THE ULTIMATE
KILIMANJARO
PACKING LIST
This packing list has been refined over a decade of leading women up to the Roof of Africa. Built from thousands of real climbs and trail-tested across all five of Kili's climate zones, our Kilimanjaro packing list covers everything you need. And in true WHOA fashion, we've prioritized gear from other brands that take sustainability seriously, because to know this mountain is to love it, and to love it is to protect it.
Be sure to check out the 4 packing principles we swear by after thousands of miles on the trails, and browse our visual, shoppable Kilimanjaro packing list below (tap any link to shop it directly)!
HIKING CLOTHING
GLOVES/MITTENS
Bring 2 pairs. One pair of fleece gloves, and one more serious thermal, waterproof and insulated outer pair for the colder nights. If your hands run cold, consider mittens.
Waterproof over mittens
When it rains, but it’s too hot to wear your insulated gloves you’ll want these waterproof over mittens to keep your hands, and liner gloves, dry.
BALACLAVA
Balaclavas are great for keeping your entire head, ears, neck and face warm when it’s really cold and windy (especially on summit night).
MOISTURE WICKING TOPS
Bring 3-4 lightweight tops, that you can layer and re-wear. Pack a mix of short and long sleeve options. Pro tip: look for wool and/or synthetic garments that, unlike cotton, wick away moisture. Make sure at least one is a sun shirt with UPF protection.
THERMAL BASE LAYERs
Have a thin, snug-fitting top and bottom set that you can wear underneath everything at higher altitudes (and can double as your pajamas). We recommend a merino wool or a synthetic fabric like polyester that wicks sweat away from your skin and regulates temperature. We love these Smartwool tops and bottoms.
DOWN Jacket
This will keep you warm as you reach higher elevations and the temperature drops, and will be especially important on summit night. When layering, this jacket will go over your medium layers but under your outer layer jacket. We recommend a jacket with at least a 650 fill, but if you tend to run cold consider a warmer insulated jacket with an 850 fill. You know your body best, but we can't emphasize enough how cold it can get!
OUTER LAYER JACKET
You need a water and wind proof jacket with a hood that you can wear comfortably over all your layers. We love this one from Outdoor Research!
SHOP OUR GO-TO LAYERING SYSTEM
INNERMOST LAYER
Smartwool Thermal Merino Base Layer Top
MIDLAYER 1
Patagonia R1 Polartec® Fleece
MIDLAYER 2
Peak Performance Helium Down Hood Jacket
OUTERMOST LAYER
Outdoor Research Aspire 3L Waterproof Jacket
HIKING PANTS
You’ll want 4-5 pairs of pants or leggings to last you the entire trek. These fleece tights from Smartwool are perfect for colder temperatures. While shorts may be tempting for the warmer days in the rainforest, we recommend always wearing long pants to protect from the bugs.
WIND + WATERPROOF PANT
A non-insulated, outer layer pant is a must-have when it’s rainy or windy. REI makes an affordable and high quality pair.
HIKING BOOTS
The most important thing you’ll bring! Make sure they are waterproof, have ankle support, and that you’ve broken them in well. Brands we love are LOWA, Salomon and Asolo. Check out this blog of our team’s favorite boots. Note: Due to the potential for snowy conditions, sturdy hiking boots are required. Trail runners won’t provide enough support or protection for these conditions.
CAMP SHOES
Comfy, closed-toed, easy-to-slip-on shoes are great to have for camp, and going to the bathroom at night. Trust us, the last thing you want to do is put your boots back on after a long day of hiking! We love our Crocs or these Teva slip-ons because they’re lightweight and durable.
HIKING SOCKS
Bring 4-5 pairs durable wool socks in a few different weights - lighter for the hotter days, and serious heavy ones the colder days and nights. Consider liner socks, which can help prevent blisters. We love Darn Tough’s Hiker Boot Sock in Full Cushion.
BUFF/BANDANA
An all around great item to always have with you. You can use it as a neck gaiter, head band, sweat rag, etc. Plus, there are so many different fun designs to choose from!
SPORTS BRAS
Bring 2-3 comfortable bras that provide support and dry quickly, and don't bind, smoosh, or chafe.
UNDERWEAR
Bring as many pairs as you need. Check out REI’s Merino Hipster Underwear which are comfy and great for adventuring!
WHAT DO YOU ACTUALLY WEAR ON SUMMIT NIGHT?
