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Kilimanjaro Packing List

Discover the ultimate Kilimanjaro packing list with expert tips from Hike Kilimanjaro. Find out exactly what gear, clothing, and essentials you need for a safe, comfortable, and successful climb to Africa’s highest peak

Although Mount Kilimanjaro is often considered the easiest of the “Seven Summits“, the highest mountains on each continent, it is still a serious expedition that requires careful preparation. Packing the right gear is one of the most important steps toward a successful and enjoyable climb.

While the internet is full of travel packing lists, many fail to explain why certain items are essential and others can be left behind.

To help you prepare properly, we have compiled a detailed Kilimanjaro packing guide. It is designed to assist even first-time trekkers, while still offering valuable insights for experienced climbers.

Each item listed is categorized by importance. Gear marked as optional is intended to enhance comfort but is not strictly necessary for a successful summit.

For more information about Kilimanjaro climbs, be sure to explore our detailed articles and resources.

Kilimanjaro Packing list

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Free Kilimanjaro Packing List with gear necessary for the hike and recommendations from Hike kilimanjaro experts.

Useful tips for packing your Kilimanjaro clothing and kit

Here are some tips for how to pack for climbing Kilimanjaro:

You can hire the required gear on the spot when you arrive in Tanzania

If you prefer not to carry a full set of climbing gear to Tanzania, Hike Kilimanjaro makes it easy for you. You can conveniently rent all the equipment you need directly from our on-site rental shop. Renting from us is much more affordable than purchasing brand-new gear.

For first-time climbers or those who do not already own high-altitude equipment, renting is a smart and cost-effective choice especially if you may only use the gear once.
Hike Kilimanjaro is proud to be the only company in the region offering rental equipment from world-class brands such as The North Face, Marmot, and Red Fox, all available through our own store the largest in the Kilimanjaro area.

All equipment rented from Hike Kilimanjaro is clean, perfectly maintained, and in excellent condition. We renew our stock twice a year to ensure you have access to the latest and highest quality gear for your adventure.

Avoid buying the cheapest gear

While it’s not necessary to spend a fortune on top-brand clothing and footwear, choosing low-quality items should never be an option no matter how attractive the price may seem. Your safety, comfort, and overall success on the mountain depend heavily on the reliability of your gear.

At Hike Kilimanjaro, we always recommend investing in good-quality equipment that balances performance and value. Fortunately, today’s market offers many excellent alternatives at reasonable prices, making it possible to prepare properly without overspending.

Clothing for Kilimanjaro

When climbing Kilimanjaro, you will pass through four distinct climate zones: tropical rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and Arctic summit.

At lower altitudes, you will experience hot and humid conditions in the rainforest, while at the summit, expect snow, strong winds, and freezing temperatures. It’s also common for daytime temperatures to be warm and comfortable, but to drop dramatically to freezing at night.

Proper clothing is essential to handle these extreme shifts in weather.
At Hike Kilimanjaro, we recommend a layering system that allows you to easily adjust your clothing as conditions change. This approach keeps you warm, dry, and comfortable throughout every stage of the climb.

Jackets

You will need to have three types of jackets for this trip:

Fleece jacket (insulation layer)

A fleece jacket is an essential part of your gear and will be one of your most frequently used items on the mountain. You can wear it as a standalone layer over a trekking shirt or as part of your layering system, especially at night around camp when temperatures drop.

At Hike Kilimanjaro, we recommend fleece jackets made with Polartec-200 fabric, which provides excellent warmth and breathability ideal for the mountain’s varying conditions.
Top-quality brands such as The North Face, Red Fox, Mountain Hardwear, and Patagonia offer excellent options.

Choosing a hooded fleece jacket is even better, as it provides extra warmth and protection against cold winds. We advise bringing 2 to 3 fleece jackets for your climb to ensure you always have a dry and warm option available.

The best brands of fleece jackets for expeditions to Kilimanjaro are The North Face, Red Fox, Mountain Hardwear and Patagonia.

Warm jacket / Down jacket

A warm jacket is used in camps to keep you warm during chilly evenings and for the summiting part of your trip. It is an absolutely necessary element of your kit.

A warm jacket should not be too heavy or too light and it should be comfortable to wear at -15°C / (5°F).

Make sure that your warm jacket is a hooded one. 

Another important thing to bear in mind is the waterproof capacity of a down jacket. Rain and snow are not unusual on Mount Kilimanjaro, therefore, we recommend choosing warm jackets with a water-resistant outer material to protect you against minor precipitation. If heavy rain or snow starts, you’ll need a special rain jacket to provide extra cover.

Kilimanjaro Packing list

Membrane Hard shell rain jacket (Gore-Tex or other)

Hard shell rain jacket will likely be necessary from the first day of your trip (especially on Lemosho 7-day program, where you’ll be starting from 3,500 m/11,500 f), and should always be packed into your backpack for easy access.

This jacket is meant to protect you against wind and drizzly rain before you reach the summit camp. On most of the Kilimanjaro days it would be your third layer, after thermal underwear and a fleece jacket.

Trousers

You will need several types of trousers for this trip.

