Kilimanjaro's upper-temperature zones are far from ideal for a beach vacation. Mount Kilimanjaro is an easily underestimated mountain. In this blog post, we will provide you with a list of items that you will undoubtedly require. This Kilimanjaro packing list may not be the most comprehensive, but it will cover the essentials.
If you're going hiking in the mountains, you'll want to make sure you've got the correct equipment. A jacket may be too thick or thin, your shoes may cause blisters, and you may have neglected to carry new undergarments. On a mountain like Kilimanjaro, a minor annoyance can quickly escalate into a life-threatening crisis.
Don't bring too much.
It's better to bring too little than too much. Eventually, your porters will be the ones to bear the brunt of the load. You also don't want any unexpected costs when you check your duffel bag at the airport. If you've forgotten something or purposefully left something behind, remember that you may organize your belongings in Moshi. Your tour operator may be able to assist you, or you can rent equipment from one of the businesses in Moshi or Arusha.
1: What are the Right Clothes?
Whether hiking the Machame or Marangu route, the path may be a bit of a runway for those who want to wear the most up-to-date and pricey outdoor fashion trends. It's not necessary to go overboard. Find a happy medium between comfortable and long-lasting.
Thermal Baselayer: Your base layer is your second skin. Merino is the way to go. Make it a lightweight one.
T-Shirts: Bring comfortable synthetic t-shirts. Cotton is an absolute no go on a multi-day trekking adventure. It just doesn’t dry.
Fleece Pullover or Jacket: Fleece can just add that extra bit of comfort when the weather turns brisk.
Light Weight Thermal Tops: Synthetic t-shirts when the season allows it, but always some lightweight thermal tops. They can also be comfortable when they are not serving you as a base layer.
Waterproof Jacket: Your hardshell should protect you from wind, rain, and snow. A good waterproof jacket can turn hell into heaven when the weather goes bad.
Sports Bra for Her: A good sports bra is highly recommended when on the move in the mountains. It should wick moisture away from your skin.
Hiking Shorts: At lower altitudes and under the sun, it can be comfortable to wear a pair of hiking shorts. They can also be highly fashionable zip-off pants ;-)
Hiking Pants: Lightweight, nylon, quick-drying, UV-protecting. Anything that protects you from the elements. Although you look great in your 501s, you should leave your jeans at home.
Waterproof Pants: We heard you wondering about pants when we mentioned a waterproof jacket. Of course, you also need waterproof pants.
2: What kind of shoes to wear?
Give your shoes the attention they deserve. They can definitely do with a little bit of love when you are putting so much weight and strain on them. Your feet make it possible for you to reach Uhuru Peak. Don’t let blisters or other inconveniences ruin your Kili trekking.
Hiking Boots: You thought you could get away with trail running shoes? It’s up to you, but your ankle can get really tired and that can lead to injury. Opt for a quality pair of boots instead.
Sandals or Shoes: In the mornings and in the evenings, around the camp, you don’t want to wear your boots. This is when you can wear a comfortable pair of trail running shoes or even sandals. Give your feet a break.
Hiking Socks: Good-quality hiking socks should keep your feet dry and comfortable. Bring enough socks. Preferably a fresh pair for every day that you are trekking.
Trekking Poles: If you know how to use them, they can help you take the strain from your joints. Try them, practice with them and bring them along if you like them.
Inner Socks: To support your hiking socks, you can consider bringing thin inner socks. This will help you wick moisture away from your feet.
3: How about Gloves & Headwear?
Your hands are just as important as your feet. They are likely to go cold first, so make sure you look after them. Bring something warm and durable. Your fingertips will thank you later.
Fleece Gloves: You can’t wrong with something light and comfortable. Fleece is a good all-round option.
Heavyweight Gloves: When you know you are going to have to deal with low temperatures, then bring a pair of heavyweight gloves. Waterproof!
There are multiple reasons for covering your head. Whether it’s sun, snow, or rain: It is likely it strikes your head first. Protect yourself against the African sun and bring something that keeps you dry when it gets rough.
