Climbing Kilimanjaro
A step-by-step plan for reaching Uhuru Peak, from timing and routes to fitness and gear.
Read guideGetting your Kilimanjaro packing list right is one of the most important parts of preparing to climb. With five climate zones and temperatures that can swing from +35 C at the base to -15 C near the summit, the secret is smart layering and quality gear. Here is exactly what to bring, and how to pack it.
Kilimanjaro is packed for by weight and by layer. Get those two right and the rest of the list follows.
Your porter bag is limited to 15 kg including the bag itself, and disposable plastic bottles are banned in the park. Extra luggage can be stored at your hotel.
You do not have to buy everything. Renting big-ticket items such as a down jacket, insulated sleeping bag or trekking poles through us is often better value than buying a cheap version for a single climb, and it saves luggage space. Hiring a high-quality piece beats owning a low-quality one. Just make sure anything you do bring, especially your boots, is properly worn in first.
Summit night is the coldest, longest part of the climb, so pack it deliberately and keep it accessible in your daypack, inside dry bags so nothing gets wet on the way up.
Beyond clothing and gear, do not forget the small things that make a big difference: your passport and Tanzania visa, travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking, some US dollars in cash for tips (see our money and tipping guide), a power bank, a book or cards for the evenings, and a small padlock for your duffel. A camera and spare batteries are a must, as the summit sunrise is unforgettable.
This list suits every route, from the Marangu and Machame trails to the longer Lemosho route. New to the mountain? Start with our guides to climbing Kilimanjaro and Kilimanjaro weather. Park rules are published by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA).
We are a local, Arusha-based team, and we tailor every safari and Kilimanjaro climb to your dates, budget and pace. Request a free, no-obligation quote and we will usually reply within 24 hours.
A step-by-step plan for reaching Uhuru Peak, from timing and routes to fitness and gear.
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