What to pack for Kilimanjaro
Use this list as your master spreadsheet. Anything marked rent in Moshi can be picked up at fair prices when you arrive, so you don't have to fly bulky kit.
Footwear
Your feet decide whether you summit. Break new boots in over weeks, not days, before you fly.
- Waterproof trekking bootsrent in Moshi
Mid- or high-cut, broken in
- Trail trainers / camp shoes
For evenings and the descent gate
- Hiking socks × 4 pairs
Merino wool, mid-weight
- Liner socks × 2 pairs
Blister prevention
- Gaiters
Keep scree out on summit night
Clothing layers
Kilimanjaro has five ecological zones, from rainforest to arctic. Dress in layers you can add and shed.
- Base layer top × 2
Long-sleeve merino or synthetic
- Base layer bottoms × 2
Thermal, one heavyweight for summit
- Trekking trousers × 2
Lightweight, quick-dry
- Insulated trousersrent in Moshi
For summit night
- Soft-shell jacket
Wind-blocking, breathable
- Insulated down jacketrent in Moshi
800-fill or warmer
- Hard-shell waterproof jacketrent in Moshi
GORE-TEX or equivalent
- Waterproof over-trousers
- Warm hat
Beanie covering ears
- Sun hat
Wide-brimmed, lower mountain
- Buff / neck gaiter
Dust + cold protection
- Liner gloves
- Insulated mittensrent in Moshi
Summit night
Sleep & pack
Camps are at altitude — nights drop below freezing well before summit camp.
- Sleeping bag rated to −10 °Crent in Moshi
Down or synthetic
- Sleeping bag liner
Adds warmth + hygiene
- Inflatable pillow
- 65–80 L duffel bagrent in Moshi
Carried by porters
- 30–40 L day pack
You carry this yourself
- Pack rain cover
- Dry sacks × 3
Various sizes
Hydration & nutrition
Three to four litres of water a day is the baseline. Treat all camp water (we provide tablets).
- Hydration bladder (3 L)
Insulated tube for summit night
- Insulated water bottle × 1
Bladders freeze on summit; bottle is backup
- Energy snacks
Bars, gels, nuts — bring familiar favourites
- Electrolyte tablets / powder
Health & toiletries
Talk to your doctor about Diamox (acetazolamide) before you fly. Sun at altitude is brutal — protect every surface.
- Personal medication
Plus anti-malarials for low altitude
- Diamox
If your doctor approves
- Ibuprofen + paracetamol
- Blister kit
Compeed, tape, scissors
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Lip balm with SPF
- UV-rated sunglasses + goggles
Goggles for summit night dust/snow
- Hand sanitiser + wet wipes
- Personal toilet paper
Trekking essentials
Lightweight bits that earn their place in your pack many times over.
- Trekking poles (pair)rent in Moshi
Adjustable
- Headtorch + spare batteries
Critical for summit night
- Watch with altimeter
Optional but useful
- Power bank + cables
No power on the mountain
- Cash for crew tips
USD; we provide a tipping guide
- Passport + visa printouts