Temps drop to -20°C with 25 mph winds. Built from thousands of summits, our visual, shoppable guide shows you exactly how to layer for Uhuru Peak.
TREKKING GEAR
DAYPACK
You’ll need a lightweight hiking backpack to wear on the trek and to carry your essentials like water, extra layers, snacks, etc. Something around 30 L should work perfectly. We recommend getting one with a padded hip belt and that’s compatible with a water bladder/hose. Make sure you have a rain cover (many packs have them built in). Brands we love: Deuter, Osprey, Gregory. Pro Tip: Bring a hip pack to keep snacks, your phone, and sunscreen in for easy access.
LARGE WATER RESISTANT DUFFEL
This bag will store all of your gear and clothing for the trek, and will be carried from camp to camp by our amazing porters (aim for 75-90 liters in size). It must weigh less than 33 lbs (15 kg) all packed. We love The North Face Base Camp Duffel. Inside the duffel, pack your gear in waterproof bags (including your sleeping bag)! We like these dry bags from Sea to Summit.
WATER BLADDER
Staying hydrated is so important while hiking at high altitudes! We highly recommend getting a 3 L water bladder with an insulated tube and cap; it’s the easiest way to carry and drink water while trekking.
WATER BOTTLE
Bring a 1 L wide-mouth, BPA free, plastic Nalgene water bottle or similar. You'll want this on summit night when your water bladder might freeze.
TREKKING POLES
These are MANDATORY, and a life (and knee) saver on tricky terrain. Make sure they are collapsible, for easy stashing, and simple to adjust for up and downhill. Check out our faves at Leki. WHOA Exclusive: You get 20% off Leki poles for being a part of the WHOA family! Just use this special link and your discount will be automatically applied. (For free shipping use code FREE99 at checkout.)
GAITERS
You’ll wear these over the top part of your shoe and lower pant leg to help protect your feet from any water, dirt and pebbles that try to sneak in. These are especially helpful for the downhill. We like these ones from Black Diamond.
MICROSPIKES
In case of icy conditions, you’ll need a traction attachment for your boots, like MICROspikes, to give you grip and prevent slipping.
RAIN PONCHO
Sometimes, like in the rain forest, it’s too hot and uncomfortable to wear a waterproof jacket, so a poncho is perfect to throw on to protect you and daypack from getting wet. Not to mention, if it's raining a lot, using only a rain jacket and pack cover will leave too much exposed and your backpack straps will get soaked. Please only bring a durable, reusable poncho - no single use plastic ponchos allowed!
FOUR SEASON SLEEPING BAG
We recommend a zero degree Fahrenheit bag, like the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass. Sleeping bags come in many shapes and sizes, so be sure to make sure yours works for your body and how you sleep. Sleeping mats are provided for everyone on our treks.
SLEEPING BAG LINER
This will add an extra layer of warmth at night. We recommend a warm fleece-weight one from Sea To Summit!
HEADLAMP + EXTRA BATTERIES
This is important for after the sun sets, and on summit night when we're hiking through the night. We love Black Diamond for headlamps, and recommend opting for a lighter weight rechargeable one. If yours uses batteries, make sure you have an extra set.
POLARIZED SUNGLASSES
You have to protect your eyes from the fierce sun so make sure they are UV-blocking and polarized. Goodr makes cute sunglasses that are great for hiking!
WHOA FAVORITES
TRAIL ESSENTIALS
MEDS
Consult with your physician on any prescription medication you might need for this adventure, especially Diamox, a common medication taken for preventing altitude sickness. Other common medications you might want to bring along include, pain relievers, anti-histamines, cold medicine, and antidiarrheals.
FIRST AID
We’ll have a kit on hand, but make sure you have a compact kit with Neosporin, bug spray, band-aids, moleskin, eye drops, duct tape, anti-septic, etc. We like this one because it’s thorough, lightweight, and waterproof. Expert tip: For the long Kili downhill days, we like having kinesiology tape for our knees.
Toilet Kit
Sometimes nature calls when we’re not near a bathroom, so having a toilet kit is necessary! This includes a Kula cloth, a small amount of toilet paper, and compostable dog poop bags to pack out your toilet paper. Bonus: These bags can double as foot booties if you have a heavy rain day! You should keep this all in your daypack inside a small dry bag.
SUNSCREEN + LIPSCREEN
This is a must have for being in the strong mountain sun all day! Bring a new, full container with an SPF rating of 30+. We love Badger sport sunscreen because it’s made for sport and is environmentally friendly!
