Hiking Kilimanjaro is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but not many people succeed in doing it. In fact, for such a popular hiking trail, Kilimanjaro has a pretty low success rate, averaging only around 65%.
There are many factors that contribute to the low success rate of hiking Kilimanjaro, but more often than not, it all boils down to the high elevation of 5,895 m (19,340.5 ft) and not being prepared for it.
Within this article, you will find all the travel essentials I bought on my Kilimanjaro hiking trip that contributed to my success. We will go through each item one by one and tell you what they are for and why you are going to need them.
Without further ado, here is a comprehensive packing list for Kilimanjaro. Let's start off with the most frequently asked question of all: what to wear when hiking Kilimanjaro.
- Recommended Tours for Kilimanjaro
- What to Wear when Hiking Kilimanjaro?
- What Backpack to Bring For Kilimanjaro?
- Should I Get a Travel Insurance for Kilimanjaro?
- What Other Travel Essentials to Bring for Kilimanjaro?
- What Camera Gear to Bring For the Kilimanjaro Hike?
- What Electronics to Bring For the Kilimanjaro Hike?
- Toiletries Packing List:
- Other Things to Know About Packing for the Kilimanjaro Hike
- Further Reading for Tanzania
Recommended Tours for Kilimanjaro
What to Wear when Hiking Kilimanjaro?
Depending on when you want to hike Kilimanjaro, the temperature may slightly vary from month to month while you are on the trail. The best time to hike Kilimanjaro is between January and March and June and October, when it is driest. During these months, you will have a much higher chance of clear skies, high visibility, and lovely sunshine, making your hike much more comfortable.
Technically, you can hike Kilimanjaro any month of the year, but some are harder than others. The top of Kilimanjaro is covered in snow almost all year round, so if you do not want to hike in thick snow, I would recommend you stick to the recommended period.
Be warned, though. The locals like to call Kilimanjaro a chameleon due to how fast the weather changes. Even in the driest months, you might encounter unfavorable weather like heavy rain and snow while you are hiking. So please keep that in mind when you are packing for Kilimanjaro.
- 6-Day Kilimanjaro via Machame Route Whiskey ($1,560 pp USD)
- 7-Day Machame Route "Whiskey" ($2,090 pp USD)
- 9-Day Kilimanjaro via Lemosho Route ($2,695 pp USD)
As mentioned before, the peaks of Kilimanjaro are covered in snow all year round, and no matter when you decide to hike Kilimanjaro, the weather up there will be brutal nonetheless. You will have to endure it on the notorious summit night, when you will be hiking up during the coldest time of the day, from 12 AM to 8 AM.
At night, the temperature at the top of Kilimanjaro can be as low as -20°C (-4 °F), even in the best of months, and you are going to have to prepare accordingly and pack lots of layers for that day.
Below, you will find a list of things to wear when hiking Kilimanjaro for both men and women. Keep in mind that this is only an example list of things you can pack, and I am only listing the essentials. So, be sure to bring what you think is necessary for you as well and use this as a guideline to see what things you might have missed from your packing list.
Thermal Shirts: This is the first base layer that will help wick away your sweat to be insulated by the second layer of your clothes when hiking Kilimanjaro. It is also great to wear in a tent at night.
Depending on which route you choose to hike Kilimanjaro, the hike can range from 5 to 9 days. However, usually, the hike takes around 6 to 7 days for most people, especially if you pick a popular route like Machame and Shira.
Since you will be in the mountains with no access to any facilities for over 6 days, you are going to have to pack at least 2-3 thermal shirts of various colors just in case. The shirts don't have to be the prettiest, as you will be wearing at least 2-3 more layers on top once you start hiking.
Go with wool, preferably merino wool, instead of cotton for hiking, as it doesn't smell as bad when you sweat in cotton. As the saying goes, cotton is rotten, and that is exactly what you will smell like after hiking in it for 5-9 days.
Fleece Jacket (for women): This is the second layer that you can wear on top of the thermal shirt. The fleece jacket will act as insulation to help maintain your body heat and keep you warm while you are hiking, as well as when you are in a mountain hut. I highly recommend you pack one or two of these for your Kilimanjaro hike.
