Kilimanjaro Kit List

Having appropriate gear is crucial for a successful trip. With this in mind, we have compiled a comprehensive kit list to assist you in your preparation and packing. Recognising that every trekker has unique preferences, this list serves as a guideline rather than an exhaustive list. Adhering to our list will ensure you're well-prepared for the journey, however, feel free to adapt it to fit your personal preferences you can download a copy of the list here.

Essential Hiking Clothes

  • Socks - We recommend wearing two pairs of socks, a thin, liner pair and a thicker pair of hiking socks, which help to reduce blisters and keep your feet comfortable.

  • Underwear - These should be synthetic or merino wool and not cotton.

  • Lightweight hiking top - These should be synthetic or merino wool and not cotton. Long sleeves offer protection from the elements and additional warmth.

  • Hiking shorts - Tanzania has a reserved culture, and out of respect for this it's advisable to wear knee-length shorts.

  • Hiking trousers - These should be synthetic. Cotton trousers, sweatpants and joggers are not suitable for trekking.

  • Thermal base layer top - These should be synthetic or merino wool and not cotton. They can also be used for sleeping in.

  • Thermal tights or leggings - These should be synthetic or merino wool and not cotton. They can also be used for sleeping in.

  • Mid-weight fleece.

  • Down jacket - this should be a heavy-weight jacket with a hood.

  • Waterproof jacket.

  • Waterproof trousers - Opt for half-zip or full-zip trousers, as they offer the convenience of putting them on or taking them off without the need to remove your boots.

  • Liner gloves.

  • Warm gloves/mittens - Mittens offer superior warmth compared to gloves, as they allow your fingers to share warmth.

  • Buff/neck gaiter.

  • Sun hat.

  • Warm hat.

Essential Hiking Gear

  • Walking boots - Ensure your boots are high quality and durable enough to withstand the full length of your trip. If you're purchasing new boots, we recommend getting them professionally fitted and taking the time to break them in, ensuring they are comfortable.

  • Water bottles - it is essential to carry a minimum of 2 litres of water with you on the trail. While hydration bladders are fine, it's advisable to have at least one bottle as the bladder tube will freeze surprisingly quickly in cold weather.

  • Hand sanitiser.

  • Sunscreen - At least 30 SPF.

  • SPF lip balm.

  • Sunglasses.

  • Small personal first aid kit - Containing plasters, blister dressings like Comped, zinc oxide tape, a bandage, paracetamol and Ibuprofen.

  • Dry bags - These are essential for ensuring all your items stay dry in your duffle bag and backpack in case of rain.

  • Hiking day pack - Your day pack should be around 30-35L to carry at least a spare warm layer, your waterproofs, water, snacks, first aid kit, sunscreen, lip balm and any medication needed on the trail.

  • DuffleDuffle bag - This bag contains your clothes and sleeping bag, which will be carried by our yak team during the trek. A duffle bag is easier to pack and unpack in the tea houses as well as being easier for our yak teams to load, as opposed to a 50+L hiking backpack. Rolling suitcases are not suitable.

  • Small wash kit - Since there are no shower facilities, you'll only need minimal soap, a flannel or washcloth, and/or wet wipes for personal hygiene. Additionally, don't forget your toothpaste and toothbrush.

  • Sleeping bag - To be comfortable sleeping this needs to be rated to around -15 C as it can get very cold at night.

  • Head torch and spare batteries - For the camp at night as well as summit night.

Optional Mountain Gear

  • Trekking poles - Although optional, we highly recommend poles.

  • Extra snacks - While we provide ample food throughout the journey, you might consider bringing extra energy bars, and we highly recommend rehydration salts.

  • Sports watch - Many people enjoy recording the trek on them.

  • Power bank - Although optional we highly recommend these for keeping electrical devices charged.

  • Trainers or sandals - If you want to change into more comfortable footwear when we get to our camps for the evening.

  • Sleeping bag liner - Using a liner can enhance the warmth of your sleeping bag and also help keep it cleaner.

  • Hand warmers.

  • Acetazolamide, commonly known as Diamox is an altitude medication to help improve acclimatisation. Consult your doctor about this.

Essential Travel Items

  • Passport and travel documents - We advise having a photocopy printed and a digital copy on your phone.

  • Clothes to wear while travelling and when we return from the mountain.

  • Travel adapter plug - Tanzania uses the G-type British plugs.

  • Personal medications - Asthma pumps, adrenaline injectors, blood pressure medication, anything you take regularly, it’s a good idea to bring spares with you as well.

Optional Travel Items

  • Book or kindle.

  • Journal.

  • Camera.

  • Ear plugs.