Gear & Preparation
Kilimanjaro + Safari
Packing List
Two environments, two packing strategies. Everything you need for the mountain and the safari — and the 10 items most travellers leave behind.
The most common mistake on a combo trip: arriving with safari clothes for the mountain, or mountain gear for the safari. These are entirely different environments. This list separates the two completely — and includes the things you will genuinely wish you had brought.
Mountain
Kilimanjaro gear — everything the mountain requires
Seven to eight days at altitude, from tropical rainforest to Arctic summit.
Clothing
- Thermal base layers (2-3 pairs — moisture-wicking, not cotton)
- Mid-layer fleece or down jacket (-10°C rated for summit night)
- Waterproof outer shell jacket (Gore-Tex or equivalent)
- Hiking trousers (2 pairs, quick-dry fabric)
- Thermal trousers (1-2 pairs for summit night)
- Buff or neck gaiter (protects against sun and wind)
- Warm beanie hat (for summit night)
- Sun hat with chin strap (wind-resistant)
- Thin gloves (for trekking — tactile for poles)
- Insulated summit gloves (-20°C rated, with liner)
- Wool hiking socks (3-4 pairs, different weights)
- Gaiters (to keep mud and scree out of boots)
Footwear
- Waterproof hiking boots (broken in before arrival — non-negotiable)
- Camp shoes or trail runners (for camp evenings)
- Plastic bags or dry bags (keep gear dry in wet season)
Sleeping
- -15°C sleeping bag (we provide sleeping mats — bring your own bag for comfort)
- Sleeping bag liner (optional, adds warmth and hygiene)
- Earplugs (camps are noisier than you expect)
Technical
- Headlamp with spare batteries (essential for summit night)
- Trekking poles (strongly recommended — saves knees on descent)
- Small daypack (30-40L for day hikes on the mountain)
- Water bottles (2-3L capacity — hydration bladders freeze at altitude)
- Water purification tablets or filter (backup for treated water)
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (stronger sun at altitude)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Personal first aid kit (blister plasters, pain relief, altitude medication)
- Snacks (energy bars, nuts — mountain meals are filling but basic)
Safari
Safari gear — light, neutral, and practical
The safari operates in 30-35°C heat. Neutral colours attract fewer insects and blend better for photography.
Clothing
- Lightweight neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, brown — no bright colours)
- Long-sleeved shirts (sun protection + tsetse fly protection)
- Lightweight trousers (zip-off convertibles work well)
- Warm layer for early morning game drives (it can be cold at 6am)
- Swimsuit (camps have pools)
- Casual evening wear (camps are smart-casual)
- Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking shoes for nature walks
Optics & Tech
- Binoculars (8x42 recommended — wildlife viewing is 80% about seeing well)
- Camera with zoom lens (200mm+ for wildlife, 24-70mm for landscapes)
- Spare camera batteries (cold drains them faster)
- Power bank / solar charger (camps have limited charging)
- Phone and universal adapter (Tanzania uses UK-style Type G plugs)
Health & Comfort
- Insect repellent with DEET (essential for Tanzania — malaria prevention)
- Sun protection: SPF 50+, sunglasses (polarised reduce glare), sun hat
- Personal medication (tell your guide what you need before the trip)
- Wet wipes and hand sanitiser (camps have bucket showers occasionally)
- Lip balm with SPF (the savanna is dry)
- Small towel or quick-dry travel towel
- Tissues / toilet paper (carry your own in safari vehicles)
Essential Additions
The 10 things most travellers forget
Not on any standard packing list — but every one of these has saved a trip or made it significantly better.
Passport photos (2) — needed for park entry permits
Park registration requires a physical photo. Having these ready speeds up check-in at park gates.
Cash in small denominations (TZS and USD)
Tips for mountain crew are paid in Tanzanian shillings. USD is fine for larger tips.
Dry bags or ziplock bags for electronics
Dust on Kilimanjaro and in safari vehicles is fine and pervasive. Protect cameras, phones, and chargers.
Imodium or similar for stomach upsets
Diet changes on safari and at altitude commonly cause digestive disruption. Better to have it and not need it.
Antihistamines
Allergic reactions to unfamiliar plants, insect bites, or dust are common. A single dose usually resolves symptoms.
Electrolyte powder sachets
Dehydration at altitude is insidious — you do not feel thirsty but your body is depleting minerals. Electrolytes help.
A photocopy of your passport
Keep the original safe in your main bag at camp. Use the photocopy for daily park registrations.
Contact lens solution and spare glasses
Dust and altitude can make contacts uncomfortable. Glasses are more practical on the mountain.
Small notepad and pen
Your guide will tell you things worth remembering. Species names, facts, your guide's number for future trips.
Thank you cards or small gifts for the mountain crew
Your 30-40 mountain crew are among the hardest-working people you will meet. A small gesture is meaningful.
Need to Travel Light?
We partner with an Arusha gear rental service
Sleeping bags, trekking poles, down jackets, and daypacks can all be rented in Arusha before your climb. Tell us when you book and we will arrange everything. Cost: approximately $31-100 for the duration.
Want the full pre-departure kit sent to you?
On booking, we send every client a detailed 4-page pre-departure guide with the complete packing list, a gear check spreadsheet, training programme, and everything you need to prepare.
Questions
Packing questions from past clients
Can I rent hiking boots on Kilimanjaro?
No — and you should not try. Rental boots on Kilimanjaro are universally poor quality, wrong size, and a direct cause of blisters and injuries. Your own boots, broken in over 3-4 months before departure, are non-negotiable. If you forget your boots, buy a pair in Arusha before the climb.
Should I bring a 4-season tent for Kilimanjaro?
No. Your operator provides all camping equipment including tents. A sleeping bag with a comfort rating to -15°C is the only equipment item you need to invest in separately.
What laundry facilities exist on the mountain and safari?
On Kilimanjaro: none. You will wear the same clothes for 7-8 days. On safari: most camps offer same-day laundry service included in the rate. Do not count on this — bring enough clothes for the full safari duration.
Is a sleeping bag included in the climb price?
We provide sleeping mats and foam pads. We do not provide sleeping bags — this is the one item you must bring or rent separately. We work with a rental partner in Arusha. A rented bag is laundered between clients. -15°C rated bags are available for approximately $31-50 for the duration.
How much weight will I carry on Kilimanjaro?
On the mountain, your daypack carries only what you need for the day: water, snacks, camera, layers. Most clients carry 4-6kg in their daypack. Your main bag is carried by porters who handle up to 20kg.
Do I need Safari clothes in addition to mountain clothes?
Yes — entirely separate wardrobes. Mountain gear is designed for cold, wind, and rain at altitude. Safari clothing is designed for 30-35°C heat and thorny bush. The overlap is minimal.