Packing the right gear (and the right amounts) is the first step to an incredible travel experience. Follow these tips to pack like a pro:
Travel light. Pack only the essentials. You’ll need less than you think!
Bring the right clothes. Pack clothes that are culturally appropriate for your destination and acceptable for service projects. This means bringing long shorts (think Bermuda and basketball shorts), t-shirts with sleeves to cover shoulders, and appropriate footwear.
Leave your valuables behind. While traveling, it’s easier for things to get lost, stolen, or damaged. Keep any prized possessions safe at home.
Useful tip: Pack an empty water bottle and fill it up after security.
Please remember, Climbing Kili requires essential, program-specific gear.
Carry-On
A 25-30 Liter daypack or backpack with hip straps is ideal as this will also be the daypack you use during the climb. On the program, you will use it to carry 3L of water, camera, raincoat, lunch pack, snacks, and warm clothing.
- Passport, Photocopy of passport
- Wallet/money
- Visa documentation (if applicable)
- Book and/or journal/Pen
- Phone, Camera, Chargers
- Change of clothes
- Hiking boots, water resistant
- Water bottle
- Medication
- Camera
- Outlet power converter
- Consent to Travel form
- Yola emergency contacts
Check Luggage
A duffel bag or backpack is ideal, large enough to fit all your clothes and climbing gear. Suitcases/wheeled bags are not suitable on this program.
Clothes
- Heavyweight Socks (3-4)
- Lightweight socks (3-4)
- Underwear (7-8)
- Thermal base layers (1 lightweight, 1 mid-weight)
- Hiking pants (1-2 pair)
- Shorts (2 pairs)
- Mid-layer bottoms (2, fleece/wool)
- Waterproof/rain pants
- T-shirts (4-5)
- Mid-Layer tops (2, fleece)
- Waterproof winter coat
- Waterproof/rain jacket
- Sneakers
- Sunglasses
- Hat with brim/visor
- Warm hat
- Ski mask/balaclava
- Gloves (waterproof/ski)
- Quick dry towel
Optional Clothes
- Scarf
- Hand/foot warmers
- Trekking poles
- Gaiters
- Bandana
Toiletries
(Travel size bottles in Ziploc bags) including Shampoo, Conditioner, Body wash, Face wash, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Sunscreen, Lip balm with sunscreen, Bug spray, Feminine hygiene products, Contacts Contact solution, Foam earplugs, Personal med kit, Deodorant, Hand Sanitizer, Wet wipes, Small packs of tissues, Razor / shaving cream.
Miscellaneous
- Sleeping bag (0-20°F / -18 to -6°C — optional for those who prefer to bring their own bag, as we do provide bags)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Water Bottles (minimum 3L)
- Granola/power bars
Important Reminders
All clothing items should be wool, fleece/synthetic, NO cotton blends.
Water bottles—You will need to have 3 Liters of water in your daypack every day during the assent. This can be a combination of water bottles and Camelbaks, but you must have at least one bottle as Camelbak’s will freeze on assent day.
Equipment – ALL necessary equipment must be packed, or students will need to rent/purchase it in-country. Likewise, do not overpack, as porters will be carrying your luggage and it needs to weigh 30 lbs or less.
Weather – Remember, you are ascending into an arctic zone during Tanzania’s winter season; warm, non-cotton clothing per the packing list (cotton does not insulate when wet) is a must.
Hiking boots – Be sure to break them in thoroughly before you arrive! We ask that you bring them in your carry-on or wear them on the flight to Tanzania to avoid issues if your luggage is lost.
Outlet power converter—Tanzania has 230V