Your ultimate Kilimanjaro packing list
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure with Happy Kilimanjaro. This detailed packing list ensures you have everything you need for a safe, comfortable, and successful climb to Africa's highest peak. Let's make sure you're ready for every step of the journey.
Essential items for a safe ascent
To ensure your safety and success on Kilimanjaro, prioritize these critical items.
- A good quality sleeping bag (rated to -10°C or colder) is crucial for warmth at high altitudes.
- Waterproof and windproof outer layers (jacket and trousers) are non-negotiable for protection against unpredictable mountain weather.
- Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support will prevent blisters and injuries.
- Finally, a reliable headlamp with extra batteries is vital for navigating in the dark. These items are the foundation of a prepared climb.
Packing List
Clothing/Layers
- Walking boots if you’re buying new boots for this trip, please ensure they are well broken in before departure.
- Runners or sandals to wear in transit & around camp.
- Mid-weight hiking socks x 3 At least three pairs. Some people choose to bring a pair of socks for each day of trekking
- Underwear We recommend you bring enough so you are comfortable at all times. Synthetic rather than cotton underwear is advisable.
- Shorts x 1
- Lightweight trousers x 1
- Synthetic/wool/silk long johns for night time use.
- Long sleeve base layers x 2 silk, wool, or synthetic.
- Short sleeve base layer x 2 Silk, wool, or synthetic
- Mid-weight fleece x 2
- Down jacket It must be heavy weight with a hood at least 600 grams in weight.
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Fleece hat/beanie
- Buff
- Sunglasses category 3.
- Lightweight wool or synthetic liner gloves.
- Down mitts
- Swimming togs
Trekking Essentials
- Warm sleeping bag Comfort rating of -15°C or lower
- Rucksack This is a small rucksack (30 to 35 litres) to carry the equipment you will need while trekking
- Dry bags If either your day bag or duffel bag don’t have sufficient waterproofing and to separate your equipment in your bags.
- Walking poles
- Duffel bag 70-100 liters
- Water bottles 2 x 1 liter Nalgene
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Menstrual hygiene products
Important Items
- Personal snacks Although meals are included throughout the trek
- Spare set of clothes To wear after you finish the expedition
- Photocopy of your travel insurance and passport
- Your vaccination booklet
Personal Care
- Hand sanitizer
- Insect repellent
- Sun cream at least factor 30
- SPF lip balm factor 50
- Small towel for washing
- Toiletries As little as possible
Optional Items
- Diamox tablet form not capsules If you have decided to take it (consult with your doctor)
- Water purification We ensure that all drinking water provided to you is treated correctly but you may still wish to bring your own personal supply of tablets /drops such as iodine or chlorine.
Strongly Recommended
Med Kit List
It’s essential that you bring your own basic first aid kit. Below are the key items you’ll need, along with a few optional extras to help keep you comfortable on the trek
- Antibiotics (One of Azithromycin Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin).Whilst the doctor will also be carrying antibiotics for the group it will only take an outbreak of a sickness to deplete supplies. Speak to your own GP/Travel Professional about taking a small supply for emergencies
- Laxatives: for constipation
- Antihistamine for allergic reactions
- Throat Lozenges
Essential
- Current medications: Please ensure you have a good supply of tablets, creams or inhalers you are currently taking or think you may need
- Malaria Prophylaxis
- Paracetamol & Ibuprofen
- Diarrhea Relief tablets
- Plasters & Alcohol Wipes
- Compeed / blister plasters