Kilimanjaro Final Checklist

being properly equipped is one of the most important prerequisites of a successful summit attempt, to your aid we have prepared a checklist you can use as a guideline to be equipped for the trek please remember to limit the weight of your duffel bag and its content to 15 kg (32 lbs.) as it’s the maximum a porter is required to carry, your sleeping bag will count towards the 15 kg, however sleeping mats, tents will not count. Note: for those who want to travel light equipment can be available for rental service or you can purchase them at stores once in Tanzania

Make sure you have everything you need to help you successfully summit the Kilimanjaro.

Travel Documents

Valid passport and visa

Airline ticket

International health card with immunizations

Travel insurance

Medical insurance

US$ cash / Travelers Checks / Credit Card

Essential Items

Duffel bag – large enough for all climbing gear and clothing. To be carried by the porters. An extra bag to be left at the hotel with extra gear

Small luggage lock – to lock zippers

Day backpack –20 – 35 L capacity. Large enough to carry your water, camera, raincoat, lunch pack, snacks & warm clothing

Sleeping bag

Ski-pole / walking stick

Water bottle / containers

Water Bladder (Camelback type, 3 liters)

Kilimanjaro map (Can be bought at Park gate)

Tip: duffel bag is preferred as porters bundle the bag with other items and carry the load on their heads

High Altitude Gear

Waterproof, breathable & windproof jacket (outer wear like Ventex or Gore-Tex)

Waterproof, breathable & windproof pants (outer wear)

Polar fleece (middle layer)

Thermal underwear (under layers)

Mittens or warm gloves

Glove liners (if necessary)

One pair thermal socks

Balaclava

Gaiters

Thermal water flask

Hiking Gear

Shorts Hiking pants
Regular underwear

T-shirts

Raincoat or Poncho

Tip: for the base layer clothing with moisture wicking fabric (merino wool or Capilene) are recommended, staying dry is essential. Avoid cotton as they absorb moisture.

Footwear

Water resistant semi-stiff hiking boots – mid weight boots work great

Shoes for overnight camps – i.e. sneakers, running shoes, etc.

Socks – several pairs for the climb

Liner socks – to keep your feet dry and limit the risk of blisters

Equipment

Sun hat or similar (with a brim)

Knit hat (for warmth)

Collapsible ski sticks (optional but highly recommended)

Water bottles – two or three (total capacity at least 4 litres)

Head lamp, good strong one with spare batteries and an extra light bulb

Water purification tablets

Sunglasses, good quality dark lenses for the climb, with a securing strap

Flashlight (torch) with spare batteries

Backpack cover (optional)

Camp pillow

Personal Items

Toilet kit (soap, tooth brush, toilet articles, wet wipes, etc.)

Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional)

Sun screen and lip protection, SPF 30+

Ziploc bags, to protect camera, binoculars, etc. from dust

Toilet paper

Wet wipes (recommended)

Pee Bottle, to avoid leaving tent at night (recommended)

Money belt for passport and valuables

Medical and First Aid Supplies

Headache tablets

Altitude Sickness-Diamox (if not allergic to sulpha)

Diarrhea – Imodium

Nausea – Valoid

Malaria – Prophylaxis

Water purification tablets

Painkillers

Muscular sprains

Abrasions blisters and cuts – Plaster, bandages

Antiseptic cream – Betadine

Flu and colds

Eye drops

Insect repellent containing deet

Optional Items

Camera, extra lenses, memory cards and spare batteries Binoculars Powdered sports drinks for the climb (ex. Game or Isotonic drinks) Pocket knife Notebook & pencil Plastic bags to keep clothing dry (masking tape) Energy snacks and sweets Video camera, tapes / memory cards, battery packs and tri-pod

Tip:

Tip: Checked luggage on airplanes can get lost or delayed on the way to Tanzania. You should prepare for this possibility by wearing or carrying on the items that are essential to your Kilimanjaro climb. While most clothing, gear and equipment can be replaced in Tanzania prior to your climb, there are some things that you should not replace.

It is recommended that you wear one complete hiking outfit on the plane, including a long sleeve shirt, hiking pants, underwear, socks, and hiking boots. In your carry-on baggage, you should bring your backpack, waterproof jacket and pants, insulated jacket, fleece pants, snacks, toiletries, medications, camera and all paperwork. Airline regulations do not allow you to carry trekking poles on the plane. Make sure you do wear/carry your hiking boots; wearing a different pair of boots on your climb will likely cause blistering.