Trekking pants

Trekking pants of good quality are usually enough for a Kilimanjaro expedition. If you prefer hiking in shorts, taking a pair of trousers is nevertheless needed for the higher elevation parts of Kilimanjaro and chilly evenings in the camps.

Membrane pants of rain pants

Membrane pants are needed for your Kilimanjaro adventure, and they are especially useful during the rainy season. When worn together with the trekking pants, they provide excellent protection against winds and rains, making your overall experience better.

Warm trousers or ski pants

Warm trousers or ski pants are another must-have item on your packing list. They are needed for the summiting part of your hike, when the weather is particularly cold. These trousers should be water resistant, lined with fleece on the inside for warmth and covered with good hard shell insulation for protection against wind and rain.

Ideally, you should be able to feel comfortable wearing these pants in temperatures under -15 CO/5°F. If you are not quite used to cold temperatures, you will also be especially happy to wear warm pants in the higher camps of Kilimanjaro.

Hiking underwear and shirts

You will need 5-6 pairs of underwear for your Kilimanjaro adventure. In addition to that, having 2-3 pairs of thermal underwear (base layer) is necessary for this trek you’ll be wearing the first pair on your usual days, and the second one on the summit night. Also, sleeping in thermal underwear is more comfortable than without it.

The first set can be made of light synthetic fabric so that it dries faster. The one used for the summiting should contain warmer, more natural components, e.g. wool.

Any branded thermal underwear will be perfectly suitable for your Kilimanjaro adventure.

As far as shirts for Kilimanjaro expeditions are concerned, having 3-4 short-sleeved and 2 two long-sleeved shirts is necessary. Avoid cotton, as it is bad for wicking. Fabric should be light and ‘breathable’. Shirts made of the mixture of polyester and spandex or nylon are excellent.

Bags & Backpacks for hiking

High-quality bags are necessary for your Kilimanjaro trip. In short, you will need two types of bags: a daypack that you’ll be carrying yourself and a duffle bag that will be taken care of by a porter.

Daypack

Your daypack will carry your daily essentials, such as: sunglasses, sunscreen, rain poncho, flashlight, flask with water and snacks. It is also the right place to put your gadgets, for example: your camera and smartphone.

Your daypack should be as light as possible. Leave heavier alternatives for other treks. Moreover, make sure that your daypack fits your back comfortably. We recommend testing it on a smaller hike before Kilimanjaro to make sure it is suitable and comfortable for this adventure.

While choosing a backpack please pay attention to the following:

  • Your Kilimanjaro backpack should have a rain cover. Rain can start quickly, and it will be necessary to protect the contents.
  • It should have side pockets for trekking poles, a water flask (bottle) and other items that you deem useful to have in easy access.
  • A good backpack should also have a hip belt which is helpful for reducing weight pressure.
  • Ideally, a daypack should be compatible with a camel bag/hydration bladder.

The best hiking daypacks are produced by Black Diamond.

A good backpack should also have a shoulder hip belt which is helpful for reducing weight pressure.

Duffle bag

Typically, porters carry duffle bags on their heads, making it necessary to choose soft models for their comfort. The total distance covered by a porter with your duffle on his head will be around 40-60 km. Some Kilimanjaro trekking routes, such as the Northern Circuit, are longer than the others, so the load on porters increases proportionately.

What is the Luggage Limit for a Tanzania Safari?

Your fully loaded duffle bag should weigh up to 15 kg according to Kilimanjaro National Park regulations.

  • Have a minimum of 90-120 liter capacity. Otherwise, you won’t be able to fit in the entire Kilimanjaro kit.
  • It should be made of waterproof materials.

Along with a duffle bag we recommend taking several large dry bags and packing your gear inside separately. This approach will provide extra protection and will keep all your gear dry in case of heavy rains (sometimes the water can leak through the zippers straight inside to your duffle bag). You may hire a suitable, water-resistant duffle bag from Altezza Travel before the start of your expedition.

Along with a duffle bag we recommend taking several large dry bags and packing your gear inside separately. This approach will provide extra protection and will keep all your gear dry in case of heavy rains.

Dry bag (Optional)

Since rains are not rare on Kilimanjaro, taking a dry bag is a good idea. Putting it inside your duffle bag or backpack can help you keep all your Kilimanjaro gear dry and fit for use. If you decide to take one, make sure that it is large enough to fit a sleeping bag and all other gear.

 

Water flask

A water flask is an absolute must. Unlike some poor-quality hydration bladders, it will not freeze at night. You are required to drink at least 3-4 liters of water every day, so a flask is one of the key items for this trip.

You should have 1-2 water flasks (one liter each) for your Kilimanjaro trip. 

Apart from having a water flask, it is also recommended to have a thermos for hot tea/coffee. Though the guides normally carry one thermos each for the hikers to have a hot drink on the way, taking your own means extra supply, which will be never superfluous on Kilimanjaro. More tea or coffee means more energy, which you will surely need

Camel bag / Hydration bladder (Optional)

Hydration bladder (or “camel bag”) is highly recommended for this trip.

If your daypack is compatible with a hydration bladder, having one will surely add comfort to your trek. You should be very cautious and choose only high-quality models. 

