbrush

Hand warmers

Out of stock

Earplugs

Spare batteries (1 pc)

Pillow

$35

Stay warm and safe

Day 2-6

Thermal Underwear Set

(Pants and a long-sleeve)

Bring two sets of thermal underwear: one for sleeping and the other for hikes. Avoid wearing them on sunny days, as it can get warm during the day (up to 15°C / 59 °F), and you might overheat. However, put it on for the summit night.

Summit day

Fleece Gloves + Mittens

(Comfort -15°C/ 5°F)

For the summit night, consider adding layers: first put on fleece gloves, then wear warm mittens over them. Ensure they aren’t too tight; you should be able to grip a trekking pole comfortably.

Day 2-7

Hiking Boots

(with ankle support)

Proper hiking boots with ankle support are a critical part of your gear. Ensure they have room for your toes and are snug but not tight. It’s important to break them in well before the trip.

We can’t wait to welcome you in Tanzania

Climbing Kilimanjaro is more than just a journey to another continent — it’s a rare opportunity to witness what our planet looked like before civilization forever changed it. As you ascend the trails to the summit, you’ll take in the same breathtaking landscapes that Portuguese explorers, English missionaries, and Maasai warriors gazed upon centuries ago. This timeless beauty is what inspired the Altezza Travel team to come here. Join us on this incredible adventure!

Climber at the Uhuru Peak summit sign on Mount Kilimanjaro