Waterproof Outer Shell Jacket (for women): For the third layer, on top of your fleece, you are going to need a waterproof outer shell jacket to protect you from elements like rain and strong wind while keeping your body warm.
I highly recommend that you get something light like the Columbia Watertight Jacket (Columbia Arcadia Jacket for women), which is very lightweight, waterproof, and is more than capable of protecting you against strong winds.
Combine this with a breathable shirt as your first layer and a fleece jacket as your second layer, and you have quite a lightweight hiking setup that will keep you warm and allow you to adapt to the change in temperature along the Kilimanjaro trail.
Down Jacket: A down jacket is extremely important for the summit night as you will be facing extreme mountain winds, deep cold, and even snow in subzero temperatures.
A down jacket can be your third layer while you put the outer shell jacket on top, or vice versa, as long as it keeps you warm and mobile since you are going to have to hike for 8 hours on summit night. You can also use the jacket as an extra layer of warmth when it gets cold in your tent at night.
I highly recommend Columbia Men's Lone Fir Hooded Jacket (for women). It is very warm, comes in 4 colors, and looks great on anyone.
Thermal Long Pants: You are going to need these for the summit day as you will be hiking in subzero temperatures for 6 hours before sunrise. They are also great for when it is extra cold in the tent at night. For women, leggings are perfect for this as you can wear them while hiking as well.
Hiking Pants (For Women): The pants you hike in have to be breathable, lightweight, and easy for you to move around in. Therefore, proper hiking pants are recommended. You can simply pack one of these pants to keep your pack light or add another pair just in case.
Hard Shell Pants (for women): Hard Shell Insulated Pants are great for protecting you from strong winds and rains that you might encounter while you are on the trail. On summit night, these will also be your pants' third layer over thermal and hiking pants, which should keep you warm enough to hike in subzero temperatures for 8+ hours that day.
Waterproof Rain Pants: For something light and easy to put on, you can also bring another pair of lightweight waterproof rain pants just in case. This way, you can keep them in your day pack at all times and quickly put them on when it starts pouring without having to get your hardshell trousers from your large backpack.
Hiking Shoes: Depending on how experienced you are in hiking on high-altitude mountains for multiple days on end, you can choose to wear something as simple as low-cut hiking shoes or go for a more comfortable, high-ankle pair of hiking boots for Kilimanjaro.
I highly recommend you go with a proper hiking boot or shoes like Timberland White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot (for women) for good ankle support, or this Columbia Redmond V2 Waterproof Hiking Boot (for women) if you want something lighter and easier to move around in.
Since you will be hiking in them for 5 - 8 hours a day for multiple days on end, make sure that you break into your shoes before bringing them on the hike. The last thing you want on Kilimanjaro is a pair of hiking shoes that doesn't fit right and gives you blisters.
Sandals: Trust me, the last thing you would want to do after a long day hiking in boots is to have to put them on every time you want to go to the toilet while camping in a tent at night on Kilimanjaro, so be sure to pack sandals with you as well.
Wool Socks: When it is cold outside, your body heat will often escape from your extremities first, and the best material to prevent that from happening is wool. To keep your feet warm while hiking, I highly recommend you pack some wool socks to wear outside when you are hiking above 4,000 m (13,123 ft). This will be very important on summit night.
Wool Gloves: Once again, to keep your hands warm, get wool gloves to prevent the heat from escaping from your extremities while hiking in cold weather or while inside a tent at night.
Wool Beanie: Your ears are also one of the places on your body that will easily get cold, so be sure to pack a wool beanie to warm your ears and protect them against strong winds while hiking.
Neck Gaiter: A wool scarf is also recommended to help maintain your body heat in cold weather. With long pants, a wool beanie, socks, and gloves, the only area left where your body heat can escape is through your neck, so get a wool scarf and wear it when it's cold outside.
With this setup, only your face should be exposed to the elements on Kilimanjaro's summit night, while the rest of your body should be kept nice and warm under the layers and wool we will bring for the hike.
Buff: Hiking in cold weather for a long period of time can wreak havoc on your lungs and prevent you from coughing uncontrollably. While you are in high elevation, you will need to wear a buff to protect your lungs from dry air and dust from the trail.
Underwear: Thermal underwear for men (for women) and sports bras for women should keep you warm while allowing you to move freely when you hike in cold weather. Take 2 or 3 pairs just in case.
