Kilimanjaro equipment list
Our comprehensive recommended Kilimanjaro kit list.
For a safe and more comfortable adventure up Kilimanjaro there are a number of things to take into consideration.
Even if planning your adventure in the traditionally dry season, there is always a chance of rain down in the rain forest, at least. Adequate protection for keeping dry is important (poncho).
Protection from the sun’s harmful rays, which are intensified on Kilimanjaro due to the thinner atmosphere and being close to the equator, is also extremely important.
For the summit attempt, the correct layering approach is imperative because having the wrong equipment can put your safety at risk (hypothermia) and lessen your chance of reaching the summit successfully.
When talking about correct layers, there are 3 different layers to plan for. The first layer will be that which is closest to your body and the correct thermal underwear that does not contain cotton, but wicks moisture away from the skin, is the way to go.
Even if planning your adventure in the traditionally dry season, there is always a chance of rain down in the rain forest, at least. Adequate protection for keeping dry is important (poncho).
Protection from the sun’s harmful rays, which are intensified on Kilimanjaro due to the thinner atmosphere and being close to the equator, is also extremely important.
For the summit attempt, the correct layering approach is imperative because having the wrong equipment can put your safety at risk (hypothermia) and lessen your chance of reaching the summit successfully.
When talking about correct layers, there are 3 different layers to plan for. The first layer will be that which is closest to your body and the correct thermal underwear that does not contain cotton, but wicks moisture away from the skin, is the way to go.
The second layer will be your thermal layer that will trap warmth and keep you warm in cold conditions. Most people will take a down jacket which will be more than sufficient, but a good thermal jacket (i.e. 300gram PolarTec® / Nordic® fleece ) or similar will also do the job.
Remember to also take similar protection for your legs. Lastly you will have your outer layer, or outer shell. This will make sure that the heat that was created by your body does not escape and that cold wind or moisture does not bring down your core temperature.
The key to the clothing and equipment layers, including you boots, is that they should be “breathable” – allowing moisture to wick away from the body and prevent outside conditions from affecting you adversely.
By layering, you are able to regulate your temperature to be a happy medium, a balancing act between overheating or freezing.
See below Dream World Adventures’ comprehensive kit list on what gear you need to take in order to have the best possible chance for a comfortable and successful summit of Kilimanjaro.
Remember to also take similar protection for your legs. Lastly you will have your outer layer, or outer shell. This will make sure that the heat that was created by your body does not escape and that cold wind or moisture does not bring down your core temperature.
The key to the clothing and equipment layers, including you boots, is that they should be “breathable” – allowing moisture to wick away from the body and prevent outside conditions from affecting you adversely.
By layering, you are able to regulate your temperature to be a happy medium, a balancing act between overheating or freezing.
See below Dream World Adventures’ comprehensive kit list on what gear you need to take in order to have the best possible chance for a comfortable and successful summit of Kilimanjaro.
Comprehensive Kilimanjaro equipment list:
4 x Hiking shirts – T-shirts will also do, but stay away from cotton, as this absorbs moisture that will reduce your core temperature. Synthetic fabrics are better. The best would be to have long sleeve shirts that dry quickly and are UV protective.
3 x Hiking shorts – Once again try and stay away from cotton (rather use synthetic fabrics). The best would be full length pants, with the option of zip-off legs.
1 x Sun hat – Broad-rimmed hat, not just a cap – for proper sun protection.
2 x Sunglasses – Take a spare, it is always handy should you lose your glasses while hiking. Stay away from contact lenses as our eyes tend to dry out due to the extreme weather conditions. A pair of glasses is very useful on summit night to protect your eyes from the wind, dust and dry air.
6 x Socks – Thermal hiking socks are recommended to keep your feet warm and dry and to prevent blisters.
1 or 2 Hiking sticks – Depends on your preference, although a pair is recommended. Rather take a collapsible stick that can be tied down onto your day pack should you be walking over a level stretch, or the one stick is in the way.
1 x Hiking boots pair – Your hiking boots should be comfortable, give you ankle support, be waterproof & breathable, have a sturdy sole, and not be too heavy. It is important to get the correct boots for your feet and to wear them in – after all, it is your feet that will be getting you to your goal!