Make sure that the pipe is insulated, otherwise, it might freeze on the summit night.  High-quality hydration bladders retail at USD 30 and more, but this is a good investment. 1.5 and 2-liter variations will be perfect for your trip.

Travel bag organizers (Optional)

A highly recommended item that makes it comfortable to get all of your gear sorted inside a duffle bag. Also, using such organizers is helpful for keeping dirty and wet clothes apart from the clean ones.

 

Footwear

Footwear is one of the most important items on your Kilimanjaro pack list. This is where you should be particularly attentive and selective. Choosing your hiking boots and/or sneakers is a task of supreme importance. A wrong choice here can result in broken toenails, corns and blisters.

For this trip you will need high-quality hiking boots, trekking sneakers (optional) and trekking socks.

Hiking boots

Choosing appropriate hiking boots is probably of utmost importance. There are many options on the market, and sometimes it’s hard to find the right one.

Ideally, your hiking boots should meet the following criteria:

  • Boots should have good ankle support. To avoid getting injured make sure to choose a robust model with sufficient ankle support.
  • Boots should be of medium weight. Avoid buying boots that feel very heavy, it will affect your comfort and make your feet quickly tired.

Of course, your boots should be waterproof to keep your feet dry all the way up to the top. It is especially important in the summit area if you climb Kilimanjaro during the rainy season. Wearing high-quality trekking socks will provide extra protection, so it is always recommended to have a pair.

Preferably, laces should be fixed to the speed hooks for better comfort and protection. It is critically important to break in your boots before the start of your Kilimanjaro trip. Taking a pair of brand new boots will cause discomfort, sore soles and calluses. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you wear your boots for about 5-6 days before the start of the expedition. You should take at least one long hike to get them ready.

It is critically important to break in your boots before the start of your Kilimanjaro trip. You should take at least two long hikes to get them ready.

The brands of hiking boots that we recommend include: La Sportiva, Zamberlan, The North Face, Asolo, Salomon and Scarpa. Any of these brands will be perfect for Kilimanjaro. In our Kilimanjaro rentals shop, you can find over 50 pairs of high-quality boots, all ideal for the Kilimanjaro trip. Hiring boots from us will cost you only USD 45 per trip, which is much cheaper than buying new ones (around USD 200-400), not to mention that bringing your boots means extra weight for your luggage. So, if you don’t plan to hike actively after Kilimanjaro, it will be a good option.

Duffle bag Sneakers (Optional)

On some routes the first days of your hike won’t be very steep, making it possible to use simple trekking sneakers instead of boots. On the following days, after arriving at your camp, you’ll probably want to take off your hiking boots and let your feet rest. That’s when sneakers might come in handy. They’ll be perfect for exploring the camp surroundings and to move between your tent and dining tents.

Trekking socks

Trekking socks are a must on hikes like this. Do not pack cotton socks, as they will retain sweat and give you blisters.

In contrast, woolen socks are a good option for Kilimanjaro – they will ensure fast and effective. wicking. A brand to choose is Bridgedale.

Thermal socks (Optional)

Thermal socks are optional, but highly recommended, especially for climbs during the summer months. There are a lot of brands available on the market. The ones with flat seams, not made of cotton, will suit perfectly! Wool is a great alternative.

Gaiters (Optional)

The use of gaiters on Kilimanjaro is not mandatory, but during the rainy season they are absolutely indispensable to prevent mud, snow or pebbles from getting inside the boots.

Hikers often think that gaiters are of little value. And yet, they do help to keep your trekking pants and boots clean during the trek, making your clothing more pleasant to put on. Also, the gaiters help to protect your more expensive membrane and trekking pants from the edgy rocks which are ubiquitous on Kilimanjaro.

Headgear

Like other trekking equipment categories, Kilimanjaro headgear has both mandatory and optional items.

Sun hat

A sun hat is a must have on your packing list. Ideally, it should also have a neck cover. This headgear will protect your face from sunburns and overheating.

Beanie

Taking a beanie is necessary for this trip.

At higher elevation you’ll start feeling cold, so in order to keep your head and ears warm you will need a good beanie. It should be warm enough for the low temperatures and snowy conditions of the summit area.

Balaclava (Optional)

Balaclava is a handy solution for hikers who are particularly susceptible to cold temperatures. A woolen balaclava will protect your chin, nose, cheeks and forehead from wind on the summit night. It is unlikely that you will be using it anywhere else.

Neck warmer (Optional)

Many climbers find neck warmers very useful as they provide good protection to your neck and face if it gets very cold. It’s also a good solution against dust.

Sunglasses

When it comes to sunglasses, there are some key points to pay attention to. Firstly, sunglasses should provide good UV protection. At the elevation of 6,000 m above the sea level UV radiation is much higher than at sea level.

 

Secondly, when choosing sunglasses you should remember that snow in the summit area reflects light, thus putting extra strain on your eyes. Once near the summit, you should put your sunglasses on even if it is cloudy. Otherwise, you might develop a condition known as snow-blindness. It is very dangerous and may cause permanent damage to your vision. Thus, make sure to choose a high-quality, mountain model with 3 or, better, 4-level of UV protection.

