Preparing to climb Kilimanjaro

If it's been your lifelong dream to climb Mount Kilimanjaro it's a good idea to really prepare for the adventure ahead.

It's up to you to organise all of your climbing gear and equipment but we will supply communal equipment (for example, cooking utensils, food, tents etc.) We would recommend you bring specific clothing and here’s a suggested list:

• 1 hooded waterproof and breathable jacket
• 1 synthetic or down filled insulated jacket
• 1 fleece or lightweight jacket
• Long sleeve technical lightweight shirts
• Short sleeve technical lightweight shirts
• Waterproof, breathable trousers
• 2 pairs of hiking trousers
• 1 pair of fleece trousers
• Thermal underwear
• Optional shorts
• Sunhat
• Woolly hat
• Balaclava
• Waterproof thick climbing gloves
• Regular gloves
• Hiking boots
• Trainers
• Three pairs of thick socks
• Waterproof gaiters
• UV protection sunglasses
• UV protection goggles
• Water bottle (32 ounce)
• Lightweight towel
• Plastic bags of various sizes
• Sleeping bag
• Collapsible trekking poles
• Head lamp (plus batteries)
• 50 to 90 litre Duffle bag
• 30 to 35 litre daypack
• Toiletries ( including sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent, first aid kit, hand sanitiser, wet wipes, camera)

Other Items:

• High calorie, high energy snacks
• Passport & Visa
• Immunisation papers
• Insurance documents

It’s a good idea not to over pack. We will have porters who will carry your belongings but they cannot carry more than 15kg per person. All of your belongings that are transported from campsite to campsite must be placed in your duffle bag, including the sleeping bag. If you do travel with excess baggage we will politely request that you hire an additional porter from us.

Don’t:

• Bring alcohol
• Bring water in recyclable plastic bottles

Tips!

• Sometimes checked-in baggage can get lost at the airports so do prepare for this and wear the clothing that you need to climb Mount Kilimanjaro as some things cannot be purchased once in Tanzania. Wear one complete hiking outfit including your hiking boots
• In your hand luggage carry your backpack, waterproof pants, jacket, insulated jacket, fleeces, toiletries, medication, paperwork and camera
• You must check-in your trekking poles in as they are not allowed on airplanes
• There are rental shops in Moshi, close Mount Kilimanjaro which can replace some lost items but not all
• Do not rely on purchasing all your climbing gear in Tanzania as some items are second-hand and may not be as sturdy as items bought in your home country