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It can be challenging to find packing lists for long distance adventures in other countries, particularly if you are new to the world of multi-day trekking. That’s why we have put together the following list of what to pack for a Mount Kilimanjaro climb, so that you can easily access a fairly comprehensive checklist of everything that you should consider bringing on such an amazing expedition.
In the same way that every person looking to reach the top of the African continent is different, so too is everyone’s experience. While there may not be a one size fits all approach, we hope that (with a few personal tweaks and changes) the following packing list will provide you with a solid baseline for planning your upcoming adventure. Read on to discover the key items you will need to pack for your unforgettable Mount Kilimanjaro trek.
Kilimanjaro Packing List
1. Clothing
Arriving prepared for a Mount Kilimanjaro summit trek will be next to useless if you do not pack the appropriate clothing for such a strenuous outdoor adventure. In addition to having to deal with the high altitude, you will pass through several ecological zones that feature different climate and weather conditions while out on the trail. As such, we recommend bringing the following list of clothing to ensure you are ready for any situation the mountain will throw at you. Make sure to add additional items if you are completing one of the longer routes up the mountain.
- 4 or 5 pairs of underwear
- Merino base layers (both top and bottom)
- 3 or 4 short sleeve shirts
- 1 or 2 long sleeve shirts
- 1 or two pairs of full length hiking pants
- A fleece jacket
- An insulated jacket for colder temperatures
- Insulated hiking pants
- A hardshell jacket
- Rain gear
2. Footwear
As you will be facing consecutive days of long uphill climbs, it is best to make sure that your feet are dry and supported when making an attempt for the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. While you might want to tweak it to suit your needs, here is a general list of footwear that you should consider bringing:
- 4 or 5 pairs of trekking socks (SmartWool or similar)
- 1 or 2 pairs of thick trekking socks
- Sturdy, mid-weight hiking boots
- Trainers for around camp
Make sure that your feet are dry and supported when making an attempt for the summit
3. Clothing Accessories
While out on your multi-day expedition, you will pass through different climate zones and encounter drastically different weather patterns, making various clothing accessories a vital component in combating the elements. These include:
- A warm hat/beanie
- Sun hat
- Bandana
- Light gloves
- Warm gloves
4. General Items
In addition to clothing and footwear, there are a number of other items and accessories that will play a crucial role in the success of your Mount Kilimanjaro summit attempt. These can include:
- A large water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Trekking poles
- A headlamp
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellant
- Moleskin/blister protection
- Water purification tablets
Trekking poles
5. Sleeping Equipment
Spending several nights outdoors along the trail can be a bit of a rugged experience, so you will certainly want to arrive prepared with the proper equipment for a good night’s sleep. Although you will likely need to bring the following items yourself, make sure to check with your tour operator to see if/what they provide.
- All-season sleeping bag
- Insulated sleeping pad/mat
- (Optional) Travel pillow/inflatable pillow
6. Bag/Daypack
Bringing several day’s worth of clothing, gear, and supplies up to the top of Africa can be a bit of a challenge without proper support. Be sure to come prepared with:
- A 20-30L day pack
- An 80-90L duffel bag (ideally waterproof)
- Rain covers for your bags
7. Tech
A little bit of help on the tech side of things can make your excursion along the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro an easier and more memorable experience. Consider packing:
- A camera
- Video camera/GoPro
- Solar powered charger
- Extra batteries
- A flashlight
Consider packing a camera
8. Documents
As outlined in our How to Prepare for Mount Kilimanjaro article, you you should make sure to securely carry all of your essential travel documents that pertain to your trip, including:
- Passport
- Travel visa
- Trip receipts
- Immunization records
- Insurance forms
9. Miscellaneous
Other items that could come in handy along the trail include:
- Snacks/energy supplements (drinks and bars)
- Ziplock or waterproof bags (important for documents)
- Towel
- Toiletries (including toilet paper and sanitation wipes)
- Over the counter medications (Ibuprofen, Imodium, etc.)
10. Equipment for Challenging Routes
If you are planning on attempting one of the more technical and challenging routes up Mount Kilimanjaro, such as the Western Breach Route, there may be some additional pieces of kit that you will need to bring along. Be sure to check with your tour operator on whether or not they provide items like climbing helmets, ropes, harnesses, crampons, and ice axes.
There may be some additional pieces of kit that you will need to bring along
Planning the Rest of your Mount Kilimanjaro Adventure
Planning the trip of a lifetime, such as a trek up Kilimanjaro, can be as confusing as it is exhilarating. There are plenty of different variables to consider, such as physical fitness, the weather, and the difficulty/features of each route. Luckily for you, we have put together a series of articles that will help to answer any and all questions that you might have. So whether you want to know how hard it is to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, when is the best time of year to make a summit attempt, or to book a Kilimanjaro trekking tour, you can rest assured that 10Adventures has you covered.
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Kilimanjaro Article Series
Check out our series of articles on how to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to discover how you can plan a perfect Kili Climb!
Planning for Trekking Kilimanjaro
- Guide to trekking Kilimanjaro
- How Hard is climbing Kilimanjaro?
- How to Prepare for Mount Kilimanjaro
- What to Pack for trekking Mount Kilimanjaro
- When to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
Choosing which Route on Mount Kilimanjaro
Book a Tour to Kilimanjaro
Check out this selection of great tours to Kilimanjaro region, whether you want to climb the peak, or explore this beautiful and diverse area by bike.