WHAT TO PACK FOR A MT. KILIMANJARO, OR MT. MERU TREK?

So what to pack for a Mt. Kilimanjaro, or Mt. Meru trek? Well, you will find plenty of information in the lists below. The list is not a fixed list of equipment. It should be seen as a guideline for trekking the big mountains in East Africa. If you do not want to carry some of these things with you, it is possible to rent or buy them from us or our partners.

Equipment list for the climbs, try to keep the weight of your baggage to a minimum.

You should bring the following items:

  • Sleeping bag (comfort rated -15°C) can be rented from BEAST
  • Hiking boots (waterproof)
  • Trainers/sandals for camp
  • Trekking poles, can be rented from BEAST
  • Walking / trekking socks
  • Trekking trousers
  • Waterproof jacket and over trousers
  • Warm fleece /Fleece jacket
  • Warm jacket (to go over the fleece jacket)
  • Thermal baselayer – leggings & top
  • T-shirts, tops and/or casual shirts
  • Thermal gloves & Warm and waterproof gloves or mittens
  • Warm hat & Sunhat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun protection (including for lips)
  • Water bottles 1 Litre (x2) we recommend re-filling water bottles rather than single-use plastic
  • Water purification tablets
  • Headtorch and spare batteries
  • Washbag and toiletries, Trek towel
  • Daypack 30 litres
  • Selection of dry bags (to keep trek bag contents dry)
  • Antibacterial handwash

The following items are optional:

  • Gaiters
  • Sleeping bag liner (essential if hiring a sleeping bag)
  • Shorts
  • Buff (it can get dusty)
  • Spare laces
  • Travel clothes
  • Camera, power banks for both camera and mobile
  • Pen-knife (remember to put all sharp objects in hold baggage)
  • Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

Notes:
Equipment hire/purchase:
It is also possible to hire or buy some of the equipment on location in Tanzania.

Sleeping mattress: A thick foam sleeping mattress (3″ thick) is provided.

Hold baggage: We recommend that you do not pack your hiking boots and other essential items in hold baggage due to the possibility of baggage being delayed.

Be aware that plastic/polythene bags are illegal in Tanzania. The law says that they are not allowed to be manufactured, imported, used or sold in Tanzania (since Jun 2019).