Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Travel Guider

Packing List

It is crucial to bring essential gear and supplies to ensure a safe and comfortable ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro. A comprehensive Kilimanjaro packing list has been compiled to help hikers prepare for their climb.

Trekking up Kilimanjaro encompasses five distinct climate zones, ranging from the warm and humid forest and lower slopes to the bitterly cold summit zone with glaciers, ice, and snow. Hikers must be prepared for various weather conditions, including sunny, windy, and rainy.

The organizers will provide tents, camp equipment, food, cooking facilities, and other shared items. Hikers will be given a duffel bag with all their gear, which porters will carry. During the trekking day, hikers will carry their daypack.

We advise careful planning to ensure proper clothing. The following items are recommended:

– Top Base Layer
– Bottom Base Layer
– 4-5 Pairs of Underwear
– 3-4 Short Sleeve Shirts
– 1 Insulated Trekking Pant
– 1-2 Long Sleeve Hiking Shirts
– 1-2 Pairs of Hiking Trousers
– 1 Insulated Winter Jacket
– 1 Polartec Fleece Jacket
– 1 Hard Shell Jacket

Aerobic Training for Kilimanjaro

Physical preparation is crucial for climbing Kilimanjaro, and regular aerobic training is practical. Cardiovascular exercises such as running, jogging, cycling, or aerobic dance classes are recommended to increase heart rate and breathing capacity. These exercises should be combined with activities that target leg muscles to ensure optimal physical condition. Cycling and trail running are highly recommended options.

We recommend 3-4 days of aerobic exercise per week to achieve the desired results, with each session lasting 40 minutes or more. Maintaining a steady heart rate during these exercises is essential to improve cardiovascular fitness and lung capacity. Although high-intensity activities are unnecessary, the exercise should elevate heart rate, and dancing can also be a suitable aerobic workout.

Trekking poles

Trekking poles reduce joint impact by up to 20%, ideal for Kili. Recommend adjustable Black Diamond poles for durability and versatility.

Sleeping bag

You’ll need a -20°C sleeping bag and compression sack. We recommend Mountain Hardwear or The North Face. You can rent sleeping bags in Tanzania.

Sunglasses

Wear UV-protective sunglasses in high-altitude areas with sun intensity above 4,500m. Julbo is reliable, but any high UV protection brand will do.

Daypack

Your porter will carry your main gear, up to 15kg. You will need to bring your daypack, and 30-40L is sufficient.

Waterproof duffle bag

To carry all your gear, we recommend using a bag with a capacity of 80-90 liters or larger rucksacks (>65L).

Neck gaiter or scarf

To protect against dust while ascending Kilimanjaro, it is recommended to bring a neck gaiter or bandana.

Water bladder / bottles

Trekking poles reduce joint impact by up to 20%, ideal for Kili. Recommend adjustable Black Diamond poles for durability and versatility.

Sun hat

To protect against dust while ascending Kilimanjaro, it is recommended to bring a neck gaiter or bandana.

Warm beanie style hat

Consider selecting a beanie that is either knitted or fleeced, as it provides additional warmth. A range of reputable outdoor brands offer high-quality beanies suitable for outdoor activities.