Together with other required gear, it is always possible to hire summit glasses at a competitive price in our Kilimanjaro rental shop.

The best sunglasses for a climbing expedition to Mount Kilimanjaro are by Julbo Explorer and Oakley.

 

Headlamp

You can not hike Mount Kilimanjaro without a headlamp.

Firstly, you’ll need it for moving around the camp after sunset when finding your tent can become quite a task. Besides, if you decide to go to the bathroom at night without a headlamp on you could stumble upon the tent ropes.

 

Secondly, a headlamp will be necessary during the summit. Normally, hikers start at midnight aiming to reach Uhuru peak by sunrise. So a headlamp will be a great help to see the path.

Please pay attention to the following points while choosing a headlamp for your trip:

  • Check the quality of light. The brighter your headlamp, the more suitable it is for the trek. Optimally, the light output should be higher than 90-100 lumens and the beam distance should be at least 40-50 m.
  • Buy good batteries. Ideally, the active mode should be around 30 hours. Otherwise, do not forget to take spare batteries.
  • Finally, your headlamp should not be too heavy. Since it is worn on the head, it should be relatively light. Thus, do not consider anything above 120 g.
  • Avoid buying headlamps with rechargeable batteries. Their battery life is much shorter, and, most importantly, there are no power outlets on Kilimanjaro to recharge them.

A headlamp will be necessary during the summit. Normally, hikers start at midnight aiming to reach Uhuru peak by sunrise.

Trekking poles

Trekking poles are a highly recommended item on your Kilimanjaro packing list, not only because it is a matter of comfort, but because of health concerns.

High-altitude trekking is a strenuous activity that puts great strain on your knees and joints. Average daily hiking leg on Mt Kilimanjaro is 7-10 km which takes 4-8 hours to complete. The terrain is rugged, and, at some points of the trek, rocky. This is where the trekking poles will help you to keep balance, adding two extra supporting points. The hikers also say that the trekking poles are very helpful on the summit night, especially when fatigue takes over them.

 

That is why some people who do not use trekking poles complain about sore legs during and after the trip.

Good trekking poles will minimize the impact of a lengthy hike on joints, since part of your weight will be moved upon your hands and back, relieving your knees and other joints from extra stress.

While deciding on the trekking poles for your Kilimanjaro hike pay attention to the following:

  • Ideally, the weight of your trekking poles should be around 400 g – not too heavy and not too light. Durability also matters – they should be able to endure lengthy hikes.
  • As for materials, aluminium is the most optimal option that will make the poles durable. Also, make sure to check the grip materials – in a high-quality pair of poles grips are made of cork or foam. Cork is always a better option, as it feels more comfortable in the palm and doesn’t damage the palm skin.
  • Also, remember that the trekking poles should match your height. Apart from adjustable models, there are special models for tall people and for kids.

Black Diamond is known to have the finest collection of trekking poles for hiking.

Good trekking poles are exactly what you need to minimize the impact of a lengthy hike on your knees and joints.

Gloves

You will need two types of gloves for this adventure – light inner gloves and warmer outer gloves for the summit night. Both types of gloves are essential for your Kilimanjaro trip. 

Lightweight gloves

Lightweight gloves are meant to keep your hands warm starting from the second day of your expedition. Most hikers wear them till the summit camp and then put on their outer gloves. Inner gloves should be made of good-quality materials, the best options being wool, polartec or synthetics. Avoid buying cotton gloves – they are not suitable for Kilimanjaro because of their poor wicking capacity.

Mittens

You will also need warm gloves or mittens for the summit night. They should be warm and waterproof, while comfortable to use. Mittens are better the summit usually takes around eight hours, and all the time you will be holding trekking poles in your hands. Because of that, it is imperative to keep them warm at -15C/ 5F (lowest temperature in the summit zone).

Sleeping bag

Sleeping bag for Kilimanjaro

No matter which season you are climbing Mt Kilimanjaro, a sleeping bag will be necessary in any camp and on all routes. Though some may think that it is warm in huts on the Marangu route, the fact is that they are not heated, making it your responsibility to keep warm at night.

Your sleeping bag should be warm. To begin with, your sleeping has three temperature levels.

“Comfort level” means the temperature at which you can sleep in your sleeping bag comfortably with only your thermal underwear on.

“Limit level” stands for the temperature when you can use your sleeping bag while wearing some layers of extra clothes. Sleeping bags should not be used in conditions beyond that temperature limit.

“Extreme level” means the temperature when a sleeping bag can be used as an emergency measure to save a climber from hypothermia until the emergency services arrive.

It is very cold in the upper camps of Kilimanjaro at night. Thus, the comfort level of your sleeping bag should be at least -10°C / 14°F. If you can get a sleeping bag warmer than that, you won’t regret it! No one has ever complained that it was too hot in his or her sleeping bag.

Ideally, your sleeping bag should have a hood to cover your head for better sleep at night.

Our Kilimanjaro recommendation is Lamina Z Blaze (Comfort Level 5°F / -15°C) by Mountain Hardwear and The North Face sleeping bags. Because sleeping bags are quite large in size, you may hire one in our Kilimanjaro rentals shop upon arrival. We regularly renovate our stock, making sure that our hikers have access to the best sleeping bag

Sleeping bag liner (Optional)

A sleeping bag liner will add extra warmth on the final days of your climb. Mummy-shaped liners are better than rectangular ones. Either a fleece or an insulated liner will be great for your Kilimanjaro hike.

