A Packing Guide for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
A Packing Guide for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
words: Sophie Alexander-Osman
photography: Sophie Alexander-Osman
published: July 12, 2023
A packing guide that will save your life - quite literally.
After six months of planning, researching, training and spending all my mula on equipment and hiking gear, I felt ready to take on the roof of Africa. I remember my mum dragging me around all the typical sports and outdoor shops. ‘Soph, you’ll need a warm jacket, walking boots, gloves, backpack…’ - the list felt endless. To be fair, I was taking on my first, solo hiking challenge and I had to be ready. Once I was on the mountain, I quickly realised that these items were a great investment, and I probably should have spent more. I still somehow overpacked and bought things I didn’t need. Amateur right? Haha.
On that first freezing cold night, £25 for a pair of walking socks were the least of my worries…
Here is a list of all the essentials you WILL need on the mountain:
Essential clothing:
A warm waterproof jacket. (North Face, Peter Storm.)
2 warm fleeces.
A few lightweight, breathable t-shirts.
Thermal long-sleeved shirt and thermal leggings.
2 pairs of hiking trousers - some can zip off at the knee to make shorts.
Waterproof trousers to put over your hiking trousers.
2 pairs of gloves. One smaller and one larger to put over the top.
5 pairs of ordinary socks.
2 pairs of warm, thick walking socks.
Comfy, waterproof, high top walking boots. Preferably Gore-Tex.
A neck gaiter.
Jogging bottoms and a long shirt for pyjamas.
Sports bras and breathable underwear.
A cap.
A woolly hat.
Sunglasses.
Backpack essentials: (what you will carry)
Camelbak 2L bladder.
Thermos flask. (In case water freezes.)
Sunscreen.
Snacks. (Protein bars and energy/sugar boosters.)
Mobile phone.
Camera - GoPro or waterproof equivalent.
Baby wipes.
ID and any medical notes.
Diamox. (Altitude sickness medication.)
Squash concentrate to flavour up the water.
Paracetamol and other medications.
*you will need to provide your own backpack and should be waterproof and lightweight.
Duffle bag essentials: (what the porter will carry)
Extra clothes and items needed for the whole trip.
Extra pair of slip-on shoes or trainers.
Washing bag - toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, wet wipes, deodorant, moisturiser.
Power bank to charge devices.
Small pillow.
A small amount of cash.
Home country flag for your summit photo.
Tent, sleeping bag, mattress, food and water will also be carried by the porters.
*you can bring your own duffle bag or you can rent one from your tour company for a small charge.
Essentials to leave at the hotel:
Phone charger - promise you won’t need it.
Nice outfit for celebratory evening post-hike.
Make-up. (Gals, don’t bother!)
Passport, travel documents etc. Locked in your suitcase.
Flight travelling clothes.
All other non-essential items.
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Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is one of those trips which you can’t explain to anybody. Your own individual experience and journey will not be the same as anyone else’s. The feelings, emotions and the physical and mental torture that you have to put yourself through to get to the summit, will change the perspective of your entire life.