Kilimanjaro and Meru Hike
We recommend you bring the listed items for Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru climbs. Items with * are mostly important. Since the rain is not predictable on the mountain, you are advised to bring a set of waterproof pants and jacket to carry in your daypack. A good pair of waterproof hiking boots is also necessary for each day of hiking and most importantly, the final summit day. We also recommend that each person has own first aid kit with essentials such as topical antibiotic, bandages, moleskin and prescription medicines.
It is likely that you will have limitations in your safari vehicle, trekking, and in some cases, travel on small aircraft (if part of your itinerary) limits you to 15 kgs/33 pounds. We suggest that you make every effort to pack your belongings into one large waterproof duffel bag (alternatively water proof covers may be applicable for the bag) or backpack and one ‘carry on’ style bag that you will be carrying during the entire trip for cameras, valuables, rain gear, 2-3 liters of water, lunch, extra layer, and passport. In most cases, the same porter will carry your large bag during the entire climb and you will have no access to it until you arrive at the camp/hut in the evening.
Some of the items are also available for rent in Tanzania but we strongly advise our customers to bring their own gears for the reason that you take what you see fits better for you. If renting you may endup not very satisfied with such gears except for items we confirm to you during booking.
Items to consider packing or renting in Tanzani
- *Sun glasses (1)
- walking sticks/poles (2)
- expedition pack (1)
- *day pack (1)
- *sleeping bag (preferably rated to 0°) (1)
- *headlamp(1)- with spare bulb and extra batteries
- camp towel (1)
- pocket knife (1)
- 1quart water bottles-(3)
- sun cream and lip balm
- travel wallet (1)
- camera
- extra batteries (8)
- *leather hiking boots (Remember to waterproof your boots before you leave home) (1 pair)
- tennis shoes or light hikers (1 pair)
- *wool or polypro socks – medium/heavyweight (2 pairs)
- sun hat (1)
- balaclava (1)
- gaiters (1)
- films (8 or more)
- energy bars (8)
- other snacks, energy gel and jerkey (energy gel is best for the summit day) (4)
- *Anti-malaria medicines (doses)
- *Cipro (GI, general antibiotic) (doses)
- Diamox (altitude) (doses)
- iodine/water purification tabs (1 bottle)-Note: the chef may also boil water on hike
- *headache medicine (as needed)
- *Imodium (diarrhea medicine) (as needed)
- *Pepto or Antacid (Rolaids) rolls (stomach acid medicine) (as needed)
- Cold/Flu tabs (as needed)
- polypro shirt, sock liners and underwear (2 of each)
- *polypro long underwear (top & bottom) (1)
- hiking shorts (1)
- *moleskin for blisters (at least 3 sheets)
- *HandWipes (as needed)
- *hiking pants (1)
- *wool or fleece sweater/pull-over (2)
- *rain/wind-proof (Goretex) shell jacket (1)
- *insulated rain/wind (Goretex) climbing pants (1)
- wool or fleece gloves – medium weight (1)
- *wind/waterproof gloves — heavy weight (1)
- *wool or synthetic stocking cap – windproof (1)
- *Band-Aids (as needed)-Locks for baggage (as needed)
Safari Packing List
Below is a list of items we recommend that you bring on safari. It is crucial that you bring sunglasses and protective clothing since the car roof will be open during game drives. Bring a hard-brim hat that offers more protection from the sun as a floppy-brim hat will not hold firm when the car is moving.
There are no luggage weight restrictions on safari but try to limit your luggage on safari. Excess luggage is placed on the front roof of the car, and high luggage piles may limit your game viewing. It is always possible to leave excess luggage in the hotel in Arusha. We recommend that you keep a small day pack in the car that contains the following items: rain gear, 2 liters of water, camera, film, binoculars, guide books, sunglasses, lunch, extra layer, passport, money and any other item that may be required during the game drive. This is due to the fact that you will not have access to the luggage on the roof until you reach the lodge/campsite in the evening. You will also have an opportunity to buy souvenirs on safari so you may plan for the purchases as you wish.
During camping safaris, we do provide tents, sleeping mattresses, tables and chairs.
Clothing
- Long sleeved lightweight shirt for protection from the sun
- Sweater/jacket and pants for cold temperatures experienced at night
- Hat with hard brim
- Bathing suit
- Camp towel
- Socks
- Sandals
- Lightweight hiking shoes
- Short pants
- Sunglasses
- Remember to bring enough clothing for the entire safari as you may not have them washed (lodges do offer laundry service) during safari
Personal Items
- Lip shiner
- Toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo
- Ziploc bags for camera and toiletries
- Bug repellent
- Hand Wipes
Other Items
- Camera and film. Bring plenty of film as you might not be able to find the desired speed or brand in Tanzania. We recommend at least 3 rolls of film per day on safari. Or bring Digital Camera with enough memory.
- Extra camera batteries
- Flash bright
- Binoculars
- Locks for baggage
- Video camera
- Wildlife guides
- Small backpack for car
- Money belt
- Snacks
The following is very important to consider
You will need visas for entry to Tanzania. Though you can get these in Africa, your travel will go smoother if you get them in advance through the respective embassies.
Make a photocopy or list of the following items: Passports (including the page with the visa stamped in them and the pages with photos and data), plane tickets, yellow booklet showing your yellow fever vaccination, list of all medications you might require, listing of all travelers’ cheque numbers and money if possible, list of serial numbers for cameras, etc. Keep this list someplace apart from where you keep these other items
Keep track of your passport above all. Loss of a passport can destroy your trip and cost considerable money during the time required to replace it. On your international flight, pack as if the airline might misplace your bags. Keep things you will need right away in your carry-on. It seldom happens, and almost always the bags arrive a couple of days later, but this way, if the bags do not arrive with you, you will be able to continue on your safari while the airline finds them.
If bags get misplaced at the airport
We hope you don’t lose your bags, but this happens sometimes. If your bags do not show up, do the following:
Report the problem to your air carrier INSIDE THE AIRPORT at the Baggage Claim before passing the CUSTOM and fill out the required paperwork. Request compensation for your inconvenience (often $50.00 for emergency purchases and a bag with simple toiletries and a tee shirt). Ask them when they expect the bag will arrive and tell them where you will be based on your itinerary. Leave the keys with the airline so they can clear the bags through customs. Ask the airline to go with you to advise Customs Officer that bags were lost so there will be no problems further in getting your bags cleared when they arrive. Inform our staff so we can work with the airline to get your bags to you at the earliest convenience.