KILIMANJARO HIKING PACKING LIST
To ensure your safety and comfort on Mount Kilimanjaro, you must prepare thoroughly and have the necessary equipment and supplies. To help you prepare, we’ve put together a detailed packing list for Kilimanjaro. The walk takes you through a variety of climates, from the warm and humid jungles at the base to the frigid, ice temperatures at the summit. As a result, it is critical to be prepared for a variety of weather conditions, such as sunlight, wind, and rain. To make your trip easier, we’ll provide all of the basic necessities, such as tents, camping gear, food, and cooking supplies. Porters will transport your personal belongings in a duffel bag, while you will carry a daypack with your needs, such as water, snacks, and personal gear, during the walk. his preparation ensures you are well-equipped to handle the challenges of climbing Kilimanjaro while staying comfortable and safe.
WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR
- Airline tickets (confirmation and itinerary)
- Passport photos (2)
- International health card
- Valid passport
- Luggage Travel wallet
- Luggage locks belt
- Passport/money
- Luggage tags
- Sleeping bag liner
- Wicking, quick-dry boxers or briefs
- Long-sleeve, travel- Friendly shirt
- Wicking, quick-dry sports bra
- Lightweight, travel friendly pants
- Synthetic or wool T-shirt Bathing suit (optional)
- Casual shoes
- Midweight wool or synthetic socks
- Wicking, quick-dry boxers or briefs (3)
- Fleece pants
- Wicking, quick-dry sports bra
- Â Synthetic T-shirt Heavyweight long underwear bottoms
- Â Liner gloves
- Heavyweight long underwear top
- Midweight waterproof gloves or mittens
- Midweight long underwear bottoms
- Neck gaiter, balaclava, Buff or bandana
- Midweight long underwear top
- Glacier sunglasses
- Midweight down or synthetic parka
- Sun-shielding hat or cap
- Convertible hiking pants
- Light waterproof/breathable rain jacket
- Light waterproof/breathable rain pants
- Midweight fleece gloves or wool gloves
Many of the following items are optional or specific to travel; tailor the list to suit your personal needs.
- Water bottles (four 1-liter)
- Â Ear plugs
- Camping pillow
- Spare camera memory card
- Hand and toe warmers
- Â Large garbage bags (5; optional)
- reservoir (2-liter; optional)
- Eye shade
- Camp towel
- Â Spare camera battery
- Journal, pen, book
- Cell phone in waterproof case
- Water bottle insulating sleeves (optional)
- Pocket knife or multi-tool
- Insect repellent
- Personal first-aid
- Small binoculars
- Helmet camera (or regular camera)
- Watch with alarm
- Cash / credit card
Explore Hiking tours
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Tours
Sean LVerified Honeymoon in Tanzania We were lucky to have Daniel as our guide in Tanzania. He made us feel safe, went above and beyond every day, and genuinely cares about Tanzania and conservation. He also booked the best experiences using excellent local guides. By the end of the trip, he felt like a true friend, and our experience was far more than just a tour. I look forward to our next meeting! Hilary HVerified Kilimanjaro 7 Days via Lemosho – Unforgettable Christmas Summit I did a solo trek up Kilimanjaro via the 7-day Lemosho route, and summiting on Christmas Day was absolutely magical! The entire experience with Hilltop Travel was smooth, professional, and filled with great energy.A huge thank you to James, my incredible guide, who supported me every step of the way — especially during the challenging summit night. The entire crew was superb, friendly, and highly experienced. I was also impressed by the delicious food served throughout the climb — it really kept my energy up!The scenery was stunning, the service exceptional, and though the summit was tough, it was 100% worth it. Highly recommend Hilltop Travel to anyone dreaming of standing on the Roof of Africa! Geoff RVerified Chagga Cultural Experience in Nkweshoo – A Hidden Gem Near Kilimanjaro! My cultural visit to Nkweshoo in Machame was absolutely unforgettable! Exploring the traditions of the Chagga people with the local Chagga women made the experience deeply authentic and heartwarming. We joined a farm tour, learned how to make traditional Chagga coffee from bean to cup, and visited a stunning nearby waterfall. Spending a night in a traditional Chagga boma, simple, peaceful, and incredibly special. The hospitality, the stories, and the genuine connection with the community made this more than just a tour — it was a journey into a rich culture. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Kilimanjaro and looking for something real, local, and inspiring. AbdullyVerified Perfect 3-Day Safari Experience with Hilltop Travel! I just returned from an unforgettable 3-day safari covering Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara — and it was absolutely amazing!From start to finish, everything was well-organized, comfortable, and full of incredible wildlife moments. Tarangire’s baobab trees and herds of elephants were stunning, Ngorongoro was magical with breathtaking views and the Big Five, and Lake Manyara surprised us with flamingos, tree-climbing lions, and so much more.Special thanks to my guide Thomas, who made the trip extra special. He was incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and had a great sense of humor. His deep understanding of wildlife and Tanzanian culture made every moment educational and fun. I always felt safe and well