The Ultimate Kilimanjaro Packing List

Are you looking for the best Kilimanjaro packing list? You’ve come to the right place!

While this should be the most exciting part leading up to your trip, it’s often the most stressful.

I spent hours researching what to pack for Kilimanjaro, second-guessing every decision. The more I read, the more questions I had.

It can feel overwhelming and before you know it, you’re making last-minute purchases and your budget is through the roof!

But when you’re standing on Uhuru Peak, the summit of the tallest mountain in Africa, it will all be worth it and you’ll be so happy you made the decisions that got you there. Because climbing Kilimanjaro is the ultimate bucket list activity for adventurers, young and old.

In this comprehensive packing list for Kilimanjaro, you’ll not only find what you need to pack but also what you can leave behind. It’s the perfect list for men and women and includes tips and tricks that will come in handy, no matter which route you choose.

Kilimanjaro Packing List: What You Need to Know

If there’s one thing I learned during my 7-day Machame trek, it’s that your clothing for Kilimanjaro can be the deciding factor as to whether you make it to the top or not.

I’m not going to beat around the bush – I struggled with my Kilimanjaro climb. With the terrain constantly changing, fluctuating temperatures, and lower levels of oxygen, my body began to pay the price.

Altitude sickness got me good, and I was absolutely freezing cold on my summit climb – so much so that I nearly turned back.

If there’s one regret I have, it’s not investing in a good pair of gloves.

And to think that I nearly didn’t make it because of a pair of gloves!

So, take my advice when packing for Kilimanjaro. You’ll be pushed to your limits, exhausted from hiking nonstop and clinging to your comfort levels – and this is the one thing you can prepare for.

Because high altitude trekking is a whole different ball game, and if you don’t come prepared, it could be fatal.

If you haven’t read it yet, check out my post on 10 things you need to know for your Kilimanjaro trek.

Things to Know About This Packing List for Kilimanjaro

Here are a few important points to keep in mind when packing for Kilimanjaro.

You’re required to use a certified guide and trekking team. Travelers are not allowed to climb Kilimanjaro independently.

All your Kilimanjaro gear will be split in two. You’ll wear a small day pack during the day and porters will carry your large duffle bag (which can’t weigh more than 15kg).

All routes involve camping except for the Marangu Route where you stay in huts. This means that your porters will carry everything, from your tents to a portable toilet, kitchen, food, water – everything!

And showering? Now might be a good time to remind you that there are no shower facilities on the mountain.

Pack warmly. While the weather in January and February is generally sunny and warm, the temperatures further up the mountain will drop below 0’C no matter what time of year you’re trekking.

It’s all about layering. You’ll need to include three layers on your packing list for Kilimanjaro: A base, middle and outer layer.

Pack a set of non-trekking clothing that you can wear at the campsites. There’s nothing better than putting on something fresh and comfy after a long day of hiking (and after your “wet wipe shower”.)

The quality of your clothing for Kilimanjaro matters. High-quality items such as Merino Wool and moisture-wicking fabric would be my first choice, but these do come with a higher price tag. If you’re on a budget, there are cheaper alternatives. I often wore regular cotton and had no issues – as long as you’re comfortable.

So, without further ado, here’s absolutely everything you need to pack for Kilimanjaro.

Clothing for Kilimanjaro: Upper body

Base layer: 1 x long thermal top

Thermals are an essential base layer that you’ll need to include in your Kilimanjaro packing list.

I recommend you pack 1 pair. But if you’re climbing Kili during the colder months, and you’d prefer to have a pair for trekking and another for sleeping, then bring an extra thermal top with.

The first 4 days of my trek were moderately warm and so I only used my thermals in the evening and during my summit climb.

2 x Short Sleeve Hiking shirts

Short-sleeve tops, like what you’d exercise in back home, are great to hike in. The temperatures are generally warm during the first 3 days of your trek as well as on the last day when you return to Moshi.

1 x long sleeve lightweight hiking top

Layering is important so that you can easily adjust to temperature changes. A lightweight long sleeve top is a must-have which you can keep in your day pack. Pop this over your short sleeve hiking top if the weather changes.