Wool: That woolen hat can come in handy when it gets cold. This might not happen during the day, but in the evenings it can be really comfortable.
Sunhat: Whether you want to bring a trucker, a visor, or a cowboy-style hat. Just make sure it protects you from the sun. The higher the altitude, the closer you are to the sun.
Buff: A microfleece buff can serve as a warm hat, a sunhat, and as a scarf at the same time. In mild seasons it may be the only thing you need. Bring two!
Sunglasses: The world sometimes looks better through the lenses of sunglasses. And it protects you from the sun! Prevent headaches and snow blindness. Beat the UV.
Headlamp: To find your way in and around the campsite, you want to have a headlamp. It can make it easier for you to find your way to the long drop toilet in the middle night.
4: How to Rest Well? (Sleeping bag, Pillow etc)
A good night of sleep is the best recovery. Your wellness during trekking relies partly upon your night's rest. Our partners in Tanzania will sort you out with basics like mountain tents for all seasons and comfortable mattresses. You can also always rent some gear.
Sleeping bag: Sleeping on Kilimanjaro can be a struggle when you are cold. Make sure you are bringing a proper expedition-style sleeping bag. Check the label to see if it covers the minimum temperatures that you can experience.
Pillow: Don’t bring the pillow you use at home. Just consider bringing an inflatable pillow. It can make a huge difference, especially if you are used to sleeping with a pillow.
Earplugs: It won’t be a rock show, but where there are people it can get loud. If you are a light sleeper and easily wake up when there is noise, then consider bringing a pair of earplugs.
Extras for Trekking
No one is the same and everyone has his own level of comfort. There will be things missing on this list, simply because you attach more value to them than others. Bring what you want to bring. The next things are definitely worth bringing:
Sunscreen: It is a no-brainer really. You will be at a high altitude and therefore closer to the sun. The sun in Africa can be merciless.
Water Bottles: If you want to prevent altitude sickness, you will have to drink plenty of water. Don’t rely on bottled water along the trail. They are less environmentally friendly and costly. Bring a bottle that you can refill. They can be soft flasks as well.
Wet Wipes: Water is not always readily available. Bring wet wipes to suit some of your sanitary needs. Opt for biodegradable ones.
Sanitizer: For the same reason you bring along hand sanitizer. Anything that helps you keep your hygiene game up while out there on the trails.
Creams: If you have dry skin, you want to bring something to keep your skin moisturized. Lip balm, body lotion, anything small and handy. The air can be dry at higher altitudes.
Pain Medication: At a higher altitude, you may suffer from headaches. This is also one of the symptoms of altitude sickness that almost everyone trekking experiences at one point. Bring something to relieve the pain.
First Aid Kit: Your guide will be prepared for a first aid situation, but for the small stuff you also want to be able to take the responsibility yourself. Bring a basic first-aid kit for cuts and bruises.
Towel: Small, quick-drying, and suitable for trekking. Your accommodation along the trails is not the hotel. Bring something.
Toiletries: Probably the first thing you will forget to bring: A toothbrush. Look, when you do really forget anything - You must realize that you can still buy this in Moshi. But yes, do bring toiletries.
5: What You Shouldn't Bring With You?
There are always things that you can just leave at home. Light and Fast: The lighter your backpack, the easier your life on the trails will be. Ease is joy. Here is what you should not bring along.
Unnecessary Electronics: Leave your iPads and tablets at home. Less is more. A phone, sure, but don’t bring too much electronic gear on your trek. Electronics also don’t do that well at altitude.
Jewelry: Because you will be living out of your bag, you are likely to lose things on the way. Don’t bring any jewelry. Unleash the inner hippie and just come as you are.
Classic Towel: Heavy, too large and they don’t dry. Bring a small quick-drying towel, as mentioned above.
Hopefully, some of these Kilimanjaro packing tips and gear recommendations are helpful for your hike to the roof of Africa! Please feel free to leave questions or comments below or reach out on our instagram Page!
Have you climbed Kilimanjaro? Do you agree or disagree with items on our packing list? Please comment below for the benefit of future climbers!
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