A good liner can add from 3 to 8°C to your sleeping bag comfort level, which enables you to take your own sleeping bag if it does not match the -10°C comfort level requirement.

Inflatable pillow (Optional)

An inflatable pillow will be of great use for those who like reading in a tent. At the same time, however, you may put your backpack or some clothes under your head to make an improvised pillow.

 

Personal & Medical items

Wet wipes (Optional)

Wet wipes will help maintain personal hygiene if you decided to climb Kilimanjaro without hiring a personal portable shower. Take two packs – put a small one into your daypack to use on the way, and a larger one will go to the duffel bag to be used for the evening hygiene.

 

Don’t forget about suncream. Without it the open parts of your hands and face will easily get sunburnt.

Even though the guides will have a medical kit with everything needed for common conditions such as nausea, headache, stomachache, etc., you should definitely bring any personal medication you may require. Remember that some of the pills that you can easily buy in the home countries might be unavailable in Tanzania.

Gadgets (Optional)

Some of the gadgets that will be useful on your Kilimanjaro trip are:

Camera

The scenery opening from Mt Kilimanjaro is truly spectacular! Taking great pictures is one of the main reasons people sign up for this trip. You may take a smartphone with a power bank or a Go-Pro camera with spare batteries to capture the most fantastic moments of your adventure.

Power banks

As said above, If you are taking any gadgets with you, taking a power bank is a must. There are no power outlets on Kilimanjaro and it is the only way to keep your smartphone, e-reader or other devices charged.

E-book

For those who like to read before going to sleep, it is a must-have item on the packing list.

Mp3 Player

This is what will make your Kilimanjaro adventure truly great, especially on the summit night. Your favorite songs will certainly keep up your spirits and make the moments on the top of Africa even more wonderful.

Gear and equipment to hire

If Kilimanjaro is not your first mountaineering experience of summits above 5,000 m, then you probably already have most of the equipment needed. Yet, for many, Kilimanjaro is their first big climb. Therefore, you should seriously consider hiring some of the items on the spot as not to spend a fortune on equipment.

Buying the whole Kilimnajro kit is likely to cost you more than a thousand dollars, increasing the overall budget of your adventure. Hiring everything that you need for the hike will cost around USD 250-300. If Kilimanjaro is your once-in-a-lifetime venture and you are not sure whether you are going to continue climb, then hiring will be a cost-saving solution.

If Mt Kilimanjaro is only the first hiking adventure on your bucket list and you plan to explore other mountains, then buying your own gear is not a bad idea. Remember, however, to choose an appropriate luggage tariff when buying air tickets, as the whole kit is likely to weigh 15-17 kg. Therefore, even if you are arriving with your own gear, hiring some of the heaviest and most cumbersome items (such as a sleeping bag, down jacket or trekking poles) may be a good idea, especially if you have a trip to Zanzibar or a safari after the hike. Most local airlines operating Zanzibar flights have a 15 kg luggage limit, which will surely not be enough to pack all your hiking and usual travel luggage.

Frequently Asked Questions

The weather on Mt Kilimanjaro depends on the season. Summer months are mostly dry and chilly, spring and autumn through early winter are rainy, and middle and late winter is sunny, hot and dry.

Because of that, the most popular climbing seasons on Kilimanjaro are August-September, the New Year holidays, and January through early March.

You may read about the weather on Kilimanjaro and the best time to climb in our article.

Depending on the route, a standard Kilimanjaro adventure takes from six to eight days. Longer trips are always better because of acclimatization transition. Seven days on Kilimanjaro usually sufficient for the overwhelming majority of hikers in average physical shape. You can always add extra days to your itinerary for better acclimation.

Trekking poles are highly recommended for every climbing program. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro puts much strain on your knees, joints and feet, and trekking poles are used to alleviate that stress. They also provide stability and rhythm to assist trekking through rough terrain.

Less oxygen in the air is what causes problems with sleep at high altitudes. In most cases, if your acclimatization transition is going well, you won’t have any issues with your sleep at night. In other words, following the golden rules of high-altitude acclimatization will make your sleep better.

Here is a recap of them:

  • Hike slowly! Ideally, your pace should be two times slower than normal walking pace.
  • Choose longer routes. 7-day climbs through Lemosho, Machame and Rongai are enough for most hikers.
  • Do not ignore acclimatization hikes. Following the “go high, sleep low” principle will help your acclimatization.

If, however, you have a headache at night or it is difficult to fall asleep, make sure to tell your guide and he will give you the necessary pills.

Practically, due to high elevations there are no malaria-carrying mosquitos on Kilimanjaro. Also, anti-malaria pills are reported to impact the hikers health condition on Kilimanjaro in a negative way, while, worsening the symptoms of high-altitude acclimatization.

However, the risk of infection is always present on the lower elevations before or after Kilimanjaro, as well in the National Parks on safari. Because of that, we recommend consulting your physician before the trip.

