Things to carry while trekking Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania has long held an irresistible draw for the adventurous. Not only is ‘Kili’, as it affectionately known, the highest in Africa, but at 5895m it is the world’s highest free standing peak. It is the world’s 4th highest when ranked on the ‘Primary Factor’*. When one adds to this that it is climbable without specialised equipment and technical climbing knowledge, it is no wonder that it is a ‘bucket list’ item for millions around the world.

An average trek can take anywhere between 5 to 10 days, depending on the route.. While porters are there to help carry things, you will need to ensure that you’re packed right for the trip. Remember that a porter’s weight load is 15 kgs. They are not permitted to carry more; you carry the rest. This means your stuff needs to be lightweight and sensible.

It is vital to note that any Kili trek involves extreme ranges in conditions and temperatures, from the tropical foot of the mountain to its snow and ice covered peak.

Whether you buy or hire for the trek, your things need to be well packed. As you go into the trek, even a little bit of excess weight will start telling on your pace and health. A trek can be made easier if you carry the right things with you. Here’s a list for your Mount Kilimanjaro trek.

• Boots- Footwear is vital because its comfort or lack of it will make the trek a pleasure or a pain. Literally. A swollen ankle or broken bone is not fun anywhere, especially on a trek up the Mount. Make sure it’s a pair that has good grip and ankle support. It needs to be waterproof as well. Try your shoes on with two pairs of socks so you can see if it has enough space to move your toes around. You need to get a pair for off trek times also, to use when you’re in the camp and resting.
• Undergarments and socks-thick hiking socks are necessary and regular socks too. You won’t be able to wash our socks every day, so carry spray and powder to help you. Underwear is necessary- carry 3-4 pairs. Sports bras are helpful too.
• Hats and gloves- a thermal skull hat for the nights and a day cap/hat are essential. Warm, waterproof gloves are good. This will help to keep you warm and while you’re trekking.
• Clothes- the temperature is not the same throughout the trek. It gets really cold at night, even to freezing point. You will need to dress in layers- this will help with the cold as well. Consider leggings or long underwear, full sleeves t shirt or shirt and non-bulky woolen clothes. Thermal clothes are good, as is fleece. Consider trekking pants and fleece pants instead of jeans. Jeans can get stiff and take forever to dry. The new pants that come today, are great to make a switch from day to night. Jackets should be part of your ensemble as well.
• Medication and toiletries- carry your regular medication with you. Make sure you have the doctor’s permission to do the hike. Earplugs are a good idea as well. Carry travel versions of your toothpaste and other toiletries. Hand wash and toilet paper are good too, but again, carry smaller versions of the same. For towels, look for light, thin towels. Wear sunscreen without fail.
• Others- Ziploc bags for all the sundries and for dirty clothes, torch, and water bottle are also good to carry on the trek.

Keep your specific requirements in mind and make the list work for you.

*The primary factor (or prominence) of a mountain is the minimal vertical drop from its summit before one can ascend a higher peak.

Also Have A Look At : Top Things To Do In Kilimanjaro