Climbing Kilimanjaro is a experiment to perform for all the mountain lover. Indeed, with its 5 895m, it's about highest peak in Africa. To reach the top is to find yourself on the roof of Africa and it is a extraordinary feeling.
Obviously, the equipment necessary for such an ascent varies according to the duration of the trek and the conditions in which it will be carried out.
The list of necessary equipment corresponds in particular to an ascent in camping over 7 days. Depending on the length of your trek you will need more or less stuff.
What backpack to bring for the ascent of Kilimanjaro?
To climb Kilimanjaro, you will need two bags.
No, don't worry, you aren't going to be carrying two bags yourself on your ascent to Kilimanjaro!
A large bag of about 40L to 70L : this bag will be carried by the carriers (yes they are really impressive). This bag will be carried every day for the carriers and they will bring it to you at the next camp. Inside this bag, you will have all your things except the things you will need during the day. Also know that your bag should not be too heavy. The carriers have their bags weighed at the start of the trek and the weight they carry should not normally exceed 15 KG. So take what is strictly necessary.
A small bag of 15L to 40L : this will be the bag you will carry during the day. It is therefore advisable not to overload it either so as not to tire too much. Bring the bare necessities once again. For example, you will put your gourds, your lunch box, a cereal bar if necessary, a jacket for the day and your camera.
For both bags, don't forget to bring rain protection. These will be very useful and will protect your bags!
What sleeping bag to bring for the ascent of Kilimanjaro?
Regarding down, each person resists cold more or less easily. Also, depending on the period in which you will climb Kilimanjaro the temperatures may vary.
However, I still advise you to bring a sleeping bag that is resistant to freezing temperatures. Take a down going to at least -10 ° C / -20 ° C.
During my ascent at the beginning of June, I had a down going to -10 ° C. I am generally not too cautious but I can tell you that the nights have been very cool. I think my down was not the best quality, but I quickly got cold at night.
If you are ever cold, I advise you to heat some water in the evening before going to bed and slip your water bottles into your sleeping bag as a hot water bottle. It does a lot of good!
Also, I advise you bring a bag of meat that you can easily slip into your sleeping bag. A meat bag does not take up space, but it can be very appreciable and useful.
To the most cozy, You can bring a pillow ! Try to bring some that don't take up too much space… Remember that all the extras you bring will be worn by the carriers…
Likewise, some people choose tobring their inflatable mattress to sleep. If this is the case, take one that is easy to fold and does not take up too much space.
Depending on the options you have chosen, small mattresses will be provided to you.
What shoes to bring for the ascent of Kilimanjaro?
The shoes are a very important equipment when doing a trek.
The ascent to the kilimanjaro corresponds to a great and long hike.
So you will need two pairs of shoes:
A pair of hiking shoes : take shoes with which you are used to walking. Indeed, leaving with new shoes can cause blisters and this can be annoying given that you will be walking for several days in a row. So take shoes that you know well and are comfortable with.
A pair of sneakers or slides: this second pair of shoes will come in handy in the evening after your day of hiking. Indeed, take a pair of shoes in which you are very comfortable, which do not tighten you too much. If you are not at all cautious you can take tap dancing. But be aware that with altitude, the higher the camps, the colder your feet will be in the evening.
What technical clothing should you bring for the ascent of Kilimanjaro?
The clothes to take for the ascent of Kilimanjaro vary according to the season to which you make your ascent but also according to the duration of this trek.
However, a lot of the clothes to take out are the same, what differs noticeably is the quantity.
The best way to dress for the ascent of Kilimanjaro is to put several layers. In a way, this is the onion technique!
Indeed, temperatures will vary throughout your trek so it is best to prepare for all situations.
Clothing for the top to bring for the ascent of Kilimanjaro
Breathable short-sleeved t-shirt: the first and last day of the trek are the hottest days. It is therefore advisable to take at least one short sleeve t-shirt with you.
Breathable long-sleeved t-shirt : I advise you to take 2 t-shirts like this in order to be able to change in the middle of the trek (or to have a clean t-shirt in the evening). This kind of t-shirt can be very useful. It will also serve as a first layer when it gets colder.
A big down jacket: it is essential for the final ascent. During the final ascent, depending on your tolerance to the cold, you will be able to put on: your long-sleeved t-shirt + a fleece + the little down jacket + your big down jacket. Also, the big down jacket can be worn in the evening at the camps so that you do not get cold.