1 x mid-weight warm hiking top

I noticed a considerable drop in temperature after day 4 and during the evenings of my trek. This is when you’ll be relieved that you found my Kilimanjaro packing list and included a mid-weight hiking top that’s not overly warm yet provides that extra comfort.

I wore mine at camp over my sleeping thermals and as an extra layer on these cold hiking days.

1 x fleece jacket

You’ll need a warm fleece top as you head higher up the mountain, and it’s a must-have for summit night.

Go for a zip-up option as it’s easy to put on and take off. Mine also had zip-up pockets which were great as I could keep my camera or tissues inside.

Depending on the weather, you can wear your thermals and long sleeve hiking tops underneath.

1 x mid-weight down feather jacket

This was the best investment, not only for your Kilimanjaro packing list but for life in general!

I wore mine all the time – either over my fleece and thermals or under my windproof jacket for summit night.

1 x rain jacket with hood

The weather can be unpredictable – You could have perfect conditions and sunny skies every day. But it may also be rainy with gusts of wind so it’s best to be over-prepared when deciding what to pack for Kilimanjaro.

This windproof jacket acts as an outer shell and it should be slightly bigger so that you can wear it over all your layers.

Top tip: Don’t worry about buying a jacket with a warm inner lining as you’ll wear your base and middle layers underneath.

1 x rain poncho

Ponchos are light and small and will keep you and your backpack dry if it rains. They don’t take up too much space and are relatively inexpensive, so I recommend you add this to your packing list for Kilimanjaro.

Clothing for Kilimanjaro: Lower Body

Base layer: 1 x long thermal pants

As with the base layer for your upper body, you’ll be needing 1 pair of thermals for your lower body.

You’ll sleep in these and they will be your base layer for your summit climb. If you’re prone to the cold and want to pack in a second pair so that you have one for hiking and a separate pair for sleeping, then go for it.

Hiking pants for women: 2 x long yoga pants (tights)

Yoga pants are a great alternative to hiking pants for women as they are stretchy and more comfortable.

I wore yoga pants on the first 3 days of the trek. On summit night, I wore them over my base layer (thermals), and under my thicker hiking pants.

Hiking pants for men: 2 x hiking pants

These lightweight, thin hiking pants are great to hike in. I chose to wear yoga pants instead of hiking pants, but you can pack either one or the other.

Some hiking pants have a zip that allows them to convert into shorts, but the material is super breathable anyway, so shorts are not necessary.

Because these pants are made of a breathable material, they won’t provide much warmth on colder days. Wear your thermal base layer underneath if the temperature drops.

Warm hiking pants: 1 x waterproof trekking trousers

The summit climb to Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro is freezing! You’ll need a pair of warm, water-resistant pants that you can wear over your base layer and yoga pants (hiking pants).

Clothing for Kilimanjaro: Headgear

1 x sunhat

During the first day of your trek, you will be hiking through beautiful, lush forests, but once you pass the tree line, it becomes hot and barren, and you’ll need a sun hat.

1 x fleece beanie/warm hat

From day 3 onwards, you’ll wear this warm hat in the evening at camp and also on your summit climb.

1 x thick buff

Buffs act as a scarf and keep your face warm on those chilly nights. This thick buff is for those cold nights at camp, and you’ll also need it for your final summit climb up Kilimanjaro.

Kilimanjaro Packing List: Hands

1 x glove liners

Thin glove liners are the best! While they aren’t too thick, they do provide an extra layer of warmth and still allow you to do tasks such as tying shoelaces or taking photos (Get the touchpad-friendly option for this).

1 x fleece gloves

I wish I had included fleece gloves on my packing list for Kilimanjaro! Yep, fleece gloves.

While you’ll most likely wear your glove liners when you’re at camp, these fleece gloves are crucial for your summit climb. Wear them over your glove liners and under your thicker hiking gloves.

1 x water-resistant hiking gloves

Thick, water-resistant gloves are needed for the summit climb because it will be freezing cold up there! They don’t need to be too thick but make sure they fit you properly so that you can wear your glove liners and fleece gloves underneath.

I think by now you get the picture – The first 4 days are relatively normal, and you won’t need to pack any special hiking gear, but it’s the 12-hour summit climb that requires the warm, thick clothing for Kilimanjaro.

