TREK PREPARATION

Gear & Packing TIPS

  • Weigh your gear to make sure your duffel does not exceed the 33 lbs weight limit (26 lbs on Machame). Refer to the packing list for more details.

  • Wear some of your Kilimanjaro clothing on your international flight, such as your hiking boots, convertible pants, fleece, etc. If your bag is delayed, this will allow you to continue with the trek.

  • Put your address on a piece of paper inside your bags in case a luggage tag is torn off.

  • Once you are completely packed, take a photo of your bags in the event you need to file a claim for delayed or lost baggage.

  • You will be required to hire an extra porter or carry the extra weight in your daypack if your trekking duffel bag weighs more than 33 lbs (26 lbs for Machame route).

  • If you have a safari/trip extension that requires internal flights, your checked luggage may not exceed 33 lbs. This limit is set by the airlines; international flight baggage limits are less stringent.

Online store

Many of the items on the packing list can be found at the online Kilimanjaro store. Proceeds from every purchase are donated to the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC), an organization that supports porters and a better environment on Kilimanjaro. If you are continuing on a safari extension, refer to the safari packing list for additional items.

What to wear and when to wear it
click images to enlarge

 

Gear & Packing FAQs

  • During your trek, you are allowed to bring two bags. One bag will be a large, soft-sided duffel bag (no wheels, no hard frames), which will be carried by a camp porter. This bag cannot exceed 33 lbs; if your duffel exceeds the weight limit, park regulations require you to hire an additional personal porter to carry the overage. Your second bag will be your daypack, which you will carry with you during each day’s hike. This daypack will contain your water and trail essentials, and typically weighs 15-20 lbs.

  • Yes. Any gear carried by the camp porter will count towards the weight limit for your duffel bag. The weight of each rental item is noted on the rental gear list, so that you can take this into account as you pack your bag at home. Please note: cots, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and pillows included as part of the Grand Traverse trek and tent upgrades are not included in your main trek duffel or counted towards your weight allowance.

  • Pre-arranged rental gear will be distributed at the trek briefing in Tanzania. It is imperative that you try on and test each rented item to ensure proper fit and good condition. A small supply of extras will be on hand, should you need a different size or want to rent any additional items. The trek briefing will be your last opportunity to exchange or add rental gear.

  • Yes. As a courtesy, you may store excess baggage at the Arusha office at your own risk. It will be returned to you when you come back down the mountain. Similarly, you can store Kilimanjaro gear while on safari, if your itinerary allows. Before continuing on your safari you will also have the opportunity to reorganize your baggage and leave your trekking gear at the Arusha office, if your itinerary allows. Remember to keep money, electronics, and valuables with you at all times. Let a Trip Manager know if you plan to store a bag on your trip.

  • There will not be an opportunity to have laundry done during your trek. We recommend that those continuing onto safari pack the additional clothing needed in a separate duffel that will be stored during the trek. You will also have the opportunity to reorganize your baggage and leave your trekking gear at the Arusha office, if your itinerary allows.

  • Make sure to organize items in waterproof/dustproof stuff sacks, reusable vacuum storage bags, and packing cubes. We also recommend waterproof backpack covers to protect items in your daypack. Make sure important items like camera gear and documents are safely sealed in waterproof/dustproof stuff sacks. Your porters will do their best to keep items as dry as possible, but we recommend taking these precautions in case of heavy or steady rains.

    Please note that plastic bags are banned in Tanzania, but it’s OK to bring a few Ziplocs as long as they are used for storing items that come back home with you, like toiletries. You may not leave these bags in Tanzania.