Rainproof pants : in case of rain it can be interesting to have a waterproof bottom so as not to get wet because your things will hardly be able to dry from one day to the next.
Socks : two or three pairs of hiking socks (semi-thick) + a large pair of socks (ski sock styles) for the evening but also to be able to put two layers of socks for the final ascent.
Be aware that for the final ascent, temperatures often reach between -10 ° C and -20 ° C, so cover up enough. Especially that at the speed with which we make the ascent, arrived at a certain altitude, it is difficult to warm up.
What technical equipment to bring for the ascent of Kilimanjaro?
Among the equipment you need to bring for the ascent of Kilimanjaro we find:
Two pairs of gloves: indeed, you need a small pair of gloves (silk gloves) as well as a large pair of gloves or mittens for the final ascent.
A cap: the higher you go, the colder you will be. You will be happy to have a good hat to protect your head as well as your ears.
A cap or hat: for the sun because even with the altitude the sun can hit hard so protect your face
Hiking poles: sticks are not compulsory. However they can be very useful for the day of the final ascent but also for the descent to protect uhh a little your knees.
A pair of gaiters: a pair of gaiters can be useful for rain with mud but also for ascent and during descent. Indeed, a pair of gaiters will prevent you from ending up with tons of small stones in the shoes.
A choker : although not specifically recommended in general, I highly recommend this accessory. Indeed, its usefulness is multiple: collar for the neck, protection for the head but also hides neck and nose. Indeed, during the descent, a lot of dust is raised. Thus, having the possibility of protecting the mouth and the nose is very pleasant.
Headlamp : it is essential for the final ascent since it is done at night (from midnight until 7 am). Also, this flashlight will be useful to you in the evening in the camp. Don't forget the batteries or charge the battery well before you go.
Gourds : it is advisable to take 2 gourds. These gourds will be filled every day at the camp for the next day. Note that plastic bottles are prohibited in Kilimanjaro National Park. Also, if possible, opt for an aluminum flask that can also be used as a hot water bottle at night to warm you up. Remember to drink a lot to beat acute mountain sickness.
Sunglasses : to protect your eyes this is an essential accessory.
Finger and foot warmers : for the more cautious, finger warmers may be necessary during the final ascent since temperatures can drop to -20 ° C.
Cereal bars, energy bars ... : Bars to eat can be appreciated during long days or during the final ascent when you need strength
What hygienic and health supplies to bring for the ascent of Kilimanjaro?
Be aware that hygiene during the ascent of Kilimanjaro may be poor depending on the options you have taken.
Indeed, during the trek, there is no shower therefore hygiene remains precarious.
It is therefore advisable to bring a minimum of hygienic supplies but also only what is strictly necessary.
Basic toiletry bag (toothbrush, toothpaste etc.)
Toilet paper / tissues
Intimate wipes : I recommend intimate wipes to refresh you in the evening or in the morning if you don't have a shower. Intimate wipes really don't take up space.
Lip stick: it can be very cold and with the wind we quickly have chapped lips
Earplugs : in order to spend peaceful and quiet nights, nothing better than good earplugs.
Sunscreen : essential element to protect yourself from the sun which can hit quite hard during the day.
Aid kit : dressings, drugs for headaches, for diarrhea, anti-malaria treatment depending on the trip, diamox for those who want etc.
What electronic and photographic equipment to bring for the ascent of Kilimanjaro?
For lovers of photography and those who wish to bring back memories of their unique experience, I advise you to bring the following equipment.
A mobile phone : for those who are wondering, surprisingly, in certain camps it is possible to tap into the network. However, these places are rare.
Go pro: the Go Pro is a superb action camera that can withstand extreme weather conditions and temperatures.
Camera and its lenses: for big fans of photography, I can only advise you to bring your camera with the necessary lenses to immortalize these magnificent moments on the roof of Africa.
Batteries : Obviously, you have to expect it, there are no electrical outlets on the mountain to charge your electronic devices. I therefore advise you to bring enough extra batteries for your electronic devices.
External battery or solar external battery : an external battery will allow you to charge your electronic devices if you run out of battery.
Remember that with altitude and cold, your electronic devices can quickly lose autonomy. Indeed, a battery at 4m altitude drains much faster than a battery at 000m altitude.
To give you an example, I left with my go pro and my camera. I had 3 batteries for the go pro and 3 batteries for the camera. It was necessary but sufficient. Also I had a small external battery which was very useful to me.
French
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
English
German
Italian
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish
4 Replies to “What equipment to bring for the ascent of Kilimanjaro?”