🎒 The Ultimate Kilimanjaro Packing List

Prepared by Kili Vista Expeditions – Your Trusted Local Guides

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a once-in-a-lifetime journey — and the right preparation makes all the difference.

At Kili Vista Expeditions, we’ve guided hundreds of trekkers safely to Uhuru Peak. Our expert guides, led by John, have crafted this complete, mountain-tested packing list to help you stay warm, safe, and ready for the unexpected.

💡 Pro Tip: Pack light — your porter carries 15kg max — and prepare for quickly changing weather.

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❄️ Why This Packing List Works

• Designed by local Tanzanian guides who know every route

• Matches real conditions across Machame, Lemosho, Marangu, Rongai & more

• Includes feedback from past Kili Vista climbers

• Helps you avoid overpacking and missing essentials

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🧳 What Your Porter Carries (15kg Max)

Your assigned porter will carry:

• Your duffel bag (up to 15kg)

• Sleeping bag (if you rent from us)

• Tent (provided by Kili Vista Expeditions)

✅ You carry in your daypack (5–8L):

• Water

• Snacks

• Camera/phone

• Rain jacket

• Hat, gloves, sunscreen

📋 Complete Kilimanjaro Packing List

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👕 Clothing (Layer Up!)

• ☑️ Thermal base layers (top & bottom) — merino or synthetic, no cotton

• ☑️ Fleece jacket / mid-layer

• ☑️ Insulated down jacket (essential above 4,000m)

• ☑️ Hiking pants (2 pairs), quick-dry

• ☑️ Long thermal leggings (summit night)

• ☑️ Waterproof hiking jacket (GORE-TEX recommended)

• ☑️ Waterproof hiking pants (lightweight, side zips)

• ☑️ Short-sleeve shirts (1–2)

• ☑️ Long-sleeve shirts (1–2)

• ☑️ Warm hat/beanie

• ☑️ Sun hat/cap with neck protection

• ☑️ Lightweight gloves

• ☑️ Insulated gloves (ski type)

• ☑️ Buff/neck gaiter

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👟 Footwear

• ☑️ Waterproof hiking boots (broken-in)

• ☑️ Thick wool socks (3–4 pairs)

• ☑️ Liner socks (optional)

• ☑️ Camp shoes (Crocs/sandals)

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🎒 Gear & Essentials

• ☑️ Daypack (20–30L, with rain cover)

• ☑️ Duffel bag (90–100L) — soft-sided

• ☑️ Sleeping bag (-10°C comfort)

• ☑️ Headlamp + extra batteries

• ☑️ Trekking poles (provided or bring your own)

• ☑️ Water bottles (2 × 1L) or hydration bladder (3L total)

• ☑️ Sunglasses (UV 400 / glacier-rated)

• ☑️ Personal first-aid kit

• ☑️ Quick-dry microfiber towel

• ☑️ Dry bags or ziplocks for organising gear

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💊 Health & Medications

• ☑️ Diamox (altitude medication — ask your doctor)

• ☑️ Pain relievers (ibuprofen, paracetamol)

• ☑️ Antiseptic wipes

• ☑️ Hand sanitizer

• ☑️ Personal medications

• ☑️ Nasal spray (helps with dry air)

• ☑️ Electrolyte tablets/powders

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🧼 Toiletries

• ☑️ Toothbrush & toothpaste

• ☑️ Biodegradable soap

• ☑️ Shampoo & conditioner (small bottles)

• ☑️ Deodorant (roll-on preferred)

• ☑️ Toilet paper (small roll)

• ☑️ Wet wipes (for “mountain showers”)

• ☑️ Menstrual products (if applicable)

• ☑️ Nail clippers

• ☑️ Small scissors

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📄 Documents & Electronics

 

• ☑️ Passport (valid 6+ months)

• ☑️ Visa (Tanzania eVisa available)

• ☑️ Travel insurance (must cover 6,000m altitude)

• ☑️ Printed emergency contacts

• ☑️ Cash (USD or TZS)

• ☑️ Phone + charger

• ☑️ Power bank (no charging on the mountain)

• ☑️ Camera + extra memory cards

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🍫 Optional Snacks

We provide 3 hot meals daily, but extras help morale:

• Energy bars

• Nuts & dried fruits

• Chocolate

• Instant soup

• Favourite tea/coffee

⚠️ Avoid greasy or heavy snacks — difficult to digest at altitude.

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❌ What NOT to Bring

• Cotton clothing

• Suitcases

• Excess electronics

• Alcohol

• Strong perfumes

• Single-use plastics

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🌿 Eco-Friendly Tip

Kili Vista Expeditions follows Leave No Trace principles:

• Reuse water bottles

• Pack out all trash

• Use biodegradable products

• Respect culture & wildlife

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🤝 Final Advice from Guide John

“Pack smart, dress in layers, and listen to your body. The climbers who succeed are not always the strongest — they are the most prepared. Bring warm gear, good boots, and a positive mindset. We’ll take care of the rest.”
—John, Lead Guide, Kili Vista Expeditions

 

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❓ Need Help Packing?

📞 Call or WhatsApp: +255712244 692

📧 Email: booking@kilivistaexpeditions.com

Let John guide you safely, successfully, and memorably to the top of Africa.