Kilimanjaro Packing List
Everything to bring for a Kilimanjaro climb, what to leave at home, and what you can rent in Moshi rather than buy.
Packing list
Layers, not bulk
On Kilimanjaro you will walk through five climate zones and experience everything from 30 °C humidity in the forest to −20 °C wind chill on the summit ridge. The trick is a layering system you can add to and strip off quickly, not a single heavy coat. Porters carry a maximum of 15 kg of your kit in a duffel; you carry a daypack with water, snacks, layers and camera.
Everything below can be rented from us in Moshi or Arusha if buying is not worth it for one trip. We do a gear check at your pre-climb briefing and will tell you honestly what is missing.
Clothing
Upper and lower body
- 2–3 moisture-wicking base layers (merino or synthetic, never cotton)
- 2 fleece or light insulated mid-layers
- 1 insulated down or synthetic summit jacket
- Waterproof, breathable jacket and over-trousers
- 2 pairs of trekking trousers plus 1 pair of thermal leggings
- Shorts or convertible trousers for the forest days
- 4–5 pairs of trekking socks and 2 pairs of thick summit socks
- Warm hat, sun hat, buff or neck gaiter, liner gloves and insulated outer gloves
Footwear & sleeping
The two things not to economise on
- Broken-in waterproof trekking boots with ankle support
- Camp shoes or trainers for the evenings
- Gaiters (useful on scree and in the rain)
- Four-season sleeping bag rated to at least −10 °C comfort
- Inflatable pillow and a sleeping-bag liner for extra warmth
Equipment
Daypack and accessories
- 30–40 litre daypack with rain cover
- Duffel bag (max 15 kg) for porters — soft, no wheels
- Trekking poles, adjustable
- Headtorch plus spare batteries; cold kills batteries fast
- 3 litres of water capacity: bottles plus an insulated bladder (hoses freeze on summit night)
- Sunglasses (category 3 or 4), high-SPF sunscreen and lip balm
- 2 power banks, plug adapter (Tanzania uses UK-style Type G, 230 V)
- Personal first-aid kit, blister plasters, rehydration salts, personal medication
- Wet wipes, hand sanitiser, quick-dry towel, toilet paper
- Snacks you actually like — appetite fades at altitude
Documents
Do not leave these behind
- Passport valid six months beyond travel, plus a photocopy
- Visa or e-visa confirmation
- Travel insurance certificate with high-altitude evacuation cover
- Yellow-fever certificate if arriving via an endemic country
- Cash in USD for tips and drinks
Questions
Related questions
Can I rent gear in Tanzania instead of buying?
Yes, and most climbers rent at least a sleeping bag and summit jacket. Rental runs USD 10–20 per item, with a full kit around USD 120. Book rental in advance so sizes are ready at your briefing.
What size duffel bag do porters carry?
A soft duffel or kit bag of 70–90 litres, weighing no more than 15 kg. Hard-shell or wheeled cases cannot be carried. Excess luggage is stored free at your hotel.
Do I need a water filter?
No — our crew boils and filters all drinking water. Bring purification tablets only as a personal backup if you prefer.
How cold is summit night really?
Expect −7 °C to −20 °C with wind chill between Barafu and Uhuru Peak. Your down jacket, insulated gloves and a warm hat are the difference between enjoying sunrise and enduring it.
Enquiry
Ready to turn this into a trip?
Send us your dates and we will build an itinerary around everything you have just read.
- Reply within 24 hours from our Arusha office
- Itineraries built around your dates, pace and budget
- Free quote, no deposit and no obligation
Email info@rutalegacysafaris.com
WhatsApp / Call +255 670 912 578 (0670 912 578 in Tanzania)
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