Gear Checklist & Preparation

The gear listed below along with Prescriptions, Personal Essentials and Proper Documentation are required for a successful and safe climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Please review the list and check to make sure that you have all the items listed.

Gear Checklist and Preparation

Getting to Mt. Kilimanjaro and What to Expect.

The mistake that many climbers tend to make is packing too much gear. Think of what you absolutely need to survive and then add a few luxury items.

The porters that will be carrying your duffle up the mountain are limited to 33 pounds or roughly 15 kilograms. Your duffle will not include all of the items that you will be carrying in your rucksack. You will be able to interchange the items in your rucksack with your duffle throughout the trek so do not worry if your overall load is around 45 lbs.

Not Many Climbers Realize

Depending on the weather (Dry vs. Cold); your designated porters will be available to wash your clothing throughout the trek and air dry them from your tent or any hanging environment. So, if you were thinking of packing 10 pairs of underwear and 14 pairs of socks, this will not be necessary. We know that this is a huge transition from the majority of climbers comfortable norms, but you will adjust and acclimate well. We know this because everyone does, because everyone has too….:)

Core Clothing

1 – Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
1 – Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down
1 – Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
2 – Long Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
1 – Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
1 – Waterproof Pants, breathable (side zipper recommended)
2 – Hiking Pants
1 – Fleece Pants
1 – Shorts (optional)
1 – Long Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric
3 – Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric recommended
2 – Sport Bra (women)

Head

1 – Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
1 – Knit Hat, for warmth
1 – Balaclava or Buff, for face coverage (optional)

Hands

1 – Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended)
1 – Gloves, thin

Feet

1 – Hiking Boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in
1 – Gym Shoes, to wear at camp (optional)
3 – Socks, wool or synthetic
1 – Gaiters, waterproof (optional)

Additional

1 – Sunglasses or Goggles
1 – Backpack Cover, waterproof (optional)
1 – Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz.)
1 – Water Bladder (Camelbak type, 3 liters)
1 – Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional)
1 – Pee Bottle, to avoid leaving tent at night (recommended)
Stuff Sacks, Dry Bags or Plastic Bags, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate

Equipment

1 – Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons*
1 – Trekking Poles, collapsable (highly recommended)*
1 – Head lamp, with extra batteries
1 – Duffel bag, 55-95L capacity, for porters to carry your equipment. If you prefer to have more room in your duffle, a 105-130L will work as well.
1 – Daypack, 30-38L capacity, for you to carry your personal gear

Personal Essentials

Toiletries – Clean Wet Wipes are recommended. 80 – 100 ct would be acceptable –
Prescriptions
Sunscreen
Lip Balm
Insect Repellent, containing DEET
First Aid Kit
Hand Sanitizer
Toilet Paper
Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy (optional)
Electrolytes, powder or tablets (optional)
Camera, with extra batteries (optional)

Paperwork

Trip Receipt
Passport
Visa (available at JRO)
Immunization Papers
Insurance Documents

Gear Checklist and Preparation

Identification

Passport and Personal Identification

Foreigners entering the United Republic of Tanzania need to be in possession of a valid passport that is at least six months from expiration. Passports will be presented to the Immigration Control Officer at the point of entry.

Visitors must also show a connecting or return ticket along with proof that they have the proper monetary funds to support themselves during their stay in Tanzania.

All foreigners from non-Commonwealth countries are required to have a valid visa unless their countries have agreements with Tanzania under which the visa requirement is waived. Exemptions: Citizens of Commonwealth countries are not required to obtain visas unless they are citizens of the United Kingdom, Canada, Nigeria, or India. The visa is permission granted to a foreigner who intends to travel to Tanzania on business, for a holiday, to study or conduct research, or for other approved activities. When entering Tanzania, the visitor with a visa may then obtain from the immigration control officer, a pass or any other authority to enter the country.

Visas are issued by the following:

The office of the Director of Immigration Services, Dar es Salaam, and the office of the Principal Immigration Officer, Zanzibar.

Tanzanian representatives abroad: Visas can be obtained at Tanzanian Embassies and High Commissions, such as the Tanzanian Embassy of the United States.

Entry points to the United Republic of Tanzania: principally Namanga, Tunduma, Sirari, Horohoro, Kigoma port, Dar es Salaam International Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, Zanzibar Harbour and Zanzibar Airport.

Gear Checklist and Preparation

PREPARATION AND PHYSICAL FITNESS

PHYSICAL PREPARATION

The best training you can perform for trekking Mt. Kilimanjaro is to just go out and hike. If you have access to various terrain that includes ascending and descending hills, rocky (scree) trails and flat winding paths would be best.. This will work all of the muscles that you normally neglect on a daily basis and it is essential for building the strength and dexterity to climb for 5 to 12 hours per day. Try to incorporate the 30-38L day pack that you will be using during your climb and gradually add the weight over time that you anticipate carrying on the Mountain. This will help build and strengthen the core muscles in your upper and lower legs along with your torso and shoulders.

Excessive training is not necessary in order to be proficient in your climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Daily hiking, basic weekly cardio and a healthy diet and sleep regiment are the main physical practices that you should undergo up to two months before your designated trip.

Make sure to hike at least 25 miles in the boots that you will be wearing prior to using them on the mountain. The biggest mistake that novice climbers make regarding footwear is bringing along a brand new pair of boots/shoes. This is a huge mistake and it will make your trip very uncomfortable as you will most likely suffer from blisters and sore arches.

BREAKING IN YOUR FOOTWEAR

It can be as simple as wearing your hiking boots/shoes on daily hikes of 1 – 3 miles and breaking them in throughout all terrain. If the time of year or seasons are unfavorable, you can always wear your footwear throughout your home or apartment as well as bringing them along to your Gym and wearing them on the treadmill or walking platform.

It shouldn’t take too long to break in your footwear. We recommend wearing a liner sock under your wool sock during this process for a easy – non- abrasive breaking in of the boot. Liner socks drastically reduce the the onset of blister and cuts from new footwear.

ACCLIMATIZING TO ALTITUDE

The most difficult aspect of climbing past 10,000 ft. is acclimating to the altitude. The higher you ascend the thinner the air becomes and the harder it is to pump oxygen throughout your circulatory system. This results in heavier breathing, higher heart rate, headache, thirst, difficult mobility and more frequent resting and pausing to catch your breath. These symptoms are very normal and are commonly experienced by all climbers. The main issue with altitude is properly acclimatizing so that you do not suffer Severe Altitude Sickness. KiliAscents makes safety our #1 priority and this includes a proper acclimation that allows for a safe and proper summit beyond 10K ft to 19,341 ft. Since there is no telling who will succumb to Altitude Sickness, KiliAscents makes sure to treat each individual with expert preparation and guidance throughout their journey to summit.

If you are deciding to train for altitude before your trip to Mt Kilimanjaro, this may help in scathing off the chance that you will suffer from Severe Altitude Sickness. There are many 12 – 14K ft peaks throughout North America and the World. By taking a 3 day hiking trip through the mountains before your Mt. Kilimanjaro trip might help in your acclimation moving forward.

Gear Checklist and Preparation

MEDICATION AND VACCINATIONS
Consult your travel nurse or general practitioner regarding any medications and or vaccinations that you may need for entering Tanzania and enduring the climb.

Recommended Vaccinations and Medications that you should ask about are for Typhoid, Hep A and B, Yellow Fever (if you are coming from a country that has restrictions), Malaria and Altitude Sickness. ​

We recommend Pill form medications that are offered for both Malaria and Altitude Sickness. These medication’s will be taken one day prior to your arrival through their prescribed duration.