December 2016, my best friend and I made it to the roof of Africa. Below is a video of our trip, a list of what you would need and some other tips too.

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Here what you will need: (please note that you can rent almost everything when you get to Moshi, so don't stress out if you are missing anything)


  • ​Trekking boots, preferably insulated boots or at least something that would keep your toes extra warm - it gets real cold along the way. I used Timberland GoreTex insulated boots and I recommend them. But you definitely need sturdy, waterproof, well broken in and high enough to support ankle. Wear them on the plane in case luggage goes missing
  • Socks, 2 or 3 thermal pairs and 2 or 3 regular pairs. Some wear a thin pair under a thick pair, rinse the thin pair at night and peg them to their pack to dry the next day - I didn't do that.
  • Trainers For round camp, not necessary if you're okay wearing your boots around camp.
  • Spare Laces, just in case.
  • Gaiters - Not required but can be useful.


For general clothes/garments, highly recommend using moisture wicking as much as possible from