Climbing Gear List – Which Gear Do I Need to climb Kilimanjaro?

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an adventure – a physical and mental challenge as you are crossing different climate zones and facing changing weather conditions.

Everyday on the mountain will be different and the weather can change anytime. All our climbs start in a hot, tropical rain forest zone that will turn into a rough, dry area before reaching the arctic zone with temperatures below -25 °C (-13 °F). Beside preparing yourself physically and mentally, having the right equipment is essential for your success!

Tanzania Horizon Safaris will assist you to choose the right gear for your climb as we have helped thousands of successful climbers before. We have prepared a Gear List for you that will show you all that you need from the Park Gates, all the way to Uhuru Peak at 5.895m.

Follow this simple rule: Dress in layers!

Mount Kilimanjaro has 5 climate zones. The key to success is to be prepared for the changing environments that you will be facing. Therefore you will need the right gear. In order to be flexible and fast enough to adapt to changes, it is important to dress accordingly. The easiest way to do that is to divide your gear into layers that are easy to add or to remove. Your gear can be divided into three layers: a base layer, a mid-layer and an outer layer.

• Base layer: Underwear, Tshirt (fast drying = no cotton), socks

• Mid-layer: Trekking Jacket, Trekking Trouser, Fleece Jacket

• Outer Layer: Rain Jacket, Rain Trouser, Winter Jacket, Winter Trouser, Hat, Gloves

The most common mistake that climbers make is that they over pack and bring way too much gear.

• Be selective in what you take with you and follow the advice of our list. For all excess weight you will need to pay for an additional porter. This should happen only in special cases!

• You have to carry 4 liters of water in your Daypack. You can use water bottles, water bladders and thermo bottles. As temperatures can go below freezing point, we recommend to carry thermo bottles and to use the water bladder during daytime

• Don’t drink and climb 😉 Alcohol will create severe problems on the mountain and you risk to fail to summit

• All luggage that you don’t need to climb can be safely stored at your hotel while you are climbing

• As your travel luggage might get lost or arrive later than you, there is a chance that you might not receive your luggage on time. We recommend to travel with the most important things you need for your Daypack in your hand luggage. We highly recommend that you carry-on all important items such as prescription medication, camera equipment, essential toiletries (please keep in mind that many airlines have liquid restrictions) and one or two changes of clothes in case your luggage arrives late or gets lost at the airport. Tanzania Horizon Safaris cannot be held reliable for any loss, damage or delay of your luggage as this is subject to the airline that you are arriving with from your home country.

• You will be able to leave the luggage that you don’t need during your climb at your accommodation where it will be kept securely.