Equipment & Preparation
Tanzania offers some of Africa’s most diverse and rewarding high-altitude trekking experiences.
Mount Kilimanjaro, the Roof of Africa at 5,895m (19,341 ft) is the continent’s highest peak and a non-technical climb, but requires proper acclimatisation and preparation.
Mount Meru at 4,566m (14,980 ft) is often used as an acclimatisation trek and offers a more rugged, less crowded experience.
The ancient volcanic highlands of Ngorongoro, with Ol Doinyo Lengai at 2,962m (9,718 ft) – East Africa’s only still active volcano – deliver a raw and unforgettable trek through Maasailand.
Each route differs in terrain, altitude gain, and difficulty, making preparation essential for safety, comfort, and success.
We recommend reviewing the essential gear list below and familiarising yourself with high-altitude trekking conditions in advance. Equipment can be brought personally or rented directly through us.
Main Haversack / Backpack (carried by porters)
- Sleeping bag covering at least 3 seasons
- Roll mat and/or insulation pads, 1 per person
- Waterproof/windproof jacket in lightweight, breathable fabric; 1 per person
- Warm jacket, 1 per person
- Rain gear, 1 set per person
- Sweaters, 2 per person
- Warm trousers, 2 pairs per person
- Hiking trousers, 2 pairs (for sun and bush protection)
- Long warm leggings/thermal underwear, 1 pair per person
- Climbing/hiking boots, 1 pair per person
- Light trainer shoes for use in camp, 1 pair per person
- Cotton socks, 12 pairs per person (cold feet are a leading cause of emergency descents; your feet sweat daily, so bring enough to change into dry socks regularly. Thick thermal socks are a must for the summit push – keep 2 to 3 clean pairs reserved. Ensure boots are at least one size larger than your normal fit)
- Hiking shorts, minimum 2 pairs
- T-shirts and/or long-sleeved collared shirts, 1 to 2 per day
- Balaclava or thermal/woolly hat with warm scarf (for summit night)
- Gloves, 2 pairs: a woolly inner pair and a thermal windproof/waterproof outer pair
- Water bottles: 2 x 1 to 2 litre reusable bottles, camelback, or hydration pack with straw (no disposable plastic bottles permitted on the mountain)
- Head torch, 1 to 2 per person, with plenty of spare batteries and ideally a backup torch
- Towel, toiletries, and toilet paper
Small Day Rucksack / Daypack (carried by you)
- Water bottle that fits in the side holder of your rucksack
- Camera and/or video camera
- Energy snacks and sweets (leave room for a packed lunch)
- First aid kit, including: diarrhoea medication, anti-altitude sickness tablets (optional), water filter or iodine tablets, plasters, plaster tape, blister pads, rehydration sachets, headache tablets, insect repellent, and sunscreen (keep contents light, organised, and compact as you’ll be carrying this yourself)
- Walking/trekking poles, a pair
- Sun hat (ideally covering ears and neck)
- Sunglasses, polarised or specialist snow-climbing lenses (essential for preventing snow blindness, which, while temporary, is extremely painful)
- Whistle, earplugs, notebook and pencil (optional extras)
Important Notes
- Pack clothes and items in smaller, durable plastic bags to protect against unexpected rain. Standard thin plastic bags are strictly prohibited on the mountain; only durable bags are allowed.
- It is essential that you arrive with your own broken-in trekking shoes and climbing boots. Please wear them in for at least 3 weeks before your climb. Blisters or ill-fitting boots can seriously affect your chances of reaching the summit.
- High-altitude climbing should never be underestimated. Unless you are already an extremely fit hiker, plan time in advance to build your fitness and get comfortable in your footwear.
At Pure Afro Travels Tanzania, we have been guiding climbers up Kilimanjaro since 2004, and we know that the right preparation makes all the difference. We want every step of your journey to be safe, comfortable, and truly unforgettable.
If you have any questions about equipment or need help arranging rentals, our team in Arusha is always happy to help.
You are welcome to explore our Trekking Tours: the Roof of Africa mt Kilimanjaro, or 2nd peak of Tanzania Meru, or Ngorongoro Volcano trek with theonly still active volcano in East Africa, Ol Doinyo Lengai
We look forward to seeing you on the mountain. Karibu sana!
Back to Trekking Tours