Overall, it is always your decision whether to take malaria pills or not.

Types D and G (British) with standard voltage of 230 V are used in Tanzania.

These full and frank reviews are from travelers who have traveled with Hike Kilimanjaro previously. The reviews and experiences shown here are from reputable travel websites like TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trust Pilot, etc.

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Andreas Conzelmann profile picture
Andreas Conzelmann
9 days ago
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Unvergessliche 8 Tage am Kilimanjaro – Northern Circuit mit Hike Kilimanjaro Wir haben im August 2026 die 8-tägige Northern-Circuit-Route mit Hike Kilimanjaro gemacht – und es war einfach perfekt! Ein riesiges Dankeschön an unser großartiges Team: Richard, Keddy, Innocent und Doc Florian. Die vier waren nicht nur unglaublich professionell und erfahren, sondern auch super sympathisch, aufmerksam und fantastische Motivatoren. Wir haben uns zu jeder Zeit sicher und bestens betreut gefühlt. Die Northern Circuit Route war für uns die perfekte Wahl: landschaftlich unglaublich abwechslungsreich und wunderschön und vor allem deutlich weniger überlaufen als andere Routen. Wir waren an vielen Tagen fast komplett für uns und häufig sogar die einzigen oder fast die einzigen am Camp. Ein wirklich besonderes Erlebnis! Auch die Verpflegung war hervorragend. Godson, unser Koch, hat jeden Tag unglaublich leckeres Essen gezaubert – ehrlich gesagt hätten wir auf dem Berg mit deutlich weniger gerechnet. 😊 Besonders hervorheben möchten wir auch die Träger. Das gesamte Team war unglaublich freundlich, hilfsbereit und herzlich. Man merkt, dass hier Menschen mit Leidenschaft und großem Engagement arbeiten. Von der Organisation über die Sicherheit und Betreuung bis hin zur Stimmung im Team hat einfach alles gepasst. Die Guides hatten immer ein Auge auf uns, haben uns motiviert, wenn es anstrengend wurde, und gleichzeitig dafür gesorgt, dass wir die Reise und die beeindruckende Landschaft genießen konnten. Absolute Empfehlung für Hike Kilimanjaro! Wenn wir den Kilimanjaro noch einmal besteigen würden, würden wir jederzeit wieder mit diesem Team gehen. Asante sana an das gesamte Hike-Kilimanjaro-Team für diese unvergesslichen 8 Tage! 🏔️❤️
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Shreyas Parbat profile picture
Shreyas Parbat
22 days ago
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Amazing people and amazing experience! Truly was a delight hiking Kili with Keddy and gang. I’m only alive because of them :)
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Andrea Scharr profile picture
Andrea Scharr
39 days ago
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Am 12. August begann unser Kili—Abenteuer zu acht. Mit unseren Guides Richard, Keddy, Innocent und „Doc“ Florian sowie einer 28 Mann Crew von Hike Kilimanjaro starteten wir am Lemosho Gate für die 8-tägige Northern Circuit Route. Und es wurden unvergessliche Tage. Wir waren bestens umsorgt, versorgt und betreut, alles war perfekt organisiert. Jeden Morgen wurden wir mit Tanz und Gesang in den Wandertag verabschiedet und genauso herzlich bei der Ankunft im Camp empfangen. Der Koch Godson zauberte tolle Mahlzeiten und ich bin überzeugt, dass seine göttlichen Suppen und das morgendliche Porrige maßgeblich zum Gipfelerfolg beigetragen haben. Die Route war landschaftlich sehr schön und aufgrund der Länge ideal für die Akklimatisierung in der Höhe. Am Abend gab es medizinische Checks, so dass wir uns immer sicher fühlten. Danke, dass wir für diese Zeit Teil der Hike Kilimanjaro Familie sein durften und Danke für eure Motivation und Herzlichkeit. Wir können den Trip mit euch nur empfehlen, es wurde an alles gedacht, selbst an die abendliche Wärmflasche. On August 12, our Kilimanjaro adventure began with eight of us. Accompanied by our guides Richard, Keddy, Innocent, and “Doc” Florian, as well as a 28-person crew from Hike Kilimanjaro, we set out from Lemosho Gate on the 8-day Northern Circuit route. And those days turned out to be unforgettable. We were