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The Best Expert Guide on Kilimanjaro
We deliver responsible, sustainable tourism
The Best Expert Guide on Kilimanjaro
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Climbing Mount Kili is a rigorous adventure; knowing the ultimate packing list for the Kilimanjaro climb will significantly help. That’s why we at Easy Travel made this guide so that you will pack the right things for a successful Kili climb.
The coldness, the elevation, and the mountain’s changing weather conditions are only some of your challenges. Nonetheless, these challenges are bearable if you have packed the right gear and other climbing essentials.
So, what is the ultimate packing list for the Kilimanjaro climb? The top packing lists for the Kilimanjaro climb are warm clothing, footwear, headgear, and other essential equipment, which will be discussed further below. See our extensive list below to dive more into what you should pack.
Due to the altitude of Kilimanjaro, the mountain can create its own micro-climate, making the weather changeable above cloud level. This means you’re exposed to various elements, and your body will undergo an immense temperature change from 18°C in the rainforest to -5°C on the summit.
However, the -5 °C can drop quickly with the wind. But this is tolerable as long as you have the proper clothing and other climbing Kilimanjaro essentials.
The trick here is to wear layers of clothing that can easily be removed or added, depending on the changing weather conditions. So, without much further ado, here are the pieces of clothing that you need to pack:
When you climb Kilimanjaro, opt for a breathable outer layer and built-in rain cover to prevent moisture from seeping and keep you dry inward. It’s also best that your jacket has a hood and can fit other fleece layers, as well as lightweight.
Worried about the weather? We have you covered.
Insulated gloves are a must in keeping your hands warm during the cold weather on the mountain. Both fleece gloves with waterproof outer and thin inner gloves are preferable.
Apart from the fleece jacket and the lightweight down jacket, you may also need an outer shell over the top to keep you warm during the biting cold temperature at night.
Insulated gloves are a must in keeping your hands warm during the cold weather on the mountain. Both fleece gloves with waterproof outer and thin inner gloves are preferable.
These two will be vital on your Kilimanjaro climb, but a pair of mitts would be best for keeping your hands warm during the summit day.
Our training guide will help you plan.
Midlayer fleeces serve as excellent insulating garments for Kilimanjaro climbers. Their lightweight nature and heat-retaining capabilities make them a vital addition to your cold-weather gear.
As you face the challenges of summit night, these fleeces enhance your overall comfort by providing essential extra warmth. Layering them between a moisture-wicking base and weather-resistant outer layers ensures optimal thermal protection throughout your journey.
Base layer clothing or thermals are essential items that add a necessary warmth during cold evenings and summit nights. Bringing some leggings for the first few days of trekking would be best if you’re a woman.
Regarding upper wear, it’s best not to go for cotton. Instead, opt for quick-to-dry trekking tops and bring two to three pieces to prevent overpacking.
One of the most necessary items you need to bring is your underwear. It’ll keep you hygienic during your journey up the mountain.
Bring some clean underwear and opt for synthetic or merino wool material—a softer and thinner wool version. The Merino wool has a natural odour resistance, wet insulation, moisture-wicking, and, most importantly, fast drying.
Quick-dry, quality shorts or trousers are preferable on your Kilimanjaro adventure. Trekking trousers have several compartments and can be converted into shorts for a more comfortable hike.
Take at least two pairs of these trousers for a more comfy trek. Now, let’s talk about footwear.
Nothing is more important than a safe and comfortable trek, and footwear is one of the great contributors to your comfort and safety. Comfortable and fitting footwear will prevent you from foot pain and blisters along your climb up the mountain.
Moreover, cut your nails short before setting off on your African adventure. Also, take blister pads just in case and change your socks daily for your hygiene.
When you go trekking, leather boots are the best. Just ensure they’re well-covered in dubbin to lock out water. Opting for fabric boots will get you in trouble once you’re drenched in the rain.
Ensure the boots you choose have proper ankle support and a stiff midsole to prevent getting bent too much.
Due to the varied conditions and terrains of the mountain, you may need to switch shoes in between. Bring camp footwear with you and change your boots when you reach the camp, letting them air out.
You may bring camp shoes, such as lightweight shoes or sandals, as you’ll use them during your toilet visits.
Some terrains in Kilimanjaro can be ruthless, so a spare footbed and pair of laces can be a great comfort. It’ll save you if your current footbed gets damp.
Another must-have item on your climb is trekking socks. Please bring at least five pairs of socks and unique woollen-mix socks for five consecutive days, as they’re the warmest. However, check first if they fit snugly in your boots.
Protecting your head from the sun’s heat is a must while you trek to prevent sunburn and sunstroke. Thus, bringing hats and other headgear with you is a must.
A brimmed hat can help lessen exposure to the sun’s harsh heat. It must be worn during sunny days to protect yourself from potential heatstroke or sunburn.
UV rays are powerful in the mountain as you ascend. Thus, you’ll need UV glasses for eye protection.
For your equipment, you may need to pack the following things:
The sleeping bag is one of the most essential things to pack for your night’s rest. It’s best to go for a four-season sleeping bag immediately instead of three seasons to better prepare for the cold.
Trekking poles are essential tools that help greatly during your descent. It’ll support your knees when you go down the mountain, provide balance and improve endurance.
Concerned about your safety whilst trekking? Our Health and Safety Guide will be of some use.
An inflatable camp pillow is a significant comfort boost but not a necessity. However, if you want to get comfier during your sleep, you may bring this one.