Kilimanjaro Packing List: Feet

1 x Gore-Tex hiking boots

A good pair of hiking boots must be included in your packing list for Kilimanjaro. Your hiking boots should be Gore-Tex waterproof and lightweight with a good grip, but most importantly, they need to be comfortable.

The summit trail is rocky, uneven, and can be slippery in areas so the extra ankle support makes a big difference. Also, having a higher boot prevents stones and dirt from getting into your shoes.

Truth be told, I only wore my hiking boots for the summit climb! But they are 100% necessary as you cannot (or should not) wear normal trainers for this section of the trek.

1 x trainers/trail shoes

I wasn’t expecting to hike in my trainers for the first 4 days – but I did!

I packed them in so that I had something comfortable to wear when walking around camp (which is why you should pack trainers in too). But, after hiking in them for the first day, I decided to continue wearing them as they were so comfortable.

You can certainly wear your trainers as I did but keep your hiking boots in your day pack as a backup. If it starts to rain and the trail gets muddy, you will need to switch to your hiking boots.

Gaiters

Gaiters are a protective shell that straps onto your leg, above your hiking boots. They prevent sand and stones from getting into your boots and they’re necessary – unless you plan on wearing your hiking boots every day.

Because I wore my trainers for most of the trek, I’m glad I had gaiters so that mud couldn’t enter my shoes. If you’re trekking during the colder months and you expect snow, I recommend that you bring a pair of gaiters along with you as well.

3 x thick trekking socks

Good quality trekking socks are a must on every Kilimanjaro packing list. You’ll spend over 10 hours a day on your feet and so your socks should be thick and provide support and comfort.

Merino wool socks are a favorite as they’re breathable, quick-drying, and won’t absorb odors. But while they are superior, they are also costly.

I used normal trekking socks which are a lot cheaper and did the job just fine. On your summit night, I suggest you wear two of these thicker trekking socks.

1 x warms socks for camp

After a long day of hiking, your feet are going to need some TLC! Keep a pair of socks that you’ll only use in the evenings at the campsite.

Packing list for Kilimanjaro: Toiletries

Factor 50 sunscreen

You’re spending long days outside and even though it gets cold and cloudy the further up you go, the sun is harsh, and you can get extremely burnt.

Wet wipes

You will use 3 or 4 per day for your “wet wipe shower” so pack 1 big pack with at least 35 wet wipes. Keep a smaller pack in your daypack with about 15 wipes that you can use while trekking.

Hand Sanitizer

You’re probably thinking the same thing I did – you’ll have wet wipes to clean your hands so why do you also need hand sanitizer?

Hand sanitizer is great for when you’re on the go. You’ll want something that is easily accessible and fits into the mesh pockets of your day pack.

READ MORE: WHAT TO PACK FOR EVEREST BASE CAMP

Toilet paper

While your guide will have a roll or two, pack an extra one just in case. Also, if you have the choice, I highly recommend requesting a portable toilet!

2 Small packs of tissues

My nose was running all day, every day! Keep these tissues in your day pack because you’ll need them.

Other toiletries

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Small mouthwash
• Roll-on deodorant
• Lip balm (with sunscreen)
• Hair ties and clips
• Mosquito repellant
• Small moisturizer

Kilimanjaro packing list: Underwear

• 4 x underwear
• 2 x sports bras (ladies)

Gear for Kilimanjaro

70L Duffle bag/Expedition bag

This duffel bag is where you’ll keep all your hiking gear, sleeping bag, and personal items. The porters will bring it to your tent after the day’s hike, and you’ll need to repack it again so that they can carry it the following morning.

Confirm with your tour operator whether they provide this duffel bag and a waterproof cover.

30-40L Day Pack

I can’t begin to explain how critical a good day pack is for your Kilimanjaro packing list.

It’s where you’ll keep everything from water, tissues, snacks, sunscreen, a camera, and an extra layer to put on when you’re trekking between camps.

But choosing a good day pack can be slightly tricky! I recommend a 35l day pack with a waist strap so that the weight rests on your hips, and not on your shoulders.

Make sure it has a separate holder for your hydration pack and an outlet for the pipe. Don’t buy one if it doesn’t have this feature! You’ll thank me on those long trekking days when you’re desperate for water and the hose is conveniently within arm’s reach.

Also, look out for hidden zips and pockets which are a great addition.

