What Bags Should I Bring for Kilimanjaro?

For your Mount Kilimanjaro climb in Tanzania, we suggest having three types of bags:

Suitcase or Large Travel Bag

Your first bag should be a suitcase or a large travel bag that you can check-in. This bag will be used to transport your belongings during your flight. Inside this bag, you can roll up your 90-liter duffel bag, which will be used later during the climb.

30-35-Liter Daypack

You will also need a 30-35-liter daypack. This bag will serve as your carry-on for the flight and will also be used as your day pack on the mountain. It should be spacious enough to hold your essential items during the climb.

70-90-Liter Duffel Bag

Another bag you should bring is a 70-90-liter duffel bag. This bag will be used to store items that you will need at the camp during your climb. The porters will carry this bag for you and it will be placed inside a large water-resistant bag. You can rent this duffel bag during the trip briefing.

By having these three bags – a suitcase, a daypack, and a duffel bag – you will be well-prepared for your Mount Kilimanjaro adventure in Tanzania.

There are no charging stations on Mount Kilimanjaro. We recommend bringing Power Banks and spare batteries. There are charging ports in our safari vehicles.

Yes, we rent out sleeping bags, duffel bags, jackets, and trekking poles. More information about our rental gear can be found here: Rental Gear

Please note: You will pay for the rental equipment with US Dollars, 2009 and newer bills at the trip briefing. It is not included in your booking form payments and we do not accept Credit Cards in Tanzania. Cash only. 

If you do not live near a high mountain, you can either travel to one or you can rent an altitude training tent. These altitude training systems are designed to prepare you for a high-altitude environment.  These systems can be rented and used prior to your trip to Kilimanjaro.

More information about these systems can be found here: https://www.higherpeak.com/

No, all water is provided by us. Water is taken from nearby streams, boiled, and filtered at lower elevations. At higher elevations, water is purified.

The water tastes great. However, you can bring flavored powders such as Gatorade or Nuun tablets to flavor the water.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa, standing at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters) above sea level. It is located in Tanzania, East Africa. It is a popular destination for adventure seekers and hikers from around the world.

There are several different routes that climbers can take to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. Each route has varying distances and levels of difficulty. The most popular routes are the Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, and Rongai routes.

The Marangu route

The Marangu route is also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, as it is considered the easiest and most straightforward route to the summit. It is approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) long and typically takes 5-6 days to complete.

The Machame route

The Machame route is considered one of the most scenic and challenging routes, with steep ascents and descents. It is approximately 62 kilometers (37 miles) long and typically takes 6-7 days to complete.

The Lemosho route

The Lemosho route is a longer and more remote route, starting on the western side of the mountain. It is approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) long and typically takes 7-9 days to complete.

The Rongai route

The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north. It has stunning views and quieter trails. It is approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles) long and typically takes 6-7 days to complete.

So, depending on which route you choose, the distance you walk each day on Kilimanjaro can vary. On average, climbers typically hike 6-8 hours per day, covering 10-15 kilometers (6-9 miles) of distance each day.

It is important to note that climbing Kilimanjaro is a challenging and physically demanding undertaking, requiring proper training, preparation, and equipment. Altitude sickness is also a common concern, as climbers ascend to higher altitudes where the air is thinner and oxygen levels are lower.

We recommend that climbers acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and take their time to climb slowly and steadily. This can help reduce the risk of altitude sickness and ensure a safe and enjoyable climb.

In conclusion, the distance you walk each day on Kilimanjaro depends on the route you choose and your pace as a climber. Regardless of the route, climbing Kilimanjaro is a challenging and rewarding experience that requires careful planning, preparation, and a sense of adventure.

Yes, a regular person can climb Kilimanjaro with proper preparation, training, and support. Kilimanjaro is considered a non-technical mountain, meaning that it does not require specialized climbing skills or equipment. However, climbing Kilimanjaro is still a challenging and physically demanding undertaking that requires careful planning and preparation.

One of the most important factors in successfully climbing Kilimanjaro is physical fitness. Climbers should be in good overall health and fitness, with the ability to hike for several hours at a time and at high altitudes. It is also important to engage in regular physical activity in the months leading up to the climb, such as hiking, running, or cycling, in order to build strength and endurance.

In addition to physical fitness, climbers should also be prepared for the altitude and climate on Kilimanjaro. The high altitude and cold temperatures can be challenging for even the most experienced climbers, and climbers should take the time to acclimatize properly in order to avoid altitude sickness. This can include using acclimatization exercises such as sleeping in high-altitude environments or using an altitude training mask.

Finally, climbers should consider hiring a reputable guide or tour operator to provide support and guidance during the climb. A knowledgeable guide can help with acclimatization, monitor for signs of altitude sickness, and provide essential information about the trek and the surrounding environment.

Ultimately, while climbing Kilimanjaro can be a challenging and demanding experience, it is possible for a regular person with the proper preparation, training, and support to successfully summit the mountain and experience the beauty and majesty of this iconic peak.