A headlight is essential when you go to the loo at night and head out for the summit at around midnight during your Kilimanjaro trek. As you might already know, Kilimanjaro has no charging facilities, so bringing spare batteries for your headlight is a must.
The duffel bag is crucial when setting out on your Kilimanjaro adventure, as it houses all your essential gear. This bag will be carried by the skilled porters who accompany you, alleviating the weight burden and letting you focus on the journey ahead.
However, due to variable weather conditions on the mountain, protecting your duffel bag with waterproof bag covers is recommended. These covers ensure all your gear stays dry, preserving their functionality and condition, regardless of the weather you encounter while climbing the majestic Kilimanjaro.
Your duffel bag is the primary means for transporting all your gear for the ascent. It should be sturdy and spacious enough to hold your climbing essentials.
Porters will shoulder this bag, efficiently carrying it through Kilimanjaro’s diverse terrains. Ensure it is resilient and equipped with waterproof bag covers to safeguard the contents against unpredictable mountain weather.
On Mount Kilimanjaro, there’s nothing to worry about regarding your nutrition. We’ll assign a cook for you and ensure to offer nutritious foods for a successful climb.
The food in the expedition includes easy-to-digest food yet is good in furnishing you with energy and appetite. Expect a combination of protein, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, and, of course, water.
Breakfast on Mount Kilimanjaro may include the following:
bread
chapati
eggs
pancakes
porridge
plantains
sausage
hot chocolate
tea
coffee
fruits
Meanwhile, lunch and dinner may consist of the following:
rice
vegetable
meat
peanuts
soup pasta
plantains
fruits
For more on the food available, check our Food and Water guide.
On Kilimanjaro, there are no bathing facilities or showers. However, there’s some hot water available at camps for washing your hands and face to at least keep you clean somehow.
For your hygiene kit, you may opt to bring the following:
Toothbrush
Travel-sized toothpaste
Dry shampoo
Hairbrush (small)
Face towel
Sunscreen
For your safety, it’s a must to have the following essential items with you:
Since altitude drugs have side effects, consult a doctor before using them. One of the popular altitude drugs is Diamox. This is used to prevent and reduce altitude sickness symptoms like tiredness, headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Bring with you Imodium or Lomotil in case of diarrhoea, antibiotics for infection, and headache painkillers, such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol.
These items will help you restore the salt that you’ve lost while hiking, keeping you rehydrated.
This can help you combat eye irritation due to dust.
Getting sunburned is pretty serious at high altitudes. So, having something to protect your skin is a must. Bring along sunscreen with you, preferably with high SFP and a waterproof one to prevent frequent reapplication.
These are some of the essentials when you get some cracked skin or small cuts.
Be sure to check our Health And Safety guide for more information.
This is a must-have while traveling. Travel insurance gets you covered just in case the unthinkable happens, like losing your passport, baggage, and other essential things such as medical emergencies.
Make sure to keep a paper copy just in case you can’t use your phone.
The airport security will ask for your flight details, so it’s best to keep a paper copy of it to have a smooth travel experience
Money will surely save you while traveling. Thus, bring some cash with you, along with credit cards, to ensure you won’t lack anything while being in a foreign land.
Our planning FAQ may be of use whilst planning your successful climb.
Snap some pictures of your passport and get a photocopy of it before heading out to your Tanzanian adventure. This is to ensure you’ll have something to show to the authorities in case of loss or theft.
For more on Passports and Visas, we have prepared a guide just for you.
Bring a water bottle with you during your trek to keep you hydrated. Opt for an insulated water bottle to keep it from freezing on summit day.
You will get a penalty from the mountain rangers if you bring a plastic water bottle to the mountain as its use is now considered illegal.
Planning your Food and Drink is key. Learn more about what is on offer here.
Bring a water bottle with you during your trek to keep you hydrated. Opt for an insulated water bottle to keep it from freezing on summit day.
You will get a penalty from the mountain rangers if you bring a plastic water bottle to the mountain as its use is now considered illegal.
Planning your Food and Drink is key. Learn more about what is on offer here.
You’ll use this during your stay in the hotel in Tanzania to charge your phones and cameras before heading out for the climb. Choose a G plug adaptor as this is the type of adaptor that works in the country.
A Pee bottle is essential to prevent you from getting out of your tent when you want to pee at night.
Mount Kilimanjaro’s weather can alter from very hot to extremely cold within the same day.
The temperatures on the mountain depend more on the altitude and the time of the day. It doesn’t undergo temperature changes every season due to its closeness to the equator.
Furthermore, the base of Kilimanjaro has an average temperature of 70°F to 80°F or 21 to 27°C. Meanwhile, the summit—Uhuru Point can vary between 20°F and -20°F (-7°C to -29°C).
Expect the temperature to fluctuate as you ascend to the five ecological zones.
Now that you know what to pack for your Kilimanjaro climb, ensure you’re healthy enough for this endeavour. Let a doctor check if you’re capable of physically doing this challenge.
You may also get a prescription for altitude drugs to help you with your climb once the doctor finds you healthy enough for the trek to Kilimanjaro. However, this continues further.
Ensure you’ll undergo at least two to three months of training and cardio exercises to succeed in climbing Africa’s highest peak!
Now that you’re reading for your Kilimanjaro adventure contact Easy Travel today to start planning your life-changing climb up the tallest freestanding mountain in the world!
Hiking Kilimanjaro is a leading adventure company specializing in safe, guided climbs to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering expert guides and unforgettable trekking experiences.