What to Pack on Your African Trek?
Walk through the tropical forest to a freezing summit in a 6-10-day journey. Pack smart, stay warm, and climb safely.
How to Pack Your Climbing Luggage Smart
Get Warm Layers
Temperatures vary from warm to cold, down to below freezing point. You can add or remove thin layers more easily than carrying one heavy jacket.
Maintain Weight Limit
Porters carry climbers’ main trekking bag, usually up to about 15 kg. You carry a small daypack with water, snacks, and a warm layer.
Get the Right Gear on Rent/Buy
You can rent sleeping bags, down jackets, and poles in Moshi or Arusha. Wear well-broken-in boots on the trek.
What Should Be in Your Kilimanjaro Packing List
Every essential piece of gear in your backpack makes your trek journey easier.
Head to Toe
Clothes and Layers
Put on Layers for Every Zone
- Warm base layers and a fleece jacket
- Warm hat, gloves, and a sun hat
- Rainproof jacket and trousers
On Your Feet
Footwear
A Crucial Choice for Lopsided Trails
- Waterproof, broken-in hiking boots
- Light shoes or sandals for camp
- Warm woollen socks and gaiters
On the Trail
Gear & Essentials
Essential Gear that Matters
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- A daypack with trekking poles
- Sleeping bag to withstand -10°C
Carry the Essentials
Sunglasses with UV protection
Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
Water bottles or hydration bladder
Wet wipes and hand sanitiser
Energy snacks you enjoy
Power bank and dry bags
Camera and Smartphone
Head torch and Spare Batteries
Don't Forget to Carry
Basic Medicines
Carry a first-aid kit with painkillers, blister kit, stomach care, rehydration, and altitude sickness medicines.
Vital Documents
Keep copies of your passport, visa, insurance papers, and vaccine certificates in a separate bag.
Cash for Tipping
Carry US dollars in cash to tip your crew at the end of the trek. Online transactions don’t work here.
Our Commitment
Frequently Asked Questions
Carry warm layers to withstand extreme temperatures in the Kilimanjaro region. Carry warm clothes, thermal layers, and a waterproof outer layer. Pack trekking pants, thermal wear, and gloves for the summit night. Also pack light clothes for lower elevations.
We recommend carrying sturdy boots. Your shoes must be waterproof and provide strong ankle support. Pack comfortable shoes, like camp shoes or sandals, for evenings at camp.
Summit nights are usually the longest and coldest part of the Kilimanjaro climb. You need warm layers (thermal jackets, gloves, and a warm hat) and a headlamp with extra batteries. Carry trekking poles to reduce pressure on your knees and maintain your balance during both mountain ascent and descent.
Yes, of course. You can carry them; in fact, you should. Carry personal items such as lip balm, sunscreen, sunglasses, toiletries, and medicines. Your small daypack must have reusable water bottles, a hydration system, and a power bank with extra batteries.
Porters carry your trekking bag with a maximum weight of 15 kg. You will carry your daypack with just the essentials. Keep your backpack light. We guide climbers on weight limits and packing tips before the climb.