In general, climbers do not need to use supplemental oxygen to climb Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro is a non-technical mountain, meaning that it does not require specialized climbing skills or equipment. However, the high altitude and low oxygen levels on the mountain can be challenging for even the most experienced climbers, and climbers should take steps to properly acclimatize in order to avoid altitude sickness.

Most climbers will experience some degree of altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro, but symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the individual. Symptoms can include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. In order to minimize the risk of altitude sickness, climbers should take their time ascending the mountain and allow their bodies to properly adjust to the altitude.

There are several ways to aid in acclimatization on Kilimanjaro. Climbers can use acclimatization exercises such as sleeping in high-altitude environments or using an altitude training mask. In addition, climbers can use medication such as Diamox to help prevent altitude sickness. However, climbers should always consult with a medical professional before taking any medication.

Supplemental oxygen is generally not necessary for climbers on Kilimanjaro, as the mountain is considered a moderate altitude climb. However, in rare cases where a climber is experiencing severe altitude sickness, supplemental oxygen may be used as a temporary measure to alleviate symptoms and help the climber descend the mountain safely.

In conclusion, while climbers do not typically need supplemental oxygen to climb Kilimanjaro, proper acclimatization and preparation are crucial in order to minimize the risk of altitude sickness and safely summit the mountain. Climbers should consult with a medical professional and take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and successful climb.

In terms of technical difficulty, Mount Everest is considered a much harder climb than Mount Kilimanjaro. Everest is the tallest mountain in the world, standing at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) and requires technical mountaineering skills such as ice climbing, use of ropes and crampons, and experience with extreme altitude conditions. Kilimanjaro, on the other hand, is a non-technical climb, meaning it does not require specialized climbing skills or equipment.

However, while Kilimanjaro may not require the technical skills of Everest, it is still a challenging climb. Climbers must still deal with the effects of high altitude, long hiking days, and challenging terrain. In addition, Kilimanjaro is a much shorter climb than Everest, which means climbers must adjust to altitude much more quickly than they would on a longer climb.

Another important factor to consider when comparing Kilimanjaro and Everest is the level of support available on each mountain. Everest is typically climbed with a team of experienced guides, porters, and Sherpas, and climbers have access to well-established base camps and support structures. Kilimanjaro, while still a challenging climb, is typically climbed with a smaller support team and fewer amenities.

Overall, while Everest is considered a much more technically difficult climb than Kilimanjaro, both mountains present unique challenges and should be approached with the proper preparation, training, and support. Climbers should carefully consider their goals, experience, and abilities when deciding which mountain to climb.

The amount of weight you carry on Kilimanjaro can vary depending on a number of factors, including the length of your trek, the level of support you have, and the time of year you climb. However, in general, climbers can expect to carry between 10-15 kg (22-33 lbs) of gear, personal items, and food and water.

If you are climbing with a guided tour company, they will typically provide you with a list of recommended items to bring and will help you pack your gear. They will also provide porters who will carry the bulk of your gear, such as tents, cooking equipment, and food. You will only need to carry a daypack with your personal items, such as warm clothing, snacks, and water.

However, it’s important to be aware that some tour companies may limit the weight that porters can carry in order to comply with porter welfare guidelines. In these cases, you may need to carry more of your own gear, such as a sleeping bag and sleeping pad.

It’s important to pack carefully and only bring the essentials, as carrying too much weight can make the climb more difficult and increase your risk of injury or illness. You should also be mindful of the impact of your gear on the environment and try to minimize your waste and impact as much as possible.

Before climbing Kilimanjaro, it’s important to make sure that your routine vaccinations are up to date, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, chickenpox, polio, and your yearly flu shot.

In addition, some vaccinations are recommended for travel to Tanzania, including yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, and typhoid. However, these are not required for entry into Tanzania unless you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic. It’s important to consult with a travel health specialist or your healthcare provider to determine which vaccines are recommended for your specific travel itinerary.

It’s also important to take precautions to prevent malaria, as it is a risk in some areas of Tanzania, including the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro. You may need to take antimalarial medication before, during, and after your trip, depending on your itinerary and medical history.

It’s important to note that vaccination requirements and recommendations may change over time, so it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider or travel health specialist for the most up-to-date information.

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons, which are generally from December to March and from June to October. During these months, there is less rainfall and the weather is generally drier and more stable, with clearer skies and better visibility.

June to October is considered the best time to climb Kilimanjaro, as it is the peak season with the most favorable weather conditions. The temperatures are typically cooler, with less rainfall and less humidity, making for clearer skies and better views. This is also the busiest time on the mountain, so you can expect more crowds and higher prices.

December to March is also a good time to climb Kilimanjaro, particularly in the early part of the year. While temperatures are generally warmer during this period, there is still a lower chance of rainfall, and the mountain is typically less crowded.

It’s important to note that Kilimanjaro can be climbed year-round, but the weather and climbing conditions can vary greatly depending on the season. Climbers should be prepared for a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions, regardless of the time of year they choose to climb.