well taken care of, well-provided for, and well-supported; everything was perfectly organized. Every morning, we were sent off on our hike with dancing and singing, and welcomed just as warmly upon arrival at camp. The cook, Godson, whipped up fantastic meals, and I’m convinced that his divine soups and the morning porridge played a major role in our success in reaching the summit. The route offered stunning scenery and, due to its length, was ideal for acclimatizing to the altitude. In the evenings, there were medical check-ups, so we always felt safe. Thank you for letting us be part of the Hike Kilimanjaro family during this time, and thank you for your motivation and warmth. We highly recommend this trip with you—every detail was taken care of, even the hot water bottle in the evening.
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Navigator59532420429
40 days ago
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Kilimanjaro Abenteuer Am 12. August begann unser Kili—Abenteuer zu acht. Mit unseren Guides Richard, Keddy, Innocent und „Doc“ Florian sowie einer 28 Mann Crew von Hike Kilimanjaro starteten wir am Lemosho Gate für die 8-tägige Northern Circuit Route. Und es wurden unvergessliche Tage. Wir waren bestens umsorgt, versorgt und betreut, alles war perfekt organisiert. Jeden Morgen wurden wir mit Tanz und Gesang in den Wandertag verabschiedet und genauso herzlich bei der Ankunft im Camp empfangen. Der Koch Godson zauberte tolle Mahlzeiten und ich bin überzeugt, dass seine göttlichen Suppen und das morgendliche Porrige maßgeblich zum Gipfelerfolg beigetragen haben. Die Route war landschaftlich sehr schön und aufgrund der Länge ideal für die Akklimatisierung in der Höhe. Am Abend gab es medizinische Checks, so dass wir uns immer sicher fühlten. Danke, dass wir für diese Zeit Teil der Hike Kilimanjaro Familie sein durften und Danke für eure Motivation und Herzlichkeit. Wir können den Trip mit euch nur empfehlen, es wurde an alles gedacht, selbst an die abendliche Wärmflasche. On August 12, our Kilimanjaro adventure began with eight of us. Accompanied by our guides Richard, Keddy, Innocent, and “Doc” Florian, as well as a 28-person crew from Hike Kilimanjaro, we set out from Lemosho Gate on the 8-day Northern Circuit route. And those days turned out to be unforgettable. We were well taken care of, well-provided for, and well-supported; everything was perfectly organized. Every morning, we were sent off on our hike with dancing and singing, and welcomed just as warmly upon arrival at camp. The cook, Godson, whipped up fantastic meals, and I’m convinced that his divine soups and the morning porridge played a major role in our success in reaching the summit. The route offered stunning scenery and, due to its length, was ideal for acclimatizing to the altitude. In the evenings, there were medical check-ups, so we always felt safe. Thank you for letting us be part of the Hike Kilimanjaro family during this time, and thank you for your motivation and warmth. We highly recommend this trip with you—every detail was taken care of, even the hot water bottle in the evening.
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Smiling Orka
61 days ago
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Top tier team to help you climb Mount Kilimanjaro. We did the 7 day Lemosho route. We met with Florian and Keddy the day before the hike and they helped us get deeper understanding of the route, conditions and expectations. They also checked our gear to make sure we had everything we needed. For our family of 5, we had 3 guides ( Florian, Keddy and Inno )and 18 other support staff. The whole team was very kind, polite , always happy to help and very professional. They went above and beyond to help us get through the ups and down of the hike. They also did health checks including oxygen levels and looked out for other symptoms each day. They supported us and made sure we had an amazing , once in a lifetime experience reaching the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. The whole team of Hike Kilimanjaro gets 5 stars and they come highly recommended.

