{"id":21122,"date":"2016-11-04T11:44:00","date_gmt":"2016-11-04T18:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=21122"},"modified":"2023-04-07T14:06:25","modified_gmt":"2023-04-07T21:06:25","slug":"kilimanjaro-climbing-gear-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/kilimanjaro-climbing-gear-list","title":{"rendered":"Kilimanjaro Climbing Gear List"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Located in northern Tanzania, Kilimanjaro stands majestically at 19,340 feet, making it the tallest mountain in Africa and one of the Seven Summits<\/a>\u00a0of the world.<\/p>\n

The huge, snow-capped volcano rises dramatically above the vast African plains. Climbing Kilimanjaro and watching the sun rise across the savannah below is an experience and personal accomplishment you\u2019ll carry with you for the rest of your life.<\/p>\n

To climb Kilimanjaro you must be in excellent physical shape and equipped with the right gear for traveling and trekking. Before traveling to Tanzania, make sure you\u2019re up to date on routine vaccines and talk to your doctor about other vaccines and medicines you may need. See our\u00a0Health Concerns for Travelers article<\/a>\u00a0for more information.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Kilimanjaro Weather<\/h2>\n

While climbing Kilimanjaro you will cross through several different ecological zones from lush rainforest to alpine desert to the cold and beautiful arctic zone on the summit. The temperature at the base of the mountain can be 70\u201380\u00b0F, while on the summit it can be -20\u201320\u00b0F. Be prepared for the changing weather by carrying the appropriate clothing layers.<\/p>\n

Best time to go:\u00a0<\/b>There are two main seasons for climbing Kilimanjaro: December\u2013March and June\u2013October. December\u2013March can be cold, especially on the summit, but the mountain is generally less busy than during the more popular June\u2013October time period.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Kilimanjaro Guides and Fees<\/h2>\n

To climb Kilimanjaro, you must hire a registered guide. You can arrange your climb with a guide company in Tanzania or go with one of many guide companies in the U.S. Most reputable guiding outfits charge $2,000\u2013$6,000 to climb Kilimanjaro, depending on the route, length of trip and quality of accommodations. (Many guide companies offer the option of adding on a safari trip after your climb).<\/p>\n

In addition to a qualified guide, the guide company generally includes porters, meals and group gear (e.g. tents, sleeping pads, cooking gear and treated drinking water).<\/p>\n

The guide fee also typically includes the fees to enter Kilimanjaro National Park.<\/p>\n

Tipping guidelines:<\/b>\u00a0Gratuities to guides and climbing support staff are not included, so bring cash if you\u2019d like to offer a tip. Tipping is voluntary and you can do so at your own discretion, but as a general guideline, plan on about $250 ($100 to the head guide, $50 total to assistant guides, $50 total to cooks and $50 total to porters.)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Kilimanjaro Routes<\/h2>\n

There are seven primary routes up Kilimanjaro. None of them require technical climbing, but they all demand that you are in excellent shape and have a strong will to keep hiking over rugged terrain.<\/p>\n

Whichever route you take, it\u2019s important to move slowly up the mountain to avoid altitude sickness. It\u2019s common for climbing teams to take 5\u20138 days to get to the summit and back.<\/p>\n

Three of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro are the Machame Route, the Marangue Route and the Lemosho Route.<\/p>\n

Machame Route:\u00a0<\/b>The Machame Route approaches from the south and offers excellent views as you travel through Kilimanjaro\u2019s various ecological zones. The Machame is steeper than some other routes, so it is best for determined trekkers. You\u2019ll camp in tents along the way. An ascent via the Machame Route typically takes 6\u20137 days.<\/p>\n

Marangu Route:\u00a0<\/b>The Marangu Route approaches from the southeast and travels through bamboo rainforest, alpine heather and \u201cthe Saddle\u201d with its stunning views of the Kibo and Mawnzi volcanic cones. You\u2019ll stay in wood and stone mountain huts along the way. The Marangu Route typically takes 6 days.<\/p>\n

Rongai Route<\/strong>: The Rongai Route approaches from the north. This climb is regarder as a quieter, wider way to the peak. It eventually merges with the Marangu route at the Kibo hut and offers a more gradual slope perfect for those with less backpacking experience.\u00a0 The Rongai Route is typically climbed for 7 days.<\/p>\n

Lemosho Route:\u00a0<\/b>The Lemosho Route is considered to be one of the most scenic routes on Kilimanjaro, and its longer path allows ample time for acclimatization. You\u2019ll start in lush rainforest on the western side and eventually traverse the Shira Plateau and the Southern Circuit, taking in views of the Kibo volcanic cone and its incredible glaciers. You\u2019ll camp in tents as you make your way up the mountain. The Lemosho Route is typically climbed in 7\u20138 days.<\/p>\n

For more information, visit our roundup of best routes up Kilimanjaro.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Packing for Kilimanjaro<\/h2>\n

Climbing Kilimanjaro involves a combination of international travel and backpacking. Depending on where you live, you\u2019ll most likely have one or two days of travel to reach Tanzania.<\/p>\n

To pack for this, it\u2019s helpful to keep your climbing clothing and gear apart from your travel clothing and gear by packing in separate duffel bags or pieces of luggage. Before you set out on your climb, you\u2019ll be able to leave your non-climbing clothing, gear and toiletries behind at a hotel or guide company office.<\/p>\n

While climbing Kilimanjaro, you will typically carry the gear you need for trekking from one camp to the next in a medium-sized daypack (approximately 25\u201335 liters). You\u2019ll pack things like sunscreen, sunglasses, food, water, money, passport, a camera and extra clothing in this bag.<\/p>\n

The rest of your clothing and gear goes in a large duffel bag that will be carried by a porter from camp to camp. Guide companies typically require that your duffel bag with gear weighs no more than 33 lbs. (15kg).<\/p>\n

When buying a duffel bag for this purpose, look for one with about a 95-liter capacity. The duffel should be made from rugged waterproof material and have a durable zipper that can be locked closed with a luggage lock. Pack your clothing and gear in large garbage bags before stashing them in the duffel to ensure everything stays dry.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Kilimanjaro Packing List<\/h2>\n

The following list is designed for a guided trip on Kilimanjaro. Guide companies will generally include group cooking equipment, tents, sleeping pads, and water filters. Check with your guide company ahead of time to be sure you understand what gear is provided.<\/p>\n

The equipment on this list, combined with the gear provided by your guides, will cover the\u00a0Ten Essential Systems<\/a>\u00a0you should have on every backcountry trip: navigation; sun protection; insulation; illumination; first-aid supplies; fire; repair kit and tools; nutrition; hydration; emergency shelter.<\/p>\n

Note: There may be overlap with equipment for travel and equipment for climbing. Keep this in mind when choosing quantities.<\/p>\n

Travel Documents<\/h3>\n