What Backpack to Bring For Kilimanjaro?
A Large Backpack: This is where you will keep everything you do not need during the hike, but you might need it when at camp. Your porters will be carrying this bag, so make sure it is packed well and not too heavy.
I highly recommend Osprey backpacks. They are durable, very light, and have a lifetime guarantee. Get the Osprey Atmos AG Backpack for men and the Osprey Aura AG Backpack for women if you are looking for a high-quality backpack that will last you a lifetime. I have the Osprey Atmos myself and I love it!
I found a 65L-sized backpack to be more than enough to carry everything I needed for 6 days on Kilimanjaro. I usually kept all the unnecessary items like snacks, spare clothes, and camera gear that I did not need in my large backpack and let my porter carry them for the day, while I put everything I needed for the day in my daypack.
A Daypack: This is what you will use to carry all your essentials like a water bottle, jackets, and snack bars, etc. Any backpack with around a 25L capacity, like Herschel Supply's Little America bag, should be enough for most use cases. However, if you have lots of camera gear like I do, Langly Alpha Globetrotter Backpack is my go-to camera bag for the hike.
Should I Get a Travel Insurance for Kilimanjaro?
Absolutely, yes! There is a certain risk involved when hiking a multi-day trail like Kilimanjaro, not to mention altitude sickness, which can be lethal if not careful. So, I would recommend that you get travel insurance for your hike.
Altitude sickness can happen to anyone of all ages and fitness levels. It hasn't happened to me (yet), but I've seen enough hikers being carried down on stretchers while I was hiking on Kilimanjaro to know that travel insurance is a must on Kilimanjaro.
In fact, one of my friends had to be carried down after the summit day due to severe altitude sickness, and she was hospitalized for a few days afterward. When that happens, you are going to need insurance to pay for the hospital bills.
For which travel insurance to get, consider browsing through options on WorldNomads.com, which a is what I often use to look for travel insurance when it comes to this kind of adventurous trip.
Disclaimer: World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
What Other Travel Essentials to Bring for Kilimanjaro?
Snack Bars: Snack bars are delicious, nutritious, cheap, and great for when you want to quickly replenish your energy while hiking. I highly recommend CLIF BARS, and be sure to pack a few with you for the hike.
Packing Cubes: Packing cubes are a life-saver for hikers as they will allow you to take something in and out of your large backpack without messing up all the other stuff. You can also use them as pillows when you are sleeping in a tent, as most Kilimanjaro tours only provide a tent, a sleeping mat, and a sleeping bag. That is it.
Microfiber Towel: It is easy to dry, lightweight, and small enough to pack in your backpack for when you might need to wash up or stay dry when it rains outside.
A Hydration Pack/Water Bottle: I prefer a hydration pack when hiking because I can easily reach the tube and stay hydrated without having to stop. It is extremely important to stay hydrated at all times on Kilimanjaro as you will be gaining elevation quite quickly, and the only way to prevent altitude sickness is to keep yourself hydrated.
Headlamps: You are going to need this to hike on your summit day as well as when you want to navigate your way around your campsite at night. Make sure it is fully charged before your summit night as you will be using it for 6 hours before sunrise.
Sun Blocks: The sun can be very strong in the mountains, and the last thing you need while hiking Kilimanjaro is sunburn spots on your shoulders that make your life a living hell when carrying a backpack. Pack some and apply twice a day, once in the morning, and again in the afternoon, and you should be golden.
First-Aid Kit: Bandages (for blisters), painkillers, disinfectant wipes (the next best thing to showers), and tiger balm are always in the first-aid kit that I have with me when I go on a hiking trip. If you have personal medication, be sure to pack those too since you will be hiking for several days.
Trekking Poles (optional): I'm not a big fan of hiking with trekking poles, but they can be extremely useful on Kilimanjaro as you will be hiking down steep trails quite a lot, and your knees will thank you for it.
What Camera Gear to Bring For the Kilimanjaro Hike?
Sony a7C: This camera is what I carry for most of my trips around the world. The Sony a7C is very compact and light but comes with the capability to take excellent photos and videos that rival those of bigger cameras. With this camera and the combination of lenses I use below, you will have one hell of a highly functional and lightweight camera gear setup you can carry for your hike.
Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 Lens: This is one of the lightest and most compact all-purpose lenses you can get for Sony cameras, and with such a versatile range from 28-70mm, it should be more than enough to cover most use cases.
Sony 16-35mm F2.8 Lens: You are also going to need a wide-angle lens to capture the true scale of Kilimanjaro, and one of the best lenses you can bring with you is the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 lens. It's not the lightest lens by any means, but its versatility will allow you to capture landscape shots you might not have been able to with other lenses.
Tamron 70-300mm Lens: This is the lightest and most compact telephoto lens you can get with a reach of more than 300mm, which will allow you to pick up details of the scenery you might not be able to capture with other lenses on Kilimanjaro.
A Camera Cleaning Kit: A cleaning kit is essential to keep your camera sensor and lenses clean and ready for use. Kilimanjaro is an unforgiving place, and sometimes dust and debris may find their way onto your camera sensor. The only way to safely clean it is with a proper cleaning kit.
What Electronics to Bring For the Kilimanjaro Hike?
2 Power Banks: You won't have access to electricity for the entire length of your hike, so be sure to pack at least 2 power banks with a capacity of 20,000+ mAh to keep your cameras and phones juiced up for the entire length of your stay on Kilimanjaro.
Plus, the lithium batteries used in your cameras and phones can be drained much faster in cold weather, so having a spare power bank should help keep these devices juiced up when you need them. I highly recommend the Anker PowerCore 20,000 mAh power bank for your trip here, which should be enough to keep all your electronics charged throughout the day.
Toiletries Packing List:
Do not forget to pack all the toiletries you might need for the hike. Most of the campgrounds on Kilimanjaro have several squat toilets scattered around, but that's all you can expect from Kilimanjaro. Your tour company should stop at a shop before you begin hiking Kilimanjaro so you can buy some from there.
- Sunblock
- Chapstick to prevent dry mouth
- Moisturizer to prevent dry skins
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Hand Sanitizer (very important during this COVID time)
- Wet Wipes (the next best thing to shower)
- Travel Medical Kit (pain killers, band airs, etc.)
Other Things to Know About Packing for the Kilimanjaro Hike
Don't bring Diamox: Diamox is an altitude sickness pill that only hides the symptoms, not recover you from it, so taking Diamox might trick you into thinking that you are well when in fact you are not, and that could be lethal. Your guide should also have one for emergencies (ask them about it first) so you do not have to bring your own.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Tanzania
I have plenty of articles to help you further with your trip planning for Tanzania. Here is a selection of articles you might find useful:
- Planning to visit Tanzania for the first time? Here are the 10 best things to do in Tanzania.
- Looking for a complete itinerary for Tanzania? Here is a 10-day to 2-week backpacking itinerary for Tanzania.
- Want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and not sure where to start? Here is A Complete Hiking Guide To Kilimanjaro and all the information you need to hike Kilimanjaro successfully.
- Serengeti is probably the best place in the world to go on a safari, and it is a must-do if you are in Tanzania. To start planning a safari trip to Serengeti, check out: A Complete Safari Guide To Serengeti, Tanzania.
- Zanzibar is one of the most popular island destinations in Africa, and to truly do the place justice, you are going to need a complete travel guide to help plan the best trip of your life. Here are the 10 Best Things To Do In Zanzibar and a complete travel guide to the pearl of the African Indian Ocean.
- Stone Town is a historical town full of rich history and cultures, and it is a place you shouldn’t miss when you are traveling to Zanzibar. Here are the 10 Best Things To Do In Stone Town, Zanzibar.
- To truly make the most of your trip to Zanzibar, you have to rent a car and drive to all the hidden gems on the island. Here is 8 Important Things to Know Before Renting A Car in Zanzibar.
- To see all articles about Tanzania, visit the Tanzania Travel Guide page.
- Looking for more travel guides for Africa? You can find more on my Africa Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.
2 Comments
I feel happy for you that you were able to climb Mt Kilimanjaro. Too bad, I am not fit to take that trek. But reading your article, how I wish that I could have that experience. Thanks, Pete. It was a memorable experience for you I am sure!
Thank you Maria! It's definitely a trip of a lifetime. I hope you were able to experience a bit of it from the video even if you are not planning to climb :)