Kilimanjaro Packing List
More Info: Rental Gear | Provided Gear | Advice from Travelers
Packing Lists: Safari | Kilimanjaro
*** Printable PDF Kilimanjaro Packing List >>
*** Printable PDF Trekking Day Pack Packing List >>
NOTE: As of June 1, 2019, plastic bags of any kind are not allowed in Tanzania. This includes
- Shopping / grocery bags
- Duty-free bags
- Ziploc baggies
- Garbage bags
Instead of plastic bags, use dry bags, reusable bags, and a rain cover (day pack). If you arrive with any plastic bags in your carry-on or checked luggage, remove them before getting on the airplane. Don’t risk a fine!
Porters
- The porters will carry your backpack or duffel with all your other gear. You just carry a day pack with the things that you need for the day.
- The pack that the porters carry on Kilimanjaro is limited to 15 kg (35 pounds). Overweight or extra luggage will require an extra porter at $20/day, so weigh your luggage ahead of time.
- You may want to bring some older items of warm clothing as gifts for your guides and porters.
Packing Advice
This packing list is just a recommended guideline for your reference. Everything is optional for you to choose from.
- In your day pack, take along water, snacks, sunglasses, camera, binoculars, rain jacket, and rain pants at a minimum. Add any other items you might need during the day because you may not see the porters until the end of your trek for that day. Your guide can give you good advice on what to pack that day.
- It is best to leave all unnecessary valuables and jewelry at home.
- Carry critical trekking gear on the airplane (carry on) in case baggage is delayed.
- More packing advice >>
- Advice from past travelers >>
Clothing
As with all hiking and camping adventures, you will want to dress in layers — to be able to take an outer layer off when you get too warm, and put a layer on when you get chilled. You want your inner layer to be wicking — no cotton. Next layer should be insulating and warm, and the top layer should be water proof but breathable. You will need clothes for hiking during the day, lounging in the evening, and for sleeping. Layers are important as temperatures vary greatly.
Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying, preferably moisture-wicking and non-cotton.
Wrap clothing in waterproof bags.
Expect temperatures to be 80-90 degrees F and humid at the bottom, and below freezing on the summit (and possibly much colder if there is wind). It can be chilly at night even at lower elevations.
- Long pants (zip-off pants are very useful)
- Shorts
- Short-sleeved shirts
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Undergarments, sports bra
- Sweater, jacket, windbreaker
- Rain jacket and/or rain poncho
- Pajamas
- Belt
- Sun hat with brim and chin strap
- Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)
Cold Weather Clothing
- Down jacket or parka (for temperatures below freezing plus wind)
- Fleece jacket or wool sweater
- Fleece pants
- Waterproof/rain/shell pants
- Long underwear
- Mittens and/or gloves (waterproof, one thin pair, one thick pair)
- Cold weather hat
- Balaclava or neck gaiter
- Hand and foot warmers (chemical activated)
Footwear
Be sure to break in your shoes before the hike!
- Hiking boots, preferably warm, waterproof, and with ankle-support — not too light and not too heavy
- Tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening
- Hiking socks for warmer conditions
- Wool socks for colder conditions
- Sock liners to wick away moisture
- Gaiters (for mud and scree)
Sleeping
- Sleeping bag (Rated -10 degrees F/-25 degrees C or colder is recommended)
- Sleeping bag liner
- Small camp pillow (or can use a jacket for pillow)
- Sleeping pad
Baggage
- Large duffel bag or backpack with rain cover, for porters to carry (60-90 liters)
- Day pack and rain cover, for you to carry (+/- 30 liters)
- Packing cube, compression bag, stuff sacks, toiletry bag, foldable shopping bag
- Money belt, security pouch, document organizer
- NOTE: A carry-on bag on most flights is limited to 22″ x 14″ x 9″.
Electronics
Store electronics in sealed waterproof bags. Remember to set the date and time on your cameras to local time.
- Cell phone, cord, plug, headphones (check on international charges)
- Headlamp or flashlight, extra batteries
- GoPro, camera, video camera, SD cards, batteries, charger/power cord
- Tripod (travel size), selfie-stick
- Air Tags
- Lens cleaning cloth
- Electrical adapter
Toiletries
- Hairbrush, comb, mirror, hair ties
- Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair gel
- Shaving supplies
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Deodorant
- Lotion
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Nail clippers, nail file, nail brush
- Facial tissue, Toilet paper
- Moist towelettes
- Hand sanitizer
- Q-tips
- Sewing kit
- Insect repellent
- Small travel towel
- Cosmetics, feminine products, travel jewelry
First Aid
You really only need one first aid kit in your travel group, so coordinate with your travel companions.
- Prescription drugs
- Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Aspirin
- Band-aids/blister tape
- Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
- Throat lozenges
- Vitamins
- Antihistamines
- Melatonin or other sleep aid
- Gauze bandages and tape
- Diarrhea medicine (Imodium AD or similar), Ginger and Ginkgo can be helpful for stomach problems
- Antibiotics (talk to doctor)
Other
- Trekking poles
- Cash >> (including some small bills, U.S. dollars must be new with no tears)
- Credit cards (check for international fees)
- Sunglasses, strap
- Eyeglasses, contacts/case/solution
- Binoculars
- Pocket knife (put in checked luggage)
- Notebook, lots of pens
- Books, playing cards, games, crossword puzzles, frisbee, football, kite
- Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
- Duct tape (can be wrapped around water bottle)
- Guide books, maps, language books
- Small umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season or even for sun shade
- Gifts for guides
- Steripen, water filter, or purification tablets
- Banner/flag/sentimental item to hold up in an important place
- 2 Water bottles and Camelbak (no disposable water bottles)
- Bring 3 liters of bottled water for the first day of hiking.
- Guides will filter water for you along the route.
- To prevent water from freezing on coldest days, keep your water and tube inside your jacket. For Camelbaks, blow air back into the bladder after each sip and drink often.
- Gatorade or other drink mix helps with taste and minerals.
- Write your name on your bottles and bladders to easily identify whose is whose.
Hints for summit day
A few more packing tips for summit day:
- Keep your camera and water bottle inside your jacket
- Don’t forget to put on sunscreen when the sun comes out — on your lips too. Remind your trekking partners!
- Keep drinking water.
- Wear layers that you can remove and won’t be embarrassed to be seen in (maybe wear shorts over your long underwear). It can get warm on the way down from the summit.