1 x Walking shoes/Running shoes pair – Once you get back to camp, it is recommended to give your feet a rest with light shoes.
1 x Balaclava/Beanie/Buff – For the cold evenings and also for the summit night, to prevent heat escaping from your head.
1 x Warm scarf – Optional – for extra warmth.
2 x Thermal underwear tops – Stay away from cotton, synthetic fabrics that are breathable and long sleeves are the best.
2 x Thermal underwear pants – Stay away from cotton, synthetic fabrics are breathable and with longs legs are the best.
1 x Thermal jacket – To trap your body heat. The best would be a Polartec®300 jacket or similar.
1 x Thermal pants – To trap your body heat. The best could be a Polartec®100 pants or similar.
1 x Gloves pair – The best combination is a thin liner glove, with fleece glove and an outer mitt that is wind and waterproof.
1 x Wind & water proof jacket – To protect you from the cold wind, and light rain or snow. Also to be used as your outer shell.
1 x Wind & water proof pants – To protect you from the cold wind, and light and light rain or snow. Also to be used as your outer shell.
1 x Poncho – To provide cover from hard or constant rain.
1 x Gaiters pair – A pair of gaiters will prevent water, mud and grass from getting in your boots.
1 x Sleeping bag – Rated at least -8C
1 x Sleeping mat – A 10mm foam sleeping mattress is provided, but a self-inflatable mattress can be taken along for added comfort and insulation.
1 x Day pack – Around 35 liters capacity, you will need this to carry all items that you would need and like to use during the day. Your extra equipment will be carried on your behalf. Must have soft arm and hip straps for comfort.
1 x Duffel bag/Carry bag – Around 100 litres capacity. This bag will be carried on your behalf on Kilimanjaro by porters (max 15kg). All your equipment must fit into this bag.
1 x Travel bag – Extra clothes can be left at the hotel. Should you be going on safari or to Zanzibar after your hike it will not be necessary to take all your items up Kilimanjaro.
1 x Headlamp – Remember to take spare (lithium ones survive cold better) batteries. Rather take a headlamp than a torch. LED headlamps work the best.
2 x Water bottles – Total water consumption should be at least 3-5 litres per day. You can purchase plastic 1.5l bottles of water at the hotel and decant from these to your own bottles (Plastic bottles have been banned from Kilimanjaro).
1 x Towel & washcloth – Keeping your body clean also increases your body’s ability to keep you warm. Ideally take a cloth that dries quickly and that can be used for washing.
Wet wipes/Baby wipes – Perfect to quickly clean yourself before meals and for higher up, where water for washing is not available.
Toilet Paper – Please remember to practice environmentally friendly habits when using the bush.
6 x Trail snacks – Make a packet for each day. The meals provided (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are more than adequate, but it is always a good idea to have something to eat between meals. Energy drinks can also be taken, but pure water must also be consumed.
Cash – Best to take USD cash in small denominations for tips, drinks and gifts. NB! US$50 & US$100 bills issued in or before 2006 are no longer legal tender in Tanzania and will not be accepted.
Cameras – Most cameras will work perfectly on Kilimanjaro. Video cameras will also work perfectly. Just remember to protect your camera and to take extra batteries and SD cards!
Medical Kit – Lip protection cream, Sunscreen (high factor), moisturising cream, Purifying tablets, Headace Tablets, Immodium, Buscopan, Plasters, Bandages, Antiseptic cream, Rehydrate sachets, Malaria Tablets, Multivitamins.
3 x Hiking shorts – Once again try and stay away from cotton (rather use synthetic fabrics). The best would be full length pants, with the option of zip-off legs.
1 x Sun hat – Broad-rimmed hat, not just a cap – for proper sun protection.
2 x Sunglasses – Take a spare, it is always handy should you lose your glasses while hiking. Stay away from contact lenses as our eyes tend to dry out due to the extreme weather conditions. A pair of glasses is very useful on summit night to protect your eyes from the wind, dust and dry air.
6 x Socks – Thermal hiking socks are recommended to keep your feet warm and dry and to prevent blisters.
1 or 2 Hiking sticks – Depends on your preference, although a pair is recommended. Rather take a collapsible stick that can be tied down onto your day pack should you be walking over a level stretch, or the one stick is in the way.
