Kilimanjaro is one of the most iconic mountains in the world. Standing at 19,341 feet, it’s Africa’s highest peak and one of the Seven Summits. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is something countless people dream about, and while the climb is both physically and mentally exhausting, anyone can achieve this feat with hard work, commitment, and determination. To accomplish what’s sure to be one of the most fulfilling experiences of your life, preparation is key. Keep reading to find out what to pack and how to prepare for your journey to Mount Kilimanjaro.
Make sure you have everything you need to help you successfully summit the Roof of Africa.
Travel Documents
- Valid passport and visa
- Airline ticket
- International health card with immunizations
- Travel insurance
- Medical insurance
- US$ cash / Travelers Checks / Credit Card
Essential Items
- Duffel bag – large enough for all climbing gear and clothing. To be carried by the porters. An extra bag to be left at the hotel with extra gear
- Small luggage lock – to lock zippers
- Day backpack – between 20 – 35 litres. Large enough to carry your water, camera, raincoat, lunch pack, snacks & warm clothing
- Sleeping bag
- Ski-pole / walking stick
- Water bottle / containers
- Kilimanjaro map (Can be bought at Park gate)
High Altitude Gear
- Waterproof, breathable & windproof jacket (outer wear like Ventex or Gore-Tex)
- Waterproof, breathable & windproof pants (outer wear)
- Polar fleece (middle layer)
- Thermal underwear (under layers)
- Mittens or warm gloves
- Glove liners (if necessary)
- One pair thermal socks
- Balaclava
- Gaiters
- Thermal water flask
Hiking Gear
- Shorts
- Hiking pants
- Regular underwear
- T-shirts
- Raincoat or Poncho
Footwear
- Water resistant semi-stiff hiking boots – mid weight boots work great
- Shoes for overnight camps – i.e. sneakers, running shoes, etc.
- Socks – several pairs for the climb
- Liner socks – to keep your feet dry and limit the risk of blisters
Equipment
- Sun hat or similar (with a brim)
- Collapsible ski stick (optional but highly recommended)
- Water bottles – two or three (total capacity at least 4 litres)
- Head lamp, good strong one with spare batteries and an extra light bulb
- Water purification tablets
- Sunglasses, good quality dark lenses for the climb, with a securing strap
- Flashlight (torch) with spare batteries
Personal Items
- Toilet kit (soap, tooth brush, toilet articles, wet wipes, etc.)
- Towel
- Sun screen and lip protection, SPF 30+
- Ziploc bags, to protect camera, binoculars, etc. from dust
- Toilet paper
- Money belt for passport and valuables
Medical and First Aid Supplies
- Headache tablets
- Altitude sickness-Diamox (if not allergic to sulpha)
- Diarrhoea – Imodium
- Nausea – Valoid
- Malaria – Prophylaxis
- Water purification tablets
- Painkillers
- Muscular sprains
- Abrasions blisters and cuts – Plaster, bandages
- Antiseptic cream – Betadine
- Flu and colds
- Eye drops
- Insect repellent
Optional Items
- Camera, extra lenses, memory cards and spare batteries
- Binoculars
- Powdered sports drinks for the climb (ex. Game or Isotonic drinks)
- Pocket knife
- Notebook & pencil
- Plastic bags to keep clothing dry (masking tape)
- Energy snacks and sweets
- Video camera, tapes / memory cards, battery packs and tri-pod
