Your Essential Mt Kilimanjaro Packing List: Gear and Tips

Packing for any vacation can feel a little daunting. Will I pack enough? Will I pack too much? What if the weather changes? There's so much to consider. Packing for a trek up Kilimanjaro, we recommend leavings nothing to chance. Be thoughtful, make a list and trust the experts! Do you research, and you'll be set.

Your Mt Kilimanjaro packing list is a crucial part of preparing for your journey. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or setting out on your first high-altitude climb, getting your gear right is vital. In this article, we'll guide you through the essentials, including a few insider tips, to ensure you're well-prepared for your Kilimanjaro expedition.

To master the art of packing for this unique expedition, consider this:

• Segregate your climbing essentials from your travel gear.

• Employ separate duffel bags or luggage pieces, each designated for its purpose.

• As you set foot on your ascent, leave behind your non-climbing attire, miscellaneous gear, and toiletries in the safekeeping of a hotel or the guiding company's office.

25-35 Liter Daypack

During your Kilimanjaro trek, the trusty companion accompanying you will be a medium-sized daypack, ideally ranging from 25 to 35 liters in capacity. You'll carry the essentials in this bag for your daily journey between camps. Think sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, hydration, currency, passport, camera, and supplementary clothing to accommodate changing conditions.

95 Liter Duffel

The bulk of your clothing and equipment finds its place within a duffel bag, which a dedicated porter will carry with care as you transition from one camp to another. Most guide companies impose a weight limit of 33 lbs. (approximately 15kg) for your duffel. 

When searching for the perfect duffel companion for this venture, seek one with a generous 95-liter capacity. Its fabric should exude ruggedness, fortified with waterproof qualities to withstand nature's whims. A robust, lockable zipper completes the checklist, ensuring the security of your possessions. Keep your gear in your duffel in individual dry sacks to prevent contents from getting wet from rain when being transported.  

Things to Consider 

Mobile Phone

While on Mount Kilimanjaro, mobile phone service is available in certain locations, even at Uhuru Peak, depending on the weather and your provider. Keep it handy for snapping pics, but there is something really beautiful about unplugging during your journey!

Weight Limit

You're allowed 15kg of personal gear, excluding items in your daypack, in a waterproof 70-90 liter backpack or duffel bag. Porters will carry this for you, and strict guidelines apply. If you need to carry more, additional porters can be hired.

Rental Equipment

For items you don't have, such as gaiters, rental options are available. We offer a list of items and their rental costs; please inform us in advance of your rental needs.

Storage

If you're combining your Kilimanjaro trek with a safari or a trip to Zanzibar, you may have excess luggage. Your unneeded luggage can be stored at the hotel in Tanzania.

Take Your Boots On The Plane

It's advisable to wear or carry your hiking boots on the plane in case your luggage is delayed or lost. Clothing can be replaced, but hiking boots are irreplaceable. In Arusha, quality clothing outfitters are available if needed, or you've left something crucial behind.

Go2Kili's Mt Kilimanjaro Packing List

Clothing

Waterproof Jacket (essential)

• Breathable with hood

Waterproof Pants (essential)

• Breathable - recommend you have side zippers for your legs

Insulated Jacket (essential)

• Synthetic or down

Jacket

• Soft shell or fleece

Lightweight Short Sleeve Shirt 

• Moisture wicking type fabric

Two Long Sleeve Shirts

•  Light-weight, moisture wicking type fabric

Two Pairs of Hiking Pants 

• Zippers to convert to short if desired

Pair Fleece Pants

• Mid weight to heavy weight

Pair Hiking Shorts 

• Used for the first or last day

Pair Long Underwear (top and bottom) 

• Thermals with moisture wicking fabric recommended

Three Pairs Underwear Briefs 

• Moisture-wicking fabric recommended

Pair Skins 

• Recommended - particularly if prone to chafing

Headwear

Knit Wool Hat (essential)

• Or beanie for warmth

Balaclava 

• Face coverage

Scarf or Neck Gaiter 

• Also known as a neck warmer

Hat 

• Wide brimmed hat for sun protection

Handwear

Pair Down Mittens or Gloves 

• Warm (waterproof recommended) ski gloves work well if you have them

Pair Lightweight Waterproof Gloves 

• That allow you to use your fingers more than ski gloves would (optional) 

Glove Liner 

• Thin, synthetic, worn under gloves for added warmth (optional)

Hand Warmers 

• (optional) but worth considering

Footwear

Pair Hiking Boots (essential)

• Waterproof (Goretex). Well worn in, good ankle support with spare pair of laces

Pair Gaiters Ankle Length

• Goretex/ waterproof. Tracks can be muddy and will prevent scree entering boots (highly recommended)

Pair Running Style Shoes or Sandals 

• For changing into at camp sites (optional)

Three Pair Socks

• Thick, wool, synthetic or combination of both

Three Pair Sock Liners

• Synthetic and light. Prevents blisters

Knee Supports

Knee Supports

• If you struggle with downhill hiking, consider bringing knee supports. They can be very helpful during the descent, especially after reaching the summit.

Equipment

Sleeping Bag (essential)

• Three or four seasons bag. Rated to minimum -15 degrees centigrade Conversion. -10 degrees Celsius = 14 degrees Fahrenheit

Sleeping Bag Liner 

• For extra warmth (optional)

Pair Trekking Poles

• Extendable (highly recommended)

Quality Headlamp

• With extra batteries (essential)

Waterproof Backpack or duffel bag (essential)

• 70 to 90 liters in size, The bag will be carried by a porter

Backpack - Day Pack (essential)

• 25 to 35 liters in size. For personal gear during the day

Day Pack Cover

• Waterproof with elastic outside edge for good fit

Stuff Sacks 

• For contents of backpack. Having several of these allows for items to be kept separated and easy to locate. All items in the main backpack need to be waterproofed. Use plastic bags if nothing else is available.

Other Items

Pair sunglasses 

• Polarized (recommended)

Two Water Bottles 

• One liter each - Nalgene (recommended)

Poncho 

• For rainy season (optional)

Water Bladder 

• Two or Three liter - Camelbak type (optional)

Towel 

• Micro fiber type - lightweight and quick-dry (optional)

Pee Bottle 

• For night time (optional)

Other Personal Items

Toiletries

Prescriptions

Sunscreen (30+ essential)

Lip Balm

Insect Repellent, containing DEET

Hand Sanitizer

First Aid Kit 

• For personal use (Your head guide will carry a comprehensive kit)

Toilet Paper (optional)

• Toilet paper will be provided with your private toilet facility

Wet Wipes 

• Flat pack type (recommended)

Snacks

• Light-weight, high calorie, high energy

Pencil and Notebook

• Miniature, for trip log (optional)

Camera

• With extra batteries (optional)

Paperwork

Travel Insurance Documents (essential)

Passport (essential)

Trip Receipt

Visa 

• Available at any Tanzanian international airport and at the border crossing if coming into the country by bus

Yellow Fever Certificate

• The government of Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever. If you are travelling directly from the United States and transit through another country, it is NOT REQUIRED.

Items Available for Rental

Winter Summit Jacket	$4 per day
Four Seasons Sleeping Bag	$4 per day
Head-Torch/Lamp	$2 per day
Large Kit Bag for Personal Items	$4 per day
Gloves	$2 per day
Walking/Trekking Poles	$2 per day
Waterproof Jacket	$2 per day
Waterproof Pants	$2 per day
Daypack	$3 per day

Plan Your Climb