3L Camelbak / Hydration bladder

A hydration bladder is an easy and convenient way to store your water in your day pack – no Kilimanjaro packing list is complete without one.

A 3-liter pack is a good size but make sure it’s a good quality item as the seal can break if you opt for a cheaper alternative.

Remember, you need to drink at least 3 liters of water every day which will help your body acclimatize. Your guides will provide you with clean water so that you can fill your bottles and hydration pack.

1L water bottle

You’ll have 3 liters of water in your hydration pack, but you should have an extra bottle in your day pack. Your hydration pack may also freeze on your summit climb so this is a good back up.

In the evenings, this water bottle can double up as a hot water bottle, so it needs to be good quality and able to withstand being filled daily with boiling water.

Water purification tablets

Taking water purification tablets is an additional measure so if you’re susceptible to getting sick, perhaps take them with you.

Sleeping bag (-5)

You need a good quality sleeping bag to keep you warm in the evenings. You’ll be camping and it can get pretty icy as you get to the camps further up. I highly recommend a 4 season sleeping bag with a rating of -5.

This should be provided by your tour operator so confirm before buying your own.

1 x sleeping bag liner

A sleeping bag liner provides an extra layer of warmth in case you get cold at night. It’s small and light and I used mine every night.

Kilimanjaro packing list: Accessories

UV protective sunglasses

You’ll need to include a pair of good-quality UV protective sunglasses on your packing list for Kilimanjaro. Snow goggles are not necessary!

Headlamp (and an extra set of batteries)

Don’t forget your headlamp for walking around the campsite at night. And of course, you’ll need one for your summit climb as you start hiking at 1 am.

It’s better to buy a headlamp that has 2 or 3 settings so you can dim the brightness depending on where you are.

Trekking poles

Trekking poles are yet another item that some people use, others don’t.

But I recommend you include them on your packing list for Kilimanjaro as they reduce the impact on your knees and make those steep sections more bearable, especially on the descent.

It’s important to get durable and lightweight poles. But you don’t need anything fancy.

I used aluminum poles which are slightly heavier than carbon, but they were perfect and didn’t cost me an arm and a leg. If you’re a serious hiker and looking to buy equipment that will last, the Black Diamond poles are the best out there.

4 x packing cubes (different sizes)

Your duffle bag will be filled with all your clothing, toiletries, and personal items and you will have to pack and unpack it every day. This is time-consuming (and even worse when you’re tired, cold, and grumpy!)

Packing cubes are a lifesaver when it comes to organizing your Kilimanjaro packing list as you can separate your toiletries, snacks, underwear, and trekking clothes, making it easier to find what you need when you’re in your tent.

Top tip: If you were thinking of using Ziplock bags to separate your items, think again. Single-use plastic is illegal on the mountain so bear this in mind when packing for Kilimanjaro.

1 x padlock

It’s a good idea to keep your big duffle bag locked when it’s not with you. A combination lock works best as you don’t need a key.

Kilimanjaro packing list: Electronics

20 000 mAH Powerbank

There’s no power along the route so you’ll need to bring a power bank to charge your camera and phone.

GoPro with charger and spare battery

If there was ever a need for a GoPro, it’s for your Kilimanjaro trek, especially for those wide-angle shots and selfies!

Mirrorless camera with charger and spare battery

A GoPro works wonders, but the one downfall is the quality of shots at night. You’ll want a camera that has a flash if you reach the summit in the dark (like I did).

Kilimanjaro packing list: Documents

Travel Insurance: World Nomads Travel Insurance

No matter how fit or experienced you are, you need travel insurance.

Hiking at a high altitude has its risks. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a real thing, and you could seriously injure yourself while trekking.

The only way to get off the mountain during an emergency is to be evacuated by a helicopter. It can be a life and death situation, and if you do not have the funds to cover these emergencies, you will be risking your life.

I used https://www.worldnomads.com/” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow”>online quote within minutes and they have a team that operates around the clock.

Passport

No less than 6 months before expiry.

Tanzania Visa

You’ll need to visa for Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. You can do this on arrival, but it’s best to sort it out before you arrive. Find out more here.

Yellow fever certificate

This is only needed for entering Tanzania if you are coming from (or via) a country where there is yellow fever.

