Ultimate packing list for your Kilimanjaro adventure

Have you decided to challenge yourself this year with a Kilimanjaro climb? Congratulations, you’ve made a brilliant decision!

It’s arguably one of our biggest ever travel highlights. Not only did we come home with a well-earned sense of achievement and a newfound love of mountain climbing, but we also made amazing memories with a brilliant group of likeminded people.

We’ve put together a handy packing list to help you on your way. And don’t forget the snacks!

Clothing

Whatever route you decide on, you will be hiking through a number of different landscapes and climates, from lush jungle and lashing rain to dry desert with no trees in sight. So you need to be prepared to all eventualities…

• Comfortable cotton underwear (you don’t want any chaffing) and a sports bra
• Lightweight base layers (wicking)
• Thermals for summit night. Temperatures drop to -20!
• Hiking socks and liners
• Several fleeces of different thicknesses
• Waterproof jacket with hood and lightweight windbreaker
• Lightweight hiking trousers
• Seriously warm beanie and snow gloves for summit night (your pace will be slow so you need to stay toasty!)
• Sun hat and sunglasses

Footwear

I can’t stress the importance of the right hiking boots. It will make or break your trip! Do your research and try plenty on and ensure they are protecting your ankles. Break them in on regular hikes before you go. I absolutely love my Salomon boots and I didn’t get a single blister.

Also bring a spare pair of lightweight shoes for the camp.

Rucksacks

Bring one larger rucksack (40-60 litres) and a smaller day pack that you can fit your essentials in. Choose a camelback, so that you can easily carry all your water.

Sleeping bag

Choose one that is suitable for all conditions and temperatures down to about -20 degrees.

Toiletries

• Biodegradable baby wipes – they will become your best friend
• Suncream and lipsalve (SPF 30+)
• Deodorant (you’ll soon stop caring that you smell)
• Face wipes and moisturiser
• Painkillers
• Blister plasters
• Portable toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hair ties
• Toilet paper and tissues
• Pantyliners
• Brush (if you can be bothered. I kept my hair in plaits all week!)
• Ear plugs

Medication

• Antibiotic ointment
• Malaria tablets
• Diarrehea mediation (just in case)
• Altitude medication (Optional. Diamox is advised if you decide to take it)
• Contraception (if you are on the Pill)
• Rehydration sachets

Other things to bring

• Your camera
• Head torch (especially for the pitch black toilet runs!)
• Spare batteries
• Music for summit night. Make a great, motivational playlist!
• Walking poles. They are a lifesaver.
• Journal
• Waterproof sacks for dirty clothes
• Water purification tablets

Snacks, snacks and more snacks!

• Got nutty for trial mix
• Sweets for a pick-me-up
• Cereal bars

Things you DON’T NEED

• Make up
• Shower gel (I wish!)
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Body moisturiser
• Tent
• All your holiday wardrobe

Best of luck!

Have we missed something? Feel free to let us know below!