Owner's reply
Thank you so much, Smilingorka, for your fantastic 5-star review! We’re truly grateful that you chose Hike Kilimanjaro for such a special adventure with your family. It’s wonderful to hear that Florian, Keddy, Inno, and the entire support team made you feel well prepared, supported, and comfortable throughout your Lemosho trek.Your kind words about our team’s professionalism, care, and attention to your wellbeing mean so much to us. We’re especially happy to know that the pre-trek briefing, gear check, daily support, and guidance helped make your journey to the summit a memorable one.Congratulations again to your whole family on reaching the Roof of Africa! It was a pleasure to be part of your once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we hope to welcome you back to Tanzania for another unforgettable adventure.Asante sana, and thank you for recommending Hike Kilimanjaro!
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Happy traveler
62 days ago
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hike kili. Hike kilimanjaro and the team was just fabulous and helpful all the way in creating memories and experiences at kili. they made sure we were comfortable and well fed. guides porters and team worked really hard to make us feel comfortable. i will say they even hold our hands during decent as road were a bit muddy. quite an experience and i will do it again with them.

Owner's reply
Thank you so much, Rupesh, for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a memorable experience climbing Kilimanjaro with Hike Kilimanjaro. It means a lot to our entire team to know that our guides, porters, and crew helped keep you comfortable, well-fed, and supported throughout the trek.Your kind words about the team’s dedication truly mean a lot to us. We’re especially happy that you felt well cared for every step of the way.Thank you for trusting us with your Kilimanjaro adventure, and we’d be absolutely delighted to welcome you back for another experience with us! Asante sana, Rupesha!
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alexplainlaterr
134 days ago
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Highlight of our trip It's a shame I'm only posting this review now, but we completed the 7-day Lemosho Route trek with Hike Kilimanjaro (formerly Landside Adventures) in October 2025, and it was easily the highlight of our entire trip to Tanzania. From the very beginning, the experience was exceptional. We worked with Maxon during the booking process, and he was always responsive, professional, and easy to work with. Any questions we had were answered promptly, making the planning process smooth and stress-free. The night before our trek, Maxond, as well as our guides, Keddy and Florian, met us at our hotel to review our gear, conduct safety checks, and answer any last-minute questions. Their professionalism immediately gave us confidence that we were in good hands. Throughout the trek, Keddy and Florian were outstanding. They paced us perfectly, constantly checked on our well-being, and made sure we were acclimatizing safely. Their knowledge of the mountain, wildlife, terrain, and altitude-related challenges was impressive, and goes to show the level of knowledge required to be a guide. Beyond being excellent guides, they were also incredibly fun to spend time with. We shared some of the best laughs of our entire trip thanks to them :) One thing that exceeded all expectations was the food. Every meal felt restaurant-quality, and the portions were incredibly generous. A huge thank you to Chef Godson, who consistently delivered delicious meals despite the challenging mountain environment. We were also fortunate to be supported by an amazing porter team: KC, Meschak, Hermann, Geoffrey, Victor, George, and Joseph. KC was incredible, especially during some of the tougher night hikes and on summit night, where his support made a huge difference. Meschak's positive energy was contagious and helped keep spirits high throughout the trek. Hermann's constant smile brightened every day on the mountain. Geoffrey provided exceptional service at camp, always making us feel welcome and cared for. Victor, George, and Joseph were always ready to lend a hand whenever we were moving a little slower or needed extra support. Safety was clearly a top priority for the entire team. Health checks were conducted every evening to monitor our vitals and ensure everyone was acclimatizing properly. This level of care gave us additional peace of mind throughout the climb. Thanks to the excellent guidance, pacing, and support from the entire crew, we successfully reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Summit night was one of the most challenging experiences we've ever faced, but it was also one of the most rewarding. Standing at the top above the clouds over Africa is a memory we'll never forget. The Lemosho Route treated us to some of the most breathtaking scenery we've ever experienced, and the support from the entire Hike Kilimanjaro team made the journey even more memorable. If you're considering climbing Kilimanjaro, we very much recommend Hike Kilimanjaro (formerly Landside Adventures). Their professionalism, attention to safety, incredible staff, and genuine care for their clients made this an unforgettable adventure and one of the best travel experiences we've ever had.
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Hasnain L profile picture
Hasnain L
139 days ago
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amazing experience The Serengeti and ngorongoro safari experiences were amazing. We visited Serengeti for 2 days and ngorongoro crater for 1 day. The guide, Sule, was very welcoming, kind and experienced. We saw the big 5, a kill as well as a rhino throughout our safari. It is an amazing experience for a very reasonable price. Choose Hike Kilimanjaro definitely for your safari trip.

Owner's reply
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!We are delighted to hear that you had an amazing experience exploring the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater with us. It’s fantastic that you were able to see the Big Five, a rhino, and even witness a kill in the wild—truly unforgettable safari moments!We will be sure to pass your kind words on to Sule. He is passionate about sharing Tanzania’s incredible wildlife and ensuring our guests have the best possible experience.Thank you for choosing Hike Kilimanjaro for your adventure and for recommending us to future travelers. We hope to welcome you back to Tanzania for another unforgettable safari or even a Kilimanjaro trek someday!Warm regards,The Hike Kilimanjaro Team
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Suhail Lalji
139 days ago
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Excellent tour company with excellent guides. Had an amazing experience with this company when climbing Kilimanjaro and Safari through Ngorongoro and Serengeti national parks. Definitely recommend

Owner's reply
Dear Suhail, Thank you very much for your kind review and recommendation! We are thrilled to hear that you had an amazing experience with us, both on your Kilimanjaro climb and during your safari in Ngorongoro and Serengeti National Parks. Our team works hard to create memorable adventures, so it is incredibly rewarding to know that you enjoyed your journey. Thank you for choosing Hike Kilimanjaro. We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back to Tanzania for another unforgettable adventure in the future! Warm regards, The Hike Kilimanjaro Team
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Maximilian E profile picture
Maximilian E
150 days ago
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Professional Team, Unforgettable Kilimanjaro Climb We completed the 8-day Northern Circuit route on Kilimanjaro, and it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. The entire team was highly professional, experienced, and incredibly well organized throughout the trek. Our guides inspired confidence at every stage — they were knowledgeable, attentive, and clearly very familiar with the mountain, which made us feel safe and well looked after at all times. Communication in advance of the trip was also excellent. Everything was handled clearly and professionally, which made the preparation process very smooth and gave us a good feeling even before the climb started. On the mountain itself, the whole team did a fantastic job and contributed to making this such a special experience. The support, friendliness, and overall organization were truly impressive. All in all, it was a wonderful and unforgettable journey, and we would highly recommend this team to anyone planning to climb Kilimanjaro.

Owner's reply
Dear MaximilianeThank you so much for your wonderful review and for choosing Hike Kilimanjaro for your 8-day Northern Circuit adventure.We are truly delighted to hear that you had such an outstanding experience on Mount Kilimanjaro. Your kind words about our guides, porters, and the entire team mean a great deal to us. Safety, professionalism, and personalized service are very important to us, so it is incredibly rewarding to know that you felt well supported and confident throughout the climb.We are also pleased that the communication and trip preparation process met your expectations from the very beginning. Creating smooth and memorable experiences for our guests is always our goal.Thank you once again for your trust and recommendation. It was an absolute pleasure to be part of your Kilimanjaro journey, and we hope to welcome you back to Tanzania again in the future for another unforgettable adventure.Warm regards,Maxon InnocentHike Kilimanjaro Ltd
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