Cash for staff tips

Remember to allocate 10% of the total trip cost for a tip for guides and porters. Before you start your trek, draw enough money for this. You’ll hand over tips to your guides and porters on the last day.

Kilimanjaro packing list: First aid

Your tour guide should also carry a first aid kit, so you don’t need to go overboard with the below items, but it’s a good idea to keep them handy.

• Headache tablets (paracetamol/ibuprofen/aspirin)
• Throat lozenges
• Vitamin C
• Band-Aids/plasters – bring different shapes and sizes
• Diamox

Should Diamox be on your packing list for Kilimanjaro

Diamox is medication that is effective in preventing Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and other issues that could occur due to the high altitude.

While Diamox does increase the rate at which your body acclimatizes, it does not guarantee that you will have a successful climb. People who take Diamox have also complained about a tingling sensation in their hands, like pins and needles.

Diamox is also a diuretic which means you’ll have to urinate often. This could be a positive thing as it means you’ll be making regular stops which is recommended as a way to acclimatize properly.

You can purchase Diamox in Moshi (without a prescription), but it’s recommended to speak to your doctor back home before taking the medication.

My altitude sickness experience

I debated whether or not to take Diamox for my Kili climb. I was young, in good health, and had done quite a bit of training (although I could’ve been more prepared). So, I decided not to.

But then I hit Lava Tower on day 4 (4 630m) and it went pear-shaped! I had a splitting headache; I was throwing up and I couldn’t hold down any food. I never imagined my fit, healthy body to react the way it did!

Luckily for me, after reaching Lava Tower, you descend quite a bit as you go toward your camp for the night.

The next few hours were terrible. I remember feeling so sick, yet I didn’t want to turn back. Because we were already at a lower altitude from earlier in the day when I was feeling at my worst, my guide monitored my condition before making any big decisions.

By the time we went to bed, I was feeling better, although I didn’t have much of an appetite.

The next morning, I felt strong and so we continued with our ascend.

Looking back, and after successfully reaching Uhuru Peak, I do believe that it was going back to a lower altitude and resting that allowed me to recover so quickly.

Acclimatizing naturally

The best way to beat altitude sickness is to walk slowly, make regular stops, stay hydrated, and ensure you get enough nutrients. (By the way, you should still be doing all of this even if you take Diamox).

Since summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, I went on a hike to Everest Base Camp, also without taking Diamox. During this trek in Nepal, many people took Diamox. Some got sick, others didn’t.

That just goes to show that taking Diamox does not mean you won’t suffer from AMS. Because everyone’s body reacts differently to the high altitude.

Kilimanjaro packing list: Snacks

Even if you’re not a snack person, pack in a few things to nibble on throughout the trek. Small, one-biter snacks are the way to go.

Here are a few snacks I recommend you pack for Kilimanjaro.

• KitKat, Snickers
• Chewy sweets
• Oreo biscuits
• Granola bars
• Rehydrate

What not to pack for Kilimanjaro

Pillow. Stuff your sleeping bag cover with clothes and use this as a pillow.

Books. Unless you’re an avid reader, rather save the space and leave your books at home.

Tripod. A tripod will just add to the weight of your bag and so many people will be more than happy to take photos for you!

Balaclava. I didn’t wear mine– even though I get incredibly cold! If you’ve packed all the other gear on this list, a balaclava is not needed.

Washing detergent. You won’t be doing any washing, trust me! Air your clothes out every evening and they’ll be good to go the next day.

Solar changer. With so much cloud cover in the mountains and the time it takes to fully charge the batteries, you’ll barely use them.

Final thoughts on my packing list for Kilimanjaro

Phew – if you reached the end of my Kilimanjaro packing list, congrats! This is a first-hand account of my experience of gear and other clothing for Kilimanjaro. It can be tricky if you’re trying to stick to a budget but bear in mind that you need to have the correct gear for a successful summit.

Also remember, everyone is different and no one packing list will suit everything.

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Have you been high altitude climbing? What’s your top tip on what to pack for Kilimanjaro? Let me know in the comments section below.

Planning your next adventure? Check out my other posts!

• 10 Things You Need To Know For Your Kilimanjaro Trek
• Complete Guide to Victoria Falls National Park
• Ultimate Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary

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