1 x Hiking boots pair – Your hiking boots should be comfortable, give you ankle support, be waterproof & breathable, have a sturdy sole, and not be too heavy. It is important to get the correct boots for your feet and to wear them in – after all, it is your feet that will be getting you to your goal!
1 x Walking shoes/Running shoes pair – Once you get back to camp, it is recommended to give your feet a rest with light shoes.
1 x Balaclava/Beanie/Buff – For the cold evenings and also for the summit night, to prevent heat escaping from your head.
1 x Warm scarf – Optional – for extra warmth.
2 x Thermal underwear tops – Stay away from cotton, synthetic fabrics that are breathable and long sleeves are the best.
2 x Thermal underwear pants – Stay away from cotton, synthetic fabrics are breathable and with longs legs are the best.
1 x Thermal jacket – To trap your body heat. The best would be a Polartec®300 jacket or similar.
1 x Thermal pants – To trap your body heat. The best could be a Polartec®100 pants or similar.
1 x Gloves pair – The best combination is a thin liner glove, with fleece glove and an outer mitt that is wind and waterproof.
1 x Wind & water proof jacket – To protect you from the cold wind, and light rain or snow. Also to be used as your outer shell.
1 x Wind & water proof pants – To protect you from the cold wind, and light and light rain or snow. Also to be used as your outer shell.
1 x Poncho – To provide cover from hard or constant rain.
1 x Gaiters pair – A pair of gaiters will prevent water, mud and grass from getting in your boots.
1 x Sleeping bag – Rated at least -8C
1 x Sleeping mat – A 10mm foam sleeping mattress is provided, but a self-inflatable mattress can be taken along for added comfort and insulation.
1 x Day pack – Around 35 liters capacity, you will need this to carry all items that you would need and like to use during the day. Your extra equipment will be carried on your behalf. Must have soft arm and hip straps for comfort.
1 x Duffel bag/Carry bag – Around 100 litres capacity. This bag will be carried on your behalf on Kilimanjaro by porters (max 15kg). All your equipment must fit into this bag.
1 x Travel bag – Extra clothes can be left at the hotel. Should you be going on safari or to Zanzibar after your hike it will not be necessary to take all your items up Kilimanjaro.
1 x Headlamp – Remember to take spare (lithium ones survive cold better) batteries. Rather take a headlamp than a torch. LED headlamps work the best.
2 x Water bottles – Total water consumption should be at least 3-5 litres per day. You can purchase plastic 1.5l bottles of water at the hotel and decant from these to your own bottles (Plastic bottles have been banned from Kilimanjaro).
1 x Towel & washcloth – Keeping your body clean also increases your body’s ability to keep you warm. Ideally take a cloth that dries quickly and that can be used for washing.
Wet wipes/Baby wipes – Perfect to quickly clean yourself before meals and for higher up, where water for washing is not available.
Toilet Paper – Please remember to practice environmentally friendly habits when using the bush.
6 x Trail snacks – Make a packet for each day. The meals provided (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are more than adequate, but it is always a good idea to have something to eat between meals. Energy drinks can also be taken, but pure water must also be consumed.
Cash – Best to take USD cash in small denominations for tips, drinks and gifts. NB! US$50 & US$100 bills issued in or before 2006 are no longer legal tender in Tanzania and will not be accepted.
Cameras – Most cameras will work perfectly on Kilimanjaro. Video cameras will also work perfectly. Just remember to protect your camera and to take extra batteries and SD cards!
Medical Kit – Lip protection cream, Sunscreen (high factor), moisturising cream, Purifying tablets, Headace Tablets, Immodium, Buscopan, Plasters, Bandages, Antiseptic cream, Rehydrate sachets, Malaria Tablets, Multivitamins.
Kilimanjaro equipment rental
Saving you time and money.
For your convenience, and also to save you on spending extra money on equipment that you may not use again, we can assist you with a comprehensive list of items to rent for your Kilimanjaro adventure climb.
Items need not be posted or collected at a point not convenient for you, as the items will be available from your arrival point in Moshi Tanzania.
To ensure that the items you will need will be available, please just e-mail your requirement list after you have booked with us. We will make sure that all is in place and have your guide assist before departing on your journey up Kilimanjaro.
