Kilimanjaro Kit List

First aid kit, including personal medication

Lots can happen during the trek so it's useful to be prepared with a small personal first aid kit. It’s very common to experience altitude sickness during the trek, with symptoms including diarrhoea, nausea, dizziness, headaches, and sleeplessness. Remember to include:

·        Paracetamol & Ibuprofen

·        Water purifying tablets

·        Diarrhoea tablets

·        Blister plasters

·        Insect repellent (needed for rainforest zone)

Washbag

While there aren’t any showering facilities on the mountain, you will get a bucket of water to wash every day. You will likely want to leave shampoo and conditioner at your hotel to use before and after the trek. Don't forget to use sunscreen and lip balm with a high SPF. The closer you are to the equator and the higher the altitude, the more UV radiation increases.

·        Toothbrush & toothpaste

·        Shampoo & conditioner

·        Soap

·        Biodegradable Wet wipes

·        Hand sanitiser

·        Sanitary products

·        Toilet paper

·        Quick drying towel

·        Moisturiser

·        High SPF sun cream

·        SPF lip balm

Practical items

·        Spare glasses or contact lenses

·        Sunglasses

·        Eye mask

·        Ear plugs

After a tiring day of hiking, it's important to sleep well. Using an eye mask and ear plugs can help you get a good night's sleep, especially on a crowded campsite. When it's sunny, wear polarised sunglasses, especially at the summit. The snow can reflect the sun and cause snow blindness.

Travel essentials

Make sure to pack travel essentials like:

·        Passport

·        Travel documents

·        Body wallet/document wallet

Your passport must be valid for six months after your arrival date in Tanzania. If you're a British citizen, you can get a Tanzanian visa when you arrive at the airport or submit one in advance online. You do not need specific vaccinations, but you need proof of yellow fever vaccination if travelling from a country with a known risk.

Technology

You may want to consider packing:

·        Phone

·        Phone charger & cables

·        Powerbank

·        Waterproof phone case

·        Plug adapter (type D/G)

·        Camera

·        Binoculars

Although Kilimanjaro has limited reception, some of the campsites do have reception.

Extras

You may also want to consider bringing these items:

·        Pocket knife/multi tool

·        Hand/toe warmers

·        Journal & pen

·        Playing cards/games

·        Snacks (e.g. dried fruit, nuts, mini chocolate bars)

·        Energy bars and/or gels

·        Electrolyte tabs

1.      Keep important gear with you during flights

When flying to Tanzania, wear your important gear and keep medication with you, to avoid losing it.

2.      Have a pen and cash to hand 

Save time at the airport by having a pen handy to fill out the visa form. If you have a British passport, use Tanzania's online system and apply for an e-visa before your trip. Or, you can buy one for $50 US dollars on arrival at the airport.

3.      Stay organised

It can be tempting to throw everything into your duffel. To avoid getting frustrated in the future, use dry bags and stuff sacks to sort and separate your things. You can also store dirty, damp clothes separately. Keep travel essentials like passports and visas safe in document wallets.