top of page

Kilimanjaro & Meru Packing Guide

Packing correctly is essential for a safe and comfortable climb on Mount Kilimanjaro. From layered clothing for changing temperatures to essential trekking gear and personal items, this checklist covers everything you need for comfort, safety, and peak performance during your adventure.

Kilimanjaro & Meru Climbing Packing List

​​

Clothing

 

Base Layers

  • Top base layer (1–2)

  • Bottom base layer (1–2)

  • Thermal leggings (merino wool preferred)

 

Trekking Shirts

  • 3–4 short-sleeved, moisture-wicking shirts

  • 3–4 long-sleeved hiking shirts, moisture-wicking

 

Trousers & Pants

  • 1 insulated trekking pants

  • 1–2 pairs of trekking trousers

  • Convertible trousers optional

  • Waterproof/windproof hard shell trousers

 

Jackets

  • 1 insulated winter/down jacket (for summit night and cold nights)

  • 1 Polartec fleece or soft-shell jacket

  • 1 hard-shell outer jacket (waterproof/windproof, Gore-Tex recommended)

  • Optional poncho (for occasional rainy periods)

 

Headwear & Accessories

  • Warm beanie (knit or fleece)

  • Sun hat (wide-brimmed, neck protection)

  • Neck gaiter or scarf

  • Sunglasses (high UV protection)

 

Gloves

  • Lightweight gloves (fleece or quick-dry)

  • Warm insulated gloves or mittens (water-resistant recommended)

 

Footwear

  • Mid-weight trekking boots with ankle support

  • Trainers or sandals for around camp

  • 3–4 pairs of outer socks, 2–3 pairs of liner socks

  • 1 pair thick thermal socks for summit night

  • Gaiters (to protect trousers and boots)

 

Other Clothing

  • 4–5 pairs of underwear

  • Pajamas for sleeping

  • Lightweight shorts (optional for lower slopes)

​

Basic Equipment

 

Backpacks & Bags

  • Daypack (30–40L, your main gear carried by a porter)

  • Waterproof duffle bag (80–90L, or large rucksack >65L)

  • Dry bags (if duffle bag is not waterproof)

  • Packing cubes (to organize your gear)

​

Sleeping Gear

  • 4-season or -20°C sleeping bag with compression sack

  • Travel pillow (optional, or use fleece/windbreaker)

 

Trekking Essentials

  • Trekking poles (adjustable recommended)

  • Water bladder or bottles (capacity: 3L; disposable bottles not permitted)

  • Headlamp with extra batteries

  • Micro-spikes (optional, seasonal)

  • Camera with spare batteries

  • Plug adapter (Tanzania uses type D/G, 230V, 50Hz)

 

Personal Care

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (travel size recommended)

  • Wet wipes and hand sanitizer

  • Personal medicines and basic first-aid kit (Paracetamol, Imodium recommended)

  • Ear plugs (for light sleepers)

  • Pee bottle (optional, useful for ladies)

 

Food & Hydration

  • Personal snacks: boiled sweets, nuts, energy bars, dried fruit

  • Isotonic drink powder for electrolytes

 

Optional/Recommended Extras

  • Sun and lip protection (high SPF)

  • Small calculator or phone for currency calculations

  • Travel alarm or phone alarm

  • Small sewing kit, lighter/waterproof matches

bottom of page