Majestically rising above the African plains is the 5895metres (19340ft) Mount Kilimanjaro. Covered with Icy caps, it lies on the Northern part of Tanzania and to the south of Kenya. Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa with three volcanic cones; Shira, Mawenzi and Kibo that basically define it. Kibo, which is the highest of the three, forms the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro and provides a wonderful experience when hiking. A few kilometres to the west of Kibo lies Shira plateau. Being the tallest mountain in Africa, hiking/trekking are among the activities that take the lead in the mountain. The temperatures in the area are very low that is why getting to understand the best dress required for mountain climbing is important. We’ve put together a list to help you get started as you plan for your hiking. Check out, below, the packing list for Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.
1. Fleece jacket
As a trekker on Mount Kilimanjaro, the fleece jacket is always recommended as one of the things you should never forget. The fleece jacket comes in handy during a trek as it provides good insulation in the cold weather of Mt Kilimanjaro. It is relatively thin, fast-drying, comfortable and light-weight making it easier for you to move around feeling warm and comfortable at the same time.
2. Gloves
Gloves have great properties thanks to the synthetics, wool or silk that provide great insulation in the cold environment. When choosing a glove you need to make sure that they provide a good thermal lining and are lightweight. Having a good glove is quite obvious since, without it, your hands will start freezing on that summit night. It is advisable to have two gloves: inner and the outer glove. The inner glove should be made of wool while the outer one should be waterproof to soaking. Cotton gloves are normally discouraged since they restrict moisture transfer.
3. Trekking pants
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
You are required to bring at least two pairs of hiking/trekking trousers if you will be hiking for more than seven days. The temperatures up the mountain are extremely low so pants are more advisable as compared to shorts. Good trekking pants should be lightweight and the inner lining should be made of wool to help you keep warm during the hike.
4. Trekking pole
When going up the summit or around the summit, trekking can put strains on your major knee and leg joint. The best way to reduce this is through the use of trekking poles. Good trekking poles can reduce the impact by up to 25%. Trekking poles offer better balance on trails and also stress reduction on joints during ascents and descents, making it a vital item on your packing list.
5. Long sleeve shirts
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
When choosing trekking shirts to go up the summit, you will need at least two long sleeve shirts. The fabric should be breathable, lightweight and quick drying polyester or nylon. Cotton shirts are absorbent of the moisture around the summit, therefore, fast drying shirts are a necessity, to avoid wetness while on the summit.
6. Sleeping bag
You will need to rest at the end of the day and because you cannot carry a bed with you, a sleeping bag is recommended. Sleeping bags comprise feathers, feather fibres and plumules elements that provides a warmer, fluffier and comfy feel during camping at the summit. The temperatures tend to go as low as 10 degrees providing you with the warmth you will need for the night.
7. Water filtering tablets
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro can be exhausting thus one always need to drink water to refresh themselves. Normally, you will not be in a position to carry water with you up the mountain thus you will need water directly from the streams or lakes found on the mountain. Water filtering tablets come in handy when it comes to taking this water. They may be literal tablets or water purifying cans that filter out the dirt or disease-causing germs if any. Carry some with you so that you can drink clean water.
8. Plastic bag to dispose trash
The mountainside should be kept as clean as possible because it is a tourist destination and also a home for wild animals. It also is a water catchment area for many great rivers in Tanzania and also Kenya. This, therefore, calls for responsible hiking and mountain trekking. Plastic bags to dispose of trash that might be collected during the hiking and trekking are required. With these plastic bags, one is capable of maintaining a clean mountainside, by disposing of their trash in the bags to throw it away later. Therefore, safeguarding the waters that serve millions of people becomes easy when a hiker or a trekker remembers to include this in their packing list.
9. Diary and a pen
One may need to keep track of their to-do list or even jot down some interesting facts they pick up along the way. A pen and a diary become beneficial in this case as a phone’s battery can easily die. Before setting off to the summit, make sure you have a pen and a diary to put down the great experiences describing your adventurous hike. This makes your trip more memorable as you go through the diary after your hiking days are over.
10. Inflatable pillow
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Lovers of pillows will find this item very important. It accompanies the sleeping bag adding comfort to your head as you sleep. The pillow also provides support to the neck and lays the back in a comfy position throughout the night. The best part of it is that it is inflatable therefore one might not feel its weight as they walk around with it. Do not forget to include this on your list.
Comfortable hikes
Mt Kilimanjaro is a great place for hiking. If you are looking to have a unique hiking experience then all roads should lead to Tanzania. With the above list, your hiking will be complete. Include the items on your packing list and get set to start hiking.
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