One of the important prerequisites of a successful summit attempt is to pack wisely before climbing. Ensure that you are well equipped before you attempt the journey.
Please remember to limit the weight of your duffel bag and its content, to be carried by the porters on the climb, to be 10 kg or less. Extra luggage, including clean clothes to wear after your climb, can be left at the hotel.
Make sure you have everything you need to help you successfully summit the Roof of Africa. Below are some tips and ideas to help you pack wisely before climbing mount Kilimanjaro.
Travel Documents
Valid passport and visa
Airline ticket
International health card with immunizations (Yellow fever)
Travel insurance
Medical insurance
US$ cash / Travelers Checks / Credit Card
Essential Items
Duffel bag – large enough for all climbing gear and clothing. To be carried by the porters. An extra bag to be left at the hotel with extra gear
Small luggage lock – to lock zippers
Day backpack – between 20 – 35 litres. Large enough to carry your water, camera, raincoat, lunch pack, snacks & Warm clothing
Sleeping bag
Ski-pole / walking stick
Water bottle / containers
Kilimanjaro map (Can be bought at Park gate)
High Altitude Gears
Waterproof, breathable & windproof jacket (outer wear like Ventex, Gore-Tex or Jeantex)
Waterproof, breathable & windproof pants (outer wear)
Polar fleece (middle layer)
Thermal underwear (under layers)
Mittens or warm gloves
Glove liners (if necessary)
One pair thermal (polertex) socks
Balaclava
Gaiters
Thermal water flask
Hiking Gear
Shorts
Hiking pants
Regular underwear
T-shirts
Raincoat or Poncho
Footwear
Water resistant semi-stiff hiking boots – mid weight boots work great
Shoes for overnight camps – i.e. sneakers, running shoes, etc.
Socks – several pairs for the climb
Liner socks – to keep your feet dry and limit the risk of blisters
Equipment
Sun hat or similar (with a brim)
Collapsible ski stick (optional but highly recommended)
Water bottles – two or three (total capacity at least 4 litres)
Head lamp, good strong one with spare batteries and an extra light bulb
Water purification tablets
Sunglasses, good quality dark lenses for the climb, with a securing strap
Flashlight (torch) with spare batteries
Personal Items
Toilet kit (soap, tooth brush, toilet articles, wet wipes, etc.)
Towel
Sun screen and lip protection, SPF 30+
Ziploc bags, to protect camera, binoculars, etc. from dust
Toilet paper
Money belt for passport and valuables
Medical and First Aid Supplies
Headache tablets
Altitude sickness-Diamox (if not allergic to sulpha)
Diarrhoea – Imodium
Nausea – Valoid
Malaria – Prophylaxis
Water purification tablets
Painkillers
Muscular sprains
Abrasions blisters and cuts – Plaster, bandages
Antiseptic cream – Betadine
Flu and colds
Eye drops
Insect repellent
Optional Items
Camera, extra lenses and film
Binoculars
Powdered sports drinks for the climb (ex. Game or Isotonic drinks)
Pocket knife
Notebook & pencil
Plastic bags to keep clothing dry (masking tape)
Energy snacks and sweets
Video camera, tapes, battery packs and tri-pod
