RA Safaris
Trek Packing List
We recommend you bring the items on this list for Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru treks.
The most important items are marked with a *, so please consider them required and contact us if you want to rent these on-location in Tanzania.
Health and Hydration
- Moleskin for prevention of blisters
- * 2-Liter Water Bottle or backpack hydration bladder (or 2, 1-liter bottles)
- * Any prescription medication you take regularly
- Over-the-counter pain relief tablets (a precautionary measure, as you will be far from a pharmacy during your climb)
- Feminine Hygiene items, if necessary
- Diamox for altitude sickness (Discuss with your doctor first)
- Washcloth or pack towel
- Soap
- Hand sanitizer
- * Sunscreen and lip balm
Note: you may not have access to a full shower, but may wash your face/neck as needed
Optional: Drink enhancers, such as gatorade powder to add to water and snacks, such as energy bars/granola bars to keep you energized, especially for the summit.
Basics
- * 3 - 4 T-shirts (quick dry is best, but breathable cotton is okay, too).
- * 2 - 3 pairs hiking pants (1 pair hiking shorts, if you prefer, but a minimum of 2 pairs should be long hiking pants).
- * Rain Gear: waterproof rain pants and waterproof rain jacket, with hood.
Warm Layers
- * 1- pair thermal (polypro) underlayers (top and bottoms)
- * 2 Fleece jackets or sweaters
- * Warm gloves (rated for 0 C)
- * Winter jacket (rated for 0 C) Must be waterproof
Footwear
- * Hiking boots - Waterproof and already broken-in
- Camp shoes or running shoes for evenings
- * 4-5 pairs of hiking socks (wool is recommended). Do not use cotton socks for daily hiking.
- 1 pair warm socks for sleeping
- Sock liners
Hiking Aids
- * Trekking Poles
- Gaiters
Bags
- * Day pack (you will carry daily as you trek). Is recommended to have waterproof cover, especially for trekking through the rainforest.
- * Expedition pack (a porter will carry throughout the climb)
Sleep
- Sleeping bag rated to -20C or lower (for comfort at high altitudes)
- Please contact us if you would like to rent a sleeping bag for your climb, at an additional cost.
- Inflatable/backpacking pillow
Accessories
- * Headlamp + extra batteries
- Solar charger or power bank
- Camera
- MP3 player (with headphones please, to respect other climbers)
- * Sunglasses
- * Sun hat
- * Warm hat
- * Neckwarmer/scarf
Items to pack in your day pack
You will carry your own daypack for each day of the climb. This will be your water, headlamp, lunch, snacks, camera and rain gear (even on days that appear clear), and any important documents such as your passport and IDs.
This way you will have access to your personal items as needed.
The rest of your gear, including sleeping bag and extra clothes will be in your Expedition Bag.
Expedition Bag
A porter will carry your expedition bag up the mountain. You will likely only have access to it once you arrive at camp for the day. If you forget an important item in your bag, it is unlikely you will be able to retrieve it until you reach the campsite.
Further, since someone is carrying this bag while hiking (often on their heads! It’s a pretty great balancing act), we recommend using a very large backpack or duffle bag, not hard luggage.
There is a maximum limit of 20 kgs (approx 44 lbs) for each porter on Kilimanjaro. It is essential to ensure the gear in each individual’s expedition bag does not exceed this weight limit, otherwise an additional charge will be required per day, to cover the cost of an additional porter. However, when following these guidelines and suggested clothing items, everything should be well within 20 kgs per bag per climber.
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