Packing for Kilimanjaro: The Complete List
Kilimanjaro · 2026-07-05 · 5 min read
The principle: layers, not one big coat
Temperatures on Kilimanjaro swing from roughly 25C in the forest to -15C or colder on the summit night. You manage that range with layers you can add and remove, not with a single heavy jacket.
What you must bring
- Broken-in trekking boots, plus camp shoes or trainers
- Base layers, fleece, insulated jacket and a down jacket for the summit
- Waterproof shell jacket and over-trousers
- Thermal leggings and warm hiking socks
- Warm hat, balaclava and insulated gloves, plus a thin liner pair
- Sun hat, glacier glasses and high-SPF sunscreen
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Three to four litres of water capacity
- Water purification tablets and electrolyte sachets
- Personal first-aid kit and blister plasters
- Passport, permit and cash for tips
What your operator should carry
Porters carry the bulk of your kit in a duffel bag, and the crew carries tents, food and cooking gear. Confirm the weight limit for your duffel (usually 15 kg) and keep your day pack light.
Rent what you will not use again. Sleeping bags, mats and trekking poles are all available for hire in Moshi, which saves luggage space and weight.
Small things that matter
- A power bank for the summit night, when the cold drains batteries.
- A wide-mouth bottle: the neck of a narrow bottle freezes.
- Earplugs for the dormitories on the Marangu route.
- A few notes for tips; budgets are usually quoted per crew member, per day.