Kilimanjaro Kit List

Check List

  • Cotton Shorts or cycling type shorts - good for hiking while at lower elevations. Nylon or synthetic fabrics are even better.
  • Synthetic T-shirts - for lower altitudes
  • Shade Hat
  • Warm Fleece hat or balaclava - to protect against cold and winds
  • Dark sunglasses (wraparound) - protection against harsh UV rays at higher altitude and ice-glare
  • Sunscreen. Factor 20 or more, oil based
  • Hiking Boots - well worn in, ideally leather upper, waterproofed
  • Lightweight shoes - to wear in camp at night after a day hiking
  • Sleeping Bag & Inner sheet - rated -8°C minimum (can be hired)
  • Thermarest / self inflating mattress - the sleeping mats
    supplied on the mountain are compressed foam (20mm). We suggest that
    you bring one to use on top of it if you’re looking for more comfort.
  • Water bottle - minimum 2 litres, preferably 3, of the sturdy hiking variety
  • Purifying tablets - Oasis / Puritab or similar- to sterilize all drinking water
  • Powdered drink, e.g. Game or Clifton - to make the water taste better!
  • Synthetic Socks - thin & thick pairs. Ideally a fresh pair
    daily (6 days) of both. Thin socks help protect against blisters by
    extra support and dryness.
  • Thick socks - hiking socks for warmth and comfort
  • Warm gloves / mitts - inner thermal fleece plus outer glove or mitts (waterproof)
  • Day Pack - around 35 litres, to carry your daily items in
    (camera, waterproof clothes, water etc). Ideally lightweight inner
    frame and Hip belt for support. This item may be hired
  • Kit Bag for the porters. Around 150 lt, for the porters to
    carry your gear in. Soft, sports bag - ideally canvas or waterproofed
    (dive bag). On Mount Kenya you MUST supply porters with a proper
    backpack. (Both items may be hired).
  • Thermal underwear - preferably Polypropylene / Thermalator
    or similar, with ‘wicking’ properties for the higher altitude. Top is
    more important than pants. Ladies stockings or cycling pants are useful
    and warm.
  • Pants - Tracksuit pants for colder days/evenings (two pairs)
  • Waterproof pants - Lightweight pants, preferably breathable (can be hired) Gore-tex or K-Tech
  • Jerseys / Fleece - All clothing should be layered for maximum
    warmth. Lightweight (e.g. fleece, polar neck, polartec) layers, usually
    thermal plus 3 layers and a down jacket for the final ascent. During
    the rest of the hike, adjust layers as required. Do not take heavy
    jerseys or jackets.
  • Waterproof Jacket - K-Tech / Gore-tex or similar. Breathable
    waterproof jacket to cover your bottom (longish) for both rain and
    wind. Lightweight ideal, particularly at lower altitudes - then at
    higher altitude one layers underneath, and it acts as a guard against
    the wind and cold. Must have a hood. Can be hired.
  • Lightweight Poncho / Splash Cover - For heavy rains, keeps
    the rain off your backpack (as it covers the whole thing) as well as
    your rain jacket. Ideal too in the rain forest, when it’s quite hot to
    wear a rain jacket.
  • Towel - Small Sports towel for the climb only
  • Face cloth & soap - For quick ‘body’ wash to freshen up (no showers available)
  • Wet Ones - Handy for freshening up, or wiping sticky hands
  • Torch - Essential for both evenings in tent / huts, and for final ascent. LED headlamps are perfect
  • Spare Batteries - For torch and camera/video. Cold weather tends to shorten the life of batteries.
  • Pocket knife / Multi Tool - Always handy!
  • Trekking Pole - Adjustable ideal. Can be hired. Two is Best
  • Gaiters (to the knee) - Stops scree and mud getting into boots (can be hired)
  • Lip Balm or Zinc cream - To protect against the fierce sun
  • Toilet paper & matches - Please burn toilet paper –
    carefully!!! (not in the bush!) or take a small plastic bag to dispose
    of toilet paper on the return to camp
  • Trail munchies - Bring along your favourites - chocolates, nuts, biltong etc
  • Garbage bags - sufficient to wrap all your clothes inside your kitbag to protect against rain etc - at least 10 each.
  • Small mirror - Not essential, but some people have suggested it
  • Small first aid kit
  • Book / diary / game /cards / pen - In the evening at camp
  • Camera & plenty of film or memory cards - Take a spare battery
  • Cash (USD) - For tips at end of climb and a couple of celebratory drinks after!
  • Contact lenses / glasses - Take spares if you use them. Avoid
    metal rim glasses, as they may freeze on your face in the extreme cold
  • Personal toiletries - Toothbrush, paste, hairbrush etc
  • Dubbin or waterproofing - To re-apply to boots during the hike (optional)
  • Scarf - to keep neck warm
  • Spare kit bag (small one) - To leave your excess clothing at the hotel in the storeroom
  • Thermos Flask - to have hot tea during the course of the day
    & on the summit day – water tends to freeze. You will be served hot
    tea or juices for lunch, so this would be extra – not essential but can
    be of use.

It is often appreciated if you take old jerseys / tracksuits to give to porters/guides after your climb.

Health Requirements: Yellow Fever Inoculation is necessary and must be
done no later than 10 days prior to departure, (If you have had
previous liver disorders you must consult your physician first). Your
International Vaccination Certificate must be taken with you.

Anti-Malaria tablets are also necessary - please consult your pharmacist or physician.

Visas - Visas are required for all passport holders. Your
passport should be valid for minimum 6 months after return date from
Tanzania, and have ample pages for visas.

Travel Insurance - You must take out suitable, adequate
Travel Insurance for Kilimanjaro Climbs. This must cover you for Medical Costs while doing the
Kilimanjaro Climb. See our Travel Insurance page for a suitable policy from Imaginative Traveller.