TOILETRIES
Don't forget the personal care basics: travel-sized deodorant, sunscreen, lotion, Aquaphor, hair ties, a brush, face wipes, tampons, contact solution, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, earplugs, and anything else your routine depends on. Wherever you can, opt for reusable bottles, bar soaps, and biodegradable products. Single-use plastics have a way of ending up in the places we're trying to protect, and small swaps here add up. Pack it all in this toiletry bag made from upcycled sleeping pads and you're good to go!
QUICK DRY TOWEL + WET WIPES
Who needs running water and a shower?! Don't forget about the environment and make sure your wet wipes are biodegradable. This camp towel from Cocoon is great.
LUGGAGE LOCKs
Always lock your things! Have one for your duffel on the mountain, and have one to lock your suitcase that will stay at the hotel while you’re trekking.
DRY BAGS
When preparing your gear, pack everything in dry bags (or silicone bags for smaller items), we’ll be in the elements so we want to make sure our gear is always protected! We recommend bringing along different shapes and sizes of these to help organize and separate dirty clothing and gear. For waterproofing your phone/passport/money, we recommend using a dry pouch.
BAGS
Having a stash of biodegradable bags is great for collecting and carrying out trash on the trails, carrying food, dirty gear, etc.
portable battery charger
You’ll need a portable battery pack to recharge your electronics (there’s no place to plug in on the mountain)!
ADAPTER
Tanzania has Type-G outlets (the same as the UK), so you’ll need this to pre-charge your electronics at the lodge for the mountain.
SNACKS
There’s plenty of hearty meals provided, but bring plenty of extra snacks. The days can be long, you need to keep your energy up, and nothing beats comfort food when you're at high altitude. Some of our favorite morale boosters are Cheez-Its, gummy worms, and M&Ms.
Note: While we can accommodate dietary restrictions, due to the remote nature of our adventures, there might not be as much variety as you’d find at home. So if you have dietary restrictions or allergies, bring extras of your go-to snacks and carry a card written in the local language describing them for mealtimes (Google Translate works great for this). If you have questions about what to expect on your adventure when it comes to food, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team!
PASSPORT
Make sure yours is valid for 6 months after your adventure dates. Bring a waterproof bag to keep it dry, and it’s always a good idea to travel with a copy of it.
Travel Insurance
Travel doesn't always go as planned! That's part of the adventure, and it's also the reason we require all of our adventurers to have a travel insurance plan that includes medical coverage and emergency medical evacuation. We HIGHLY recommend purchasing a travel insurance plan ASAP to cover you financially with any costs that can come up like trip interruption or cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances. The IMG LX plan is one option that offers excellent medical and evacuation coverage, has no altitude restrictions, and offers cancel for any reason but do your research before purchasing a plan to make sure it works for you and your situation!
WHOA FAVORITES
Kula Pee Cloth
Absorbent, Antimicrobial and Woman Owned
Badger UPF 50+ Sport Sunscreen
Reef-friendly + Protect Land & Sea Certified
SAFARI
Backpack/small duffel
Use a backpack or small duffel to pack the clothing and items you’ll need for the safari, as you’ll be able to leave all your mountain gear at a hotel. Some people repack and use their daypack or duffel from the mountain.
Warm layer
Mornings and evenings on safari can get chilly (as low as 40°F), so make sure to bring a warm layer. Many people use the mid weight fleece or down jacket layer they used on the mountain.
Poncho or Rain jacket
Mother Nature can always throw a rain storm our way, no matter the season, so make sure to pack your poncho or rain jacket. This can be the same poncho or jacket you had on the mountain.
Small backpack/TOTE
To carry the items that you’ll want easy access to in the car, like snacks, phone, portable phone charger, and your warm layer. This doesn’t have to be anything fancy and can even be a reusable tote bag if you want.
Casual shoes
On this part of the adventure you can give your feet a break from the boots, so pack a pair of sandals or comfortable shoes that are easy to slip off for when you want to climb up on the seats to check out the animals. People often wear their camp shoes from the mountain.
Bathing suit
Bring swimsuit in case you want to take a sunset dip in the safari lodge pool!
Sun Hat
Bring a packable sun hat to protect you from the sun.
Sunglasses
Goodr sunglasses are just as amazing on safari as they are on Kilimanjaro, so don’t forget to pack those!
