What to Pack for Mount Kilimanjaro: The Essential Gear Checklist

Below, we break down the must-have items for your Kilimanjaro trek, organized by category and ecological zone, to ensure you’re prepared for every condition.

1. Clothing: Layering for All Conditions

Layering is key to adapting to Kilimanjaro’s fluctuating temperatures and weather. You’ll need base layers, mid-layers, and outer layers to stay comfortable across the mountain’s five zones.

Base Layers

• Purpose: Wicks moisture away from your skin to keep you dry during strenuous trekking.
• Recommendation: 3–4 moisture-wicking short-sleeve shirts (merino wool or synthetic) and 1–2 long-sleeve shirts for cooler zones. Avoid cotton, as it retains moisture and can cause chafing.
• Ecological Zones: Essential in the humid rainforest (800–3,000m) and heath zones (3,000–4,000m), where sweat is common, and useful in higher zones to prevent clamminess.
• Brands: Smartwool, Icebreaker, or The North Face.

Mid-Layers

• Purpose: Provide insulation to retain body heat in cooler zones.
• Recommendation: 1–2 fleece jackets or pullovers and 1 pair of insulated trekking pants (fleece-lined for warmth).
• Ecological Zones: Critical in the moorland (4,000–4,800m) and alpine desert (4,800–5,000m), where daytime temperatures average 15°C (59°F) and nights drop to -10°C (14°F).
• Brands: Marmot, Columbia, or Arc’teryx.

Outer Layers

• Purpose: Protect against wind, rain, and extreme cold.
• Recommendation:
  • 1 waterproof, breathable jacket (Gore-Tex or equivalent) that doubles as a windbreaker.
  • 1 pair of waterproof overpants with stretch or zippers for easy wear over boots.
  • 1 down jacket or puffer for summit night and chilly evenings.
• Ecological Zones: Vital in the alpine desert and arctic summit (5,000–5,895m), where temperatures can plummet to -20°C (-4°F) and winds are fierce.
• Tip: Look for two-in-one jackets to save weight, as recommended by Follow Alice.

Footwear

• Purpose: Ensure comfort, support, and protection against blisters and wet conditions.
• Recommendation:
  • 1 pair of waterproof, mid-weight hiking boots with good ankle support (e.g., Salomon GTX). Break them in on shorter hikes to avoid blisters.
  • 1 pair of lightweight camp shoes (e.g., sandals or sneakers) for relaxing at camp.
  • 3–4 pairs of mid-weight hiking socks (merino wool or synthetic) and 2–3 pairs of lightweight liner socks for summit night.
  • 1 pair of gaiters to keep mud, scree, and snow out of your boots.
• Ecological Zones: Waterproof boots are crucial in the muddy rainforest and snowy summit zones. Gaiters are especially useful in the moorland and alpine desert.
• Tip: Test boots for waterproofing by standing in water before your trip, as advised by Adventure Out Loud.

Headwear and Accessories

• Purpose: Protect against intense UV rays, dust, and cold.
• Recommendation:
  • 1 wide-brimmed sunhat or cap for lower zones.
  • 1 warm knit hat (fleece or wool) covering ears for higher zones.
  • 1 neck gaiter or buff for dust and warmth.
  • Sunglasses (category 3 or 4) for UV and ice glare protection.
• Ecological Zones: Sunhats are essential in the rainforest and heath zones, while knit hats and gaiters shine in the alpine desert and summit.
• Brands: Buff Original, Ray-Ban, or Oakley.

2. Trekking Equipment

Sleeping Gear

• Purpose: Ensure restful sleep in freezing conditions.
• Recommendation: A 4-season or -20°C (-4°F) rated sleeping bag with a compression sack. An inflatable pillow and insulated sleeping mat (provided by Africa Paradise Adventures) enhance comfort.
• Ecological Zones: Critical from the second night at 11,500 feet (moorland) to the summit, where nights are freezing.
• Rental Option: Africa Paradise Adventures offers sleeping bag rentals in Tanzania, saving you from purchasing expensive gear.

Daypack and Duffel Bag

• Purpose: Carry daily essentials and store gear for porters.
• Recommendation:
  • A 20–30L daypack with a rain cover, hip belt, and hydration bladder compatibility (e.g., Black Diamond or Osprey).
  • A 50–90L waterproof duffel bag (e.g., The North Face Basecamp) for porters to carry, not exceeding 15 kg.
  • Dry bags or packing cubes for extra protection inside the duffel.
• Ecological Zones: The daypack is used daily across all zones, while the duffel is critical for keeping gear dry in the rainforest.
• Tip: Soft duffels are preferred, as porters carry them on their heads.

Trekking Poles

• Purpose: Improve balance, reduce knee strain, and aid stability on uneven terrain.
• Recommendation: Collapsible, lightweight poles (aluminum or carbon fiber) with rubber or foam grips (e.g., Black Diamond).
• Ecological Zones: Useful in all zones, especially on steep descents and uneven surfaces in the moorland and alpine desert.
• Rental Option: Available through Africa Paradise Adventures in Moshi.

Hydration

• Purpose: Stay hydrated to combat altitude effects.
• Recommendation: A combination of a 2–3L hydration bladder (e.g., Camelbak or Platypus) and a 1L Nalgene bottle. Plastic bottles are banned in Kilimanjaro National Park.
• Ecological Zones: Essential across all zones, with 3–4L daily intake recommended. Nalgene bottles can double as hot water bottles at night.

3. Health and Personal Items

Sun Protection

• Purpose: Guard against intense UV rays at high altitudes.
• Recommendation: SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and zinc cream. Reapply throughout the day.
• Ecological Zones: Critical in all zones, especially the alpine desert and summit, where UV exposure is extreme.

First-Aid Kit

• Purpose: Address minor injuries and health issues.
• Recommendation: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (e.g., Ibuprofen), blister pads, and personal medications. Diamox (125mg twice daily) is recommended for altitude sickness prevention—consult your doctor.
• Tip: Africa Paradise Adventures’ guides carry medical kits, but personal supplies are essential.

Hygiene

• Purpose: Maintain cleanliness with limited water access.
• Recommendation: Wet wipes, biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, and a small travel towel. For long hair, consider dry shampoo.
• Ecological Zones: Wet wipes and sanitizer are lifesavers in all zones, as showers are unavailable, and only basins of warm water are provided.

Other Essentials

• Headlamp: For summit night and nighttime camp navigation (with extra batteries).
• Power Bank: To charge electronics, as there are no power outlets on the mountain.
• Toiletries: Include toilet paper, matches, and feminine products if needed.
• Snacks: High-calorie, lightweight options like energy bars, nuts, or chocolates for summit night.
• Documents: Passport (valid for 6+ months), Tanzanian visa ($50–$100), travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking, and cash ($200–$300 for tips and souvenirs).

Gear for Each Ecological Zone