Mountain Treks Packing List

Essential Packing List for Your Kilimanjaro Trek

So, you’ve explored our Kilimanjaro Trekking Routes, and you’re ready to ascend the majestic peaks of the Roof of Africa for yourself. Adventures are guaranteed! This is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But to ensure both your safety and enjoyment, it is essential to be prepared. 

The packing list below is designed to equip you with essential gear and attire tailored for the diverse climates and terrains you’ll encounter on Kilimanjaro. From the tropical rainforest at the base to the icy summit, being well-prepared is crucial for a successful ascent. Explore our list, and if you have any questions, please get in touch. 

Note: Please pack for any mountain trek in a large rucksack or duffel bag; no hard-shell suitcases or cases with wheels. Your personal gear should weigh a maximum of 15 kg / 33 lbs.

Download this list as a PDF

Written Documents

  • Copy of passport and visa
  • Immunization records / yellow booklet
  • Health & travel insurance documents

Clothing

  • T-shirts/wicking trekking tops(5 - 8)
  • Loose long-sleeved shirt
  • Warm jumper/good quality eece
  • Waterproof & windproof jacket(Gore-tex or equivalent standard)
  • Down jacket
  • Walking shorts/lightweight pants(2 pairs)
  • Water & windproof trekking trousers(2 pairs)
  • Tracksuit bottoms(good for sleeping in or as spares to trek in)
  • Thermal tops and bottoms(2-3 varying levels of warmth recommended)
  • Undergarments
  • Scarf

Headwear

  • Warm knit hat
  • Baseball cap
  • Balaclava / ski mask

Accessories & Other Items

  • Sunglasses
  • Towel, small and quick drying(or similar size)
  • Water bottles, 3 liters total capacity(if you prefer to use a CamelBak/bladder please insulate the tube)
  • Waterproof dry bags
  • Poncho
  • Torch and spare battery(head torch recommended)
  • Camera & film/spare batteries/memory cards
  • Power Bank/Solar Charger
  • Snacks/energy bars
  • Electrolyte drink powders
  • US Dollars for tipping (dated 2009 or later)

Personal Care & Toiletries

  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm
  • After sun/skin moisturizer
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Deodorant
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Personal items(i.e. contact lenses and solution, sanitary napkins, etc.)
  • Roll of toilet paper & small non-plastic bags
  • Ear-plugs

Handwear

  • Waterproof gloves or mittens
  • Fleece gloves
  • Glove liners
  • Hand warmers(optional)

Footwear

  • Trekking socks(lightweight – 3-4 pairs)
  • Trekking socks(medium weight – 2-3 pairs)
  • Trekking socks(heavy weight – 1-2 pairs)
  • Hiking boots(broken in)
  • Trainers/spare footwear(for the evenings (Crocs or Keens recommended))
  • Gaiters
  • Foot warmers(optional)

Equipment

  • Comfortable 35+ liter daypack(to carry items needed throughout the day)
  • Rucksack / duffel bag, 90+ liter(or similar size)
  • Waterproof covers for daypack and rucksack
  • Sleeping bag (4 season minimum)(warm enough to sleep at -10º C)
  • Sleeping bag liner(silk best for warmth and weight)
  • Rubber-tipped trekking poles(recommended)

Personal First Aid Kit

  • Anti-diarrhea tablets
  • Anti-malaria medication
  • Pain-relievers
  • Antihistamines
  • Throat lozenges
  • Plasters/blister dressings/moleskin
  • Rehydration powders/salts
  • Any medication you regularly take or take while exercising
  • Insect repellant

Daypack
Your daypack should weigh no more than 7kg / 15 lbs. Please expect to carry the following in your daypack each day:

  • Drinking water, 3 liters
  • Electrolyte drink powders
  • Packed lunch
  • Toilet paper
  • Camera
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Poncho/rain protection
  • Warm clothing layer
  • Walking poles
  • First aid kit

PLEASE NOTE: Plastic bags of any sort are not permitted in Tanzania. Please do not pack in plastic bags or bring them for wet clothing. This ban also applies to duty free bags from items purchased on your trip to Tanzania. Per the requirements by airlines for carry-on liquids, one
quart-size plastic bag per person is permitted.

Items Available for Rent

All rental items should be paid for in cash, US Dollars or local currency, in country at your
pre-trek brieng.

Items are subject to change in price.

Clothing and Equipment
Rental Price USD
Balaclava
$10
Day Pack
$20
Down Jacket
$25
Fleece Jacket (light)
$7
Fleece Jacket (heavy)
$10
Fleece Plants
$10
Gaiters
$10
Gloves
$10
Glove Liners
$5
Hat (beanie/knit hat)
$5
Head Lamp/Torch
$10
Hiking Boots
$25
Pillow
$3 per day
Poncho
$15
Clothing and Equipment
Rental Price USD
Rucksack/Duffel Bag
$35
Scarf
$5
Sleeping Bag
$50
Sleeping Bag Liner
$5
Socks (pair)
$3
Summit Pants (ski pants)
$20
Sunglasses
$10
Thermal Top
$10
Thermal Pants
$10
Walking Poles (pair)
$10
Water Bottle
$5
Waterproof Jacket
$10
Wind/Waterproof Pants
$15