taken care of.This was more than just a safari — it was an experience of a lifetime. Thank you Hilltop Travel and thank you Thomas! Highly recommended for anyone looking for a real taste of Tanzania’s natural beauty and warm hospitality. Kenny EVerified Increadible Tanzania Safari and Beach Combo We booked a safari and beach package with Hilltop Travel, and it turned out to be the best travel decision I’ve made. The safari lasted five days, covering Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire. Every day brought something new — we saw lions hunting, giraffes moving gracefully through the trees, and elephants with babies just a few meters from our vehicle. Our guide was a walking encyclopedia, always ready to explain behaviors or share fun stories about the animals.After so much adventure, we flew to Zanzibar for three nights. The transition was seamless; Hilltop travel team arranged the flight and transfers so we didn’t have to think about a thing. Our hotel in Stone Town gave us a taste of local culture, while the beach resort in Kendwa was all about relaxation. Swimming in waters after seeing lions and rhinos just days earlier was almost surreal.This mix of safari and beach felt like two vacations in one. Hilltop team understood exactly what we wanted — adventure, then relaxation. I’ll always remember it as a perfectly balanced trip. Adam MVerified Amazing Mount Kilimanjaro Trip – November 2025 I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route in early November with Hilltop Travel, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. Everything was well-organized from start to finish. The team was efficient, helpful, and full of positive energy — they made reaching the summit possible and enjoyable.A special thanks to Daniel at the office, who was always available, very knowledgeable, and made the planning smooth. I want to sincerely congratulate the entire Hilltop team — they’re simply the best. My journey was filled with happiness, and I’ll always be grateful. Highly recommended! Kamana NVerified Cultural Visit in a Maasai Village One of the most memorable parts of my trip was visiting a Maasai village close to Kilimanjaro airport arranged by Hilltop Travel. Our guide introduced us to the community, and we were welcomed with songs and dances. It didn’t feel staged — instead, it felt like a genuine sharing of their culture.We learned about traditional Maasai life, from how they build their homes to the way they care for their cattle. A Maasai elder explained their customs, while children laughed and played nearby. I was even invited to try a short dance, which had everyone smiling.It gave me a deeper appreciation of Tanzania beyond the wildlife. Hilltop travel made sure it was respectful and meaningful, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of my entire journey. Emily DVerified Magical Day at Ngorongoro Crater! Our day trip to Ngorongoro Crater was simply unforgettable! I had such an amazing time with friends — full of fun, laughter, and incredible wildlife sightings. We spotted elephants, hippos, antelopes, lions, gazelles, and so much more! The crater’s landscape is beyond words — like a hidden world full of life and beauty. I honestly can’t wait to come back and share this magical place with more friends. If you're thinking of a day in nature filled with excitement and wonder, Ngorongoro is the place! Highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Tanzania. vivian HVerified Safe and Comfortable Trip in Tanzania I’m not the most adventurous traveler, so safety and comfort were important to me. Hilltop travel team exceeded my expectations in both. The vehicle was spotless, with seatbelts and large windows. Our driver was careful on both highways and bumpy tracks especialy in Serengeti, which made me feel secure the whole time.Little touches stood out: cool water always available, blankets for chilly mornings, and even charging points for cameras. At the lodges, everything was clean and welcoming, and the staff treated us with kindness.Because of this, I was able to relax and fully enjoy the safari. I didn’t spend time worrying about logistics or safety. Instead, I could just focus on the incredible sights — elephants walking by, zebras grazing, and lions resting in the sun. Hilltop travel gave me peace of mind, which made the trip even more enjoyable. jacobVerified Unforgettable Day at Materuni and Chemka – A True Tanzanian Experience Our full-day adventure with Hilltop Travel was simply amazing from start to finish! We began in Materuni Village, where we experienced the full coffee journey — from bean to cup.Our local guide, Ally shared beautiful stories about Chagga culture and the traditional way of coffee processing. Picking, roasting, grinding, and finally sipping our own fresh brew was something truly special!The hike to Materuni Waterfall was refreshing and scenic, made even better by our photographic guide whose talent with photos and videos added magic to the whole day. Every moment was perfectly captured!After enjoying delicious local Chagga food, we headed to the Chemka Hot Springs, where swimming in the clear, natural spring pool was the perfect way to relax. The water was warm, clean, and surrounded by nature, a hidden gem!This was a day full of culture, nature, taste, and relaxation. Huge thanks to the Hilltop Travel team for organizing such a flawless experience. Highly recommended to anyone visiting Tanzania!