The rates indicated below are for the 6 or 7 days that you will be on Kilimanjaro in total:
Daypack US$12
Mont Bell sleeping bag (rated to -25ºC temp) US$40
Duffle Bag US$ 6
Hiking Poles (2) US$12
Gaiters US$8
Torch/Flashlight US$8
Gloves US$6
Raincoat (Goretex) US$12
Rain Pants US$12
Poncho (light) US$12
Warm Jacket Goretex US$12
Warm Jacket/Down Jacket US$8
Fleece Pants US$6
Hyperbaric Pressure Bag (Gamow Bag) available for rental for US$130 per group.
Mont Bell sleeping bag (rated to -25ºC temp) US$40
Duffle Bag US$ 6
Hiking Poles (2) US$12
Gaiters US$8
Torch/Flashlight US$8
Gloves US$6
Raincoat (Goretex) US$12
Rain Pants US$12
Poncho (light) US$12
Warm Jacket Goretex US$12
Warm Jacket/Down Jacket US$8
Fleece Pants US$6
Hyperbaric Pressure Bag (Gamow Bag) available for rental for US$130 per group.
Looking for a comprehensive guide on how to climb Kilimanjaro?
Look no further than our Kilimanjaro online guide.
Climb Kilimanjaro packages from South Africa
Dream World Adventures specializes in putting together tailor made Kilimanjaro packages from South Africa. Our Kilimanjaro packages include all you need in order to undertake this African adventure – from flights departing from South Africa, to accommodation before and after your climb and all park fees, logistical mountain teams and meals on the mountain.
For more information on our Kilimanjaro packages from South Africa please following this link.
Climb Kilimanjaro packages starting from Tanzania
Dream World Adventures can also provide tailor made Kilimanjaro packages that will have you start your adventure from either Moshi in Tanzania, or from Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania.
The package prices will be quoted in US$ for clients not travelling from South Africa.
The package prices will be quoted in US$ for clients not travelling from South Africa.
For more information on our Kilimanjaro tour packages from Tanzania please following the link.
The Marangu route on Kilimanjaro
The Marangu route was the route first used by Hans Meyer in 1891 to reach the top of Africa – Uhuru peak on Kilimanjaro. Many climbers these days opt for this route as it is the most comfortable route up Kilimanjaro, compared to all the other tented routes.
For an overview of this route follow the link below;
Marangu route on Kilimanjaro
For an overview of this route follow the link below;
Marangu route on Kilimanjaro
The Machame route on Kilimanjaro
The Machame route we have found is definitely of the most opted for routes to consider for your adventure up Kilimanjaro. While it is not the longest route to reach the summit, the old adage for better acclimatization of “climb-high, sleep-low” comes to mind when using this tented route, with climbs to ridges and descents to valleys marking the approach days to Barafu Camp, base camp for summit, which will definitely aid hikers in their quest to reach the summit.
For an overview of this route follow the link below;
Machame route on Kilimanjaro
For an overview of this route follow the link below;
Machame route on Kilimanjaro
The Lemosho route on Kilimanjaro
The Lemosho route is known as one of the most scenic routes on Kilimanjaro. The first couple days on this route are beautifully wild and usually have lower traffic on the way up to the Shira Plateau, where it merges with other routes to the summit via Barafu Camp.
For an overview of this route follow the link below;
Lemosho route on Kilimanjaro
For an overview of this route follow the link below;
Lemosho route on Kilimanjaro
The Rongai route on Kilimanjaro
The Rongai route will have you start your hike on the northern side of Kilimanjaro, close the border between Tanzania and Kenya. The drive to the starting point of your hike, the Naru Moru Village, is a lengthy one, and winds through coffee plantations and rural villages.
For an overview of this route follow the link below;
Rongai route on Kilimanjaro
For an overview of this route follow the link below;
Rongai route on Kilimanjaro
The Umbwe route on Kilimanjaro
The Umbwe route, especially for the first couple of days before meeting up with the other routes at Barranco Camp, entails a steep ascent through lush forest and deep gorges. It is a challenging, but scenic route option and from Barranco camp follows the same path as the Machame and Lemosho routes to the summit via Barafu.
For an overview of this route follow the link below;
Umbwe route on Kilimanjaro
For an overview of this route follow the link below;
Umbwe route on Kilimanjaro