Although climbing mount Kilimanjaro is not technically challenging, a successful accent requires mental endurance, physical stamina, and a whole lot of preparation.
Only fully prepared hikers should attempt this climb. Packing for Kilimanjaro is a tricky ordeal. Under packing results in resource complications and over packing results in exhaustion. The rule of thumb is to bring what you need and nothing more.
“But what do I need?” You say.
Below is a list of essential items for hiking Kilimanjaro.
Clothing
- Waterproof/windproof jacket and pants
- Insulated Jacket
- Fleece pants
- Multiple long sleeve shirts (ideally synthetic or polypropylene)
- 5 to 6 T-shirts (ideally synthetic or polypropylene)
- 2 fleece pullovers (layering lighter garments is better than one heavy fleece)
- Multiple pairs of underwear
- Long underwear
- Toque
- Wide brimmed sun hat
- Warm Gloves with liners
- Thermal Underwear
- Scarf
Footwear
- High cut Waterproof hiking boots (broken in)
- Comfortable shoes or sandals
- Warm socks with liners
- Toe and hand warmers
Equipment
- All-season sleeping bag (good to –20° C/ -5° F)
- Sleeping mat
- Hiking poles
- Flash light and headlamp
- Small backpack (ideally waterproof, or lined with heavy duty garbage bags)
- Sun block (SPF 30)
- Insect repellent
- Lip Balm
- First Aid Kit
- Camera with extra batteries (digital cameras lose battery power rapidly in cold temperatures)
- Good UV protective sunglasses
- Insulated water bottles (minimum 2)
- Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries
- Zip lock bags
Documentation
- Valid Passport with photocopies
- Tanzanian Visa
- Insurance
