Kilimanjaro Packing List

Take only the essentials with you! Please note that our porters can carry a maximum of 33 lbs (15 kg) of your belongings. All items, including the sleeping bag, to be transported between campsites should be packed into the duffel bag. However, you can pack the sleeping bag separately if necessary. If you rent a sleeping bag from us, remember it weighs 5 pounds 6 ounces, which counts toward the 33 lb limit.
Your duffel bag and sleeping bag will be placed in a large, sturdy, waterproof bag with a roll-top closure by our porters.
If you exceed the weight limit, you’ll need to hire a second porter. Extra porters should only be used in exceptional circumstances, such as when transporting large amounts of photography equipment. Warm sleeping bags and trekking poles are available for rent on-site, but you are expected to bring everything you need. All additional luggage, including safari clothing, gear, and equipment that you will not use on your climb, can be safely stored at the hotel.
Due to past litter issues, plastic water bottles are not allowed in the park. Water should be carried in Nalgene bottles, water bladders, or similar containers.
You should be able to carry 3-4 liters of water at all times. Please refrain from bringing any alcoholic beverages as consuming alcohol in the park is prohibited and will not be carried for you by our staff.
Checked luggage on aircraft to Tanzania can sometimes be misplaced or delayed. Be prepared by wearing or carrying necessary equipment for your Kilimanjaro trip. While most clothing, gear, and equipment can be replaced in Tanzania before your climb, there are some items you should not replace.
Wear a complete hiking outfit on the plane, including a long-sleeve shirt, hiking pants, undergarments, socks, and hiking boots. Pack your backpack, waterproof jacket and pants, insulated jacket, fleece pants, snacks, toiletries, prescriptions, camera, and all documents in your carry-on luggage. Trekking poles are not allowed on planes due to airline regulations. Wear or carry your hiking footwear; wearing a different pair of boots on your climb will likely result in blisters.
If your luggage is lost or delayed, please inform us immediately so we can assist you in obtaining the necessary equipment. In Arusha, we will take you to local rental gear businesses. These businesses typically sell secondhand items that may or may not meet Western standards. We strongly recommend bringing along the most essential items listed above.
Personal gear and equipment must be brought, but community equipment (tents, food, cooking supplies, etc.) will be provided. Below is a list of necessary, recommended, and optional items to bring on your climb.
Technical Clothing:
- 1 Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
- 1 Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down, warm
- 1 Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
- 3 Long Sleeve Shirts, lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric
- 1 Short Sleeve Shirt, lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric
- 1 Waterproof Pants, breathable (side zipper recommended)
- 2 Hiking Pants
- 1 Fleece Pants
- 1 Shorts (optional)
- 1 Long Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric
- 4 Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric recommended
- 3 Sport Bras (women)
Headwear:
- 1 Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
- 1 Knit Hat, for warmth
- 1 Balaclava or Buff (recommended)
Handwear:
- 1 pair Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended)
- 1 pair Gloves, light
Footwear:
- 1 Hiking Boots or Shoes, warm, waterproof
- 4 pairs Socks, wool or synthetic
- 1 pair Gaiters, waterproof (optional)
Accessories:
- 1 pair Sunglasses or Goggles
- 1 Backpack Cover, waterproof (optional)
- 1 Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz.)
- 1 Water Bladder (Camelbak type, 3 liters)
- 1 Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional)
- 1 Pee Bottle, to avoid leaving tent at night (recommended)
- Stuff Sacks, Dry Bags or Ziploc-Type Plastic Bags, to keep gear dry and separate. Note: there is a general ban on plastic bags in Tanzania, however, Ziploc-type bags for toiletries are permitted for tourists.
Equipment:
- 1 Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons (may be rented on location)
- 1 Camp Pillow, inflatable (optional)
- 1 pair Trekking Poles, collapsible (highly recommended; may be rented on location)
- 1 Head Lamp, with extra batteries
- 1 Duffel Bag, 70L-90L capacity, for porters to carry your equipment
- 1 Daypack, 30-35L capacity, for you to carry your personal gear
Other:
- Toiletries
- Prescriptions
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balm
- Insect Repellent, containing DEET
- First Aid Kit
- Face Mask (REQUIRED)
- Hand Sanitizer (REQUIRED)
- Toilet Paper
- Wet Wipes (recommended)
- Snacks, lightweight, high calorie, high energy (optional)
- Electrolytes, powder or tablets (optional)
- Camera, with extra batteries (optional)
Paperwork:
- Trip Receipt
- Passport
- Visa (available at JRO)
- Immunization Papers
- Insurance Document