Packing Guide
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What to Pack for Your Adventure
Use these comprehensive packing lists to prepare for your Kilimanjaro trek or Tanzania safari. Items marked optional are recommended but not essential.
For a Trekking
Kilimanjaro & high-altitude trek packing list
- 2 short sleeve wicking shirts
- 1 long sleeve wicking shirt
- 2 long underwear tops
- 1 fleece jacket
- 1 down layer (insulating)
- 1 ski / summit jacket — windproof
- 1 rain jacket
- Wicking underwear / sports bras
- 1 cotton t-shirt for camp
- 1 long underwear bottom
- 1 fleece / close-fitting pants
- 1 pair hiking pants (quick-dry material)
- 1 pair rain pants
- 4 pairs high-quality hiking socks
- 1 pair really warm socks (for sleeping)
- Hiking boots (well broken-in)
- Gaiters
- 1 warm hat (beanie / balaclava)
- 1 sun hat (wide brim)
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Bandanas
- Walking poles optional
- Cold weather sleeping bag (rated –10°C or lower)
- 3-litre water carrying capacity
- Waterproof cover for backpack and daypack
- Backpacking pillow optional
- Sunblock (high SPF)
- Lip balm / Chap Stick with SPF
- Ibuprofen (pain relief)
- Anti-histamine
- Wet wipes
- Kleenex / tissues
- Deodorant
- Diamox (acetazolamide) optional
- Watch
- Camera
Tip: Use garbage bags as waterproof covers for your backpack and daypack — they are cheap, lightweight, and very effective!
Discuss Diamox with your doctor before use — it helps with altitude acclimatization but is not suitable for everyone.
For a Safari
Tanzania & Kenya wildlife safari essentials
-
Lightweight long-sleeve clothing ⚠ Avoid blue and black colours — they attract tsetse flies
- A hat or cap (sun protection)
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Sun cream / sunblock (high SPF)
- Anti-histamine
- Camera with 300mm zoom lens (recommended for wildlife photography)
- A pair of binoculars
- Flashlight / torch
- UK-type plug adapter
- Small umbrella (for rain in camp)
Important: Clothing Colours on Safari
Avoid blue and black clothing during safari. These colours attract tsetse flies, which can cause discomfort and carry sleeping sickness in some areas. Opt for khaki, beige, green, or brown tones — they also help you blend into the natural environment for better wildlife sightings.
Need Help Planning Your Trip?
Our team at Routes Kilimanjaro Adventures will help you prepare your gear list and ensure you have everything you need for an unforgettable experience.