Sunscreen + LIPSCREEN
Just like on Kilimanjaro, the sun can be strong in the Tanzanian bush. Bring a sustainable, high SPF sunscreen like Badger Adventure Sport.
Pajamas
Bring comfy pajamas for the lodges to relax and sleep in.
Insect repellent
We recommend bringing Picaridin from Sawyer Products.
Toiletries
While on safari you’ll have access to showers (yay)! We recommend bringing your mountain toiletries and anything else you might need for off-mountain pampering. Safari is known for dusty conditions so be prepared with some extra plant based wipes just in case.
Entertainment
While we’ll be spotting plenty of animals, we’ll also have some long drives in between, so bring something to entertain yourself on the ride (books, podcasts, or even download a season of your favorite show). It’s also a great time to nap!
snacks
There’s plenty of food provided at meal time, but be sure to bring some extra snacks. Safaris are like long road trips, so think about what your favorite treats to pick up at a gas station are and pack them!
Binoculars
These are optional, as our guides will have a pair you can share in the car, but you can also consider bringing a pair of your own binoculars to get a closer look at our safari friends.
WHOA SAFARI FAVS
Sunday Afternoons Coronado Sun Hat
UPF 50+ protection, certified carbon neutral
T9 Limitless Midi Dress
Built-in bra and pockets for all-day safari car comfort
Free Fly Shade UPF 50+ Hoodie
Ultra-soft and sustainably made from bamboo
Carve Swimsuit
Each suit is made from 5 recycled plastic bottles
PRO TIPS
4 Rules for Packing Like a Pro
#1
Think in layers, not pieces
The best gear pulls double duty. Midlayers that stack for warmth. Pants that zip into shorts. A buff that works as a hat, scarf, and sun shield. Wear pieces alone or combine them for extra insulation, either way, they'll take you far. Fewer items, more versatility, lighter pack, happier hiker!
#2
Invest in quality
There's no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong gear. Look for brands with real outdoor experience, strong sustainability values, and gear built to last a lifetime, often backed by free repairs. Yes, it costs more upfront, but you're investing in years of adventure, not gear that ends up in a landfill after one season.
#3
Test everything before you go
Break in your boots, sleep in your sleeping bag, wear your pack on a long day hike. Gear that fails in the backcountry fails expensively.
#4
trust YOUR instinctS
Tend to run cold? Add a layer. Have dietary needs or allergies? Bring more of your go-to snacks than you think you need. No packing list knows you better than you do.
Logistics + Conditions
Your large duffel, which will be carried by a porter from camp to camp, has a strict 33 lb (15 kg) weight limit (including your sleeping bag)! You will be responsible for carrying your personal necessities in your daypack (camera, rain layers, sunscreen, etc). You’ll be able to store additional luggage safely at the hotel while you’re trekking, so be sure to bring luggage locks.
We always choose climbing dates that are during the dry seasons, but remember that no one can predict what the weather will do on Kili (that’s part of the adventure)! Mid December-March and June-October are the recommended months to climb Kilimanjaro and are often full of cloud free days and mild weather, relatively speaking. On average, the temperature during the day at 4,000 m (~13,000 ft) tends to be 15°C (50°F) and -10°C (14°F) at night, although the high altitude sun can at times make it feel much warmer. At the summit, temperatures are usually about 5°C (41°F) during the day and around -20°C (-4°F ) at night. It sounds really cold, but remember you’ll be moving and with the right layers and proper gear, it’s nothing you can’t handle!
PACKING TIPS FOR OFF THE MOUNTAIN
Clothing + Culture
Tanzania is warm and casual, but modest. Pack comfortable clothing that covers your midriff and extends to the knee for time in town. At the hotel it's mostly our group and tourists, so you’re free to wear whatever's comfortable. Some of our lodges have pools, so pack a swimsuit!
Money
Bring small bills in USD that are 2009 or newer(your bank can help with this). On WHOA Adventures, all trek meals and fair and generous guide and crew tips are included, but if you'd like to tip an individual porter or guide separately, that's welcome. Not all places take credit cards, so bring some extra cash for shopping and exploring town.
Water + Sustainability
To avoid using single-use plastic bottles as much as possible, we recommend bringing a water filter for the off-mountain water. We love Epic Water Filters, which work on both tap and outdoor water sources and have replaceable, recyclable filters that screw into most water bottles. Note: filtered water is provided on the mountain. Water filters freeze at high altitude, so these are for town and lodge use only.