Kilimanjaro - The Ultimate Kit List
Time to read 8 min
Looking to take on Kilimanjaro and one of the Seven Summits?
Kilimanjaro, a freestanding mountain towering over 19,000 feet, is one of the few peaks that offers a diverse range of climates. Having the right gear is essential to safely and comfortably summit this iconic mountain.
In this blog, you'll find:
- Daily trekking breakdowns
- A comprehensive kit list for the trek
- Insightful knowledge and tips from our team, who have just guided over 50 clients to the summit of Kilimanjaro this year alone (2024)
Want to to book Kilimanjaro? Visit Elite Exped
The Kilimanjaro Trek - A Breakdown
Whether you are booking with Elite Exped or another company, it's important to know what you'll need and what's coming up on the trip to ensure a succesful experience on Kilimanjaro.
The trek is broken down into 7 days being on the mountain, with 1 day on either side for for admin (totalling 9 days).
Each day will consist of long hikes while gradually ascending the mountain. Don't worry, the pace is slow to help you acclimatise, and there are also plenty of rest stops along the way.
The longest day will be the summit day, as you will not only climb to the top of Kilimanjaro but also descend all the the way back down to the lower camp before exiting the mountain the following day.
With this is mind it is essential to be well prepared for the climb ahead. Correct footwear, socks, blister protection and more is vital to ensuring your success on the mountain. Having the correct kit means that you will trek lighter, stay warmer and dry ensuring you have the best experience on the expedition.
With the bright sun and dust-field winds you need suitable eye protection throughout the trek. The Nimsdai Heron Glacier Glasses are category 4 rated and also boast side protection to protect your eyes from the elements.
What you'll need on Kilimanjaro
Taking on Kilimanjaro and its various climate zones
- The Drylands: Super warm, dusty and exposed to the sun.
- The Jungle Humid and wet, prone to occasional rain.
- High Camps: Exposed to the sun during the day and cold during the evenings.
- The Summit: Cold with high winds, and sometimes wet depending on the seasons.
Elite Exped
The Drylands Kit list
The Drylands of Kilimanjaro
At the start of the trek around 3,000m, it's warm, dusty and dry (season depending). Even late in the day the sun still dominates the terrain so high altitude suncream should be applied at all times.
Footwear
For Kilimanjaro, you can trek and summit with just one pair of boots. We recommend the Scarpa Rush Trk Lt GTX. These boots provide sturdy ankle support while being lightweight, and they feature a Gore-Tex membrane to keep your feet dry. They are the perfect choice for this trek.
Baselayer
The Nimsdai Baselayer is the perfect solution for staying protected, featuring a built-in SPF 50 coating while maintaining temperature and moisture control. A good rule of thumb is to trek in one and then change into a fresh one upon arriving at your camp or tent. We recommend bringing 3-4 baselayers for the entire trek, with one dedicated for sleeping. The baselayer with built in hood and buff is perfect for sleeping in as you need you get your neck and head warm and protected from exposure to the cold.
Midlayer
When the sun drops, so does the temperature, and nights on Kilimanjaro can get cold, so it's important to layer up. The Exped Fleece is a super-light yet warm midlayer that easily packs away in your daypack.
Outer Layer
Once the sun has finally set, it's time to put on your outer layer. Depending on how your body handles the cold, we recommend either the Vertex Jacket or the Project Possible Jacket for the ultimate warmth.
Protection Layer
While both the Vertex and Project Possible jackets are treated with DWR (Durable Water Repellency), it's always recommended to carry a lightweight GORE-TEX PRO® shell for both your top and bottoms, depending on the season you’ve booked. The K2 Winter Waterproof range offers superior outer layer defense.
Trousers
The only pair you’ll need for the entire trek is the Baltoro trousers. Durable and fleece-lined, they are the ultimate trekking trousers.
Elite Exped
The Jungle Kit list
The Jungle's Of Kilimanjaro
On the opposite side of the mountain, found during your descent after summiting, you will reach the rainforest that surrounds Kilimanjaro. The approximately 20 km hike descending nearly 2,500 meters to Mweka Gate takes you from the drylands near camp, through vivid rainforests, and into the jungle, home to various species of monkeys.
Footwear
For Kilimanjaro, you can trek and summit with just one pair of boots. We recommend the Scarpa Rush Trk Lt GTX. These boots provide sturdy ankle support while being lightweight, and they feature a Gore-Tex membrane to keep your feet dry. They are the perfect choice for this trek.
Baselayer
The Nimsdai Baselayer is the perfect solution for this part of the trek, maintaining temperature and moisture control.
Midlayer
Not so much needed on this part of the trek, as the pace is faster due to descending.
Outer Layer
GORE-TEX PRO® shell for both your top and bottoms is recommended, depending on the season you’ve booked. The K2 Winter Waterproof range offers superior outer layer protection.
Trousers
The only pair you’ll need for the entire trek is the Baltoro trousers. Durable and fleece-lined, they are the ultimate trekking trousers.
Elite Exped
The High Camps Kit list
The High Camps of Kilimanjaro
As you make your way up the mountain and the air starts to thin, the temperature naturally begins to drop as well. From strong sun during the day to cold winds at night, it's crucial to layer correctly as you approach the peak of Kilimanjaro.
Footwear
For Kilimanjaro, you can trek and summit with just one pair of boots. We recommend the Scarpa Rush Trk Lt GTX. These boots provide sturdy ankle support while being lightweight, and they feature a Gore-Tex membrane to keep your feet dry. They are the perfect choice for this trek.
Baselayer
The Nimsdai Baselayer is the perfect solution for this part of the trek maintaining temperature and moisture control.
Midlayer
This is where the Exped Fleece truly thrives, light enough to carry in your daypack, yet warm enough for when you stop to rest or reach camp during the day.
Outer Layer
Like the Exped Fleece, the Vertex Micro Down Jacket is the perfect companion, offering super lightweight, water-resistant down insulation.
Trousers
The only pair you’ll need for the entire trek is the Baltoro trousers. Durable and fleece-lined, they are the ultimate trekking trousers.
Protection Layer
As you approach 5,000m, the nights get cold once the sun sets, and it’s time to bring out the big guns. The Project Possible Down Jacket, with its 790-fill down, is designed for ultimate warmth and protection—perfect for staying warm in camp ahead of the summit push.
Headwear
It’s also crucial to keep your head warm. Wearing a neck warmer and beanie is essential at these altitudes.
Elite Exped
The Summit Push Kit list
The Summit Push of Kilimanjaro
As you take on the summit push for Kilimanjaro, you’ll want to be as light as possible. Having the right kit is key to your success on the mountain. The summit push typically takes around 8-10 hours, depending on your speed and departure time. Trekking through the night, you’ll face darkness and cold—sometimes freezing temperatures down to -10°C, depending on the season and weather. Being well-prepared is essential for conquering the final push to the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Footwear
From the day you started to the final slopes, you'll be in the same footwear as to when you first stepped on the mountain, there is no need to change if you purchase wisely, you'll only need a thick/warm summit sock for the approach to the roof of Africa,
Baselayer
The Nimsdai Baselayer is the perfect solution for this part of the trek maintaining temperature and moisture control.
Midlayer
This is where the Exped Fleece truly thrives, light enough to carry in your daypack, yet warm enough for when you stop to rest or reach camp during the day.
Outer Layer
Like the Exped Fleece, the Vertex Micro Down Jacket is the perfect companion, offering super lightweight, water-resistant down insulation.
Trousers
The only pair you’ll need for the entire trek is the Baltoro trousers. Durable and fleece-lined, they are the ultimate trekking trousers.
Protection Layer
As you approach the summit. The Project Possible Down Jacket, with its 790-fill down, is designed for ultimate warmth and protection—perfect for staying warm whilst you get that summit selfie.
Headwear
It’s also crucial to keep your head warm. Wearing a neck warmer and beanie is essential at these altitudes.
Eye Protection
With the bright sun and dust-field winds you need suitable eye protection throughout the trek. The Nimsdai Heron Glacier Glasses are category 4 rated and also boast side protection to protect your eyes from the elements.
Having the right kit is essential to your success on the mountains, buy nice or buy twice!
Frequently Asked Questions About Kilimanjaro
Is Kilimanjaro difficult to climb?
While Kilimanjaro is not technically challenging, it still stands at just under 20,000 feet, so altitude plays a crucial role in your success. The key to a successful summit is to listen to your body as it adapts to the changing climate and conditions. Altitude sickness can affect even the fittest climbers, so it's important to pace yourself, stay hydrated, and take the necessary time to acclimatize as you ascend.
When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro
Elite Exped tackles Kilimanjaro in August, as this has proven to be the most successful time for summits. August is also favored for its more stable weather on Kili, but it's always wise to be prepared for anything the mountain might throw at you.
What is the success rate on Kilimanjaro for Elite Exped
With over 100 clients guided in just two seasons on Kilimanjaro, we have an impressive success rate. Contact us at info@eliteexped.com to secure your summit.
Is all this clothing really necessary for Kilimanjaro?
Yes, with approximately nine days on the mountain, it’s crucial to have the right clothing, equipment, and spares to ensure a safe and successful summit. Proper gear will help you handle the varying conditions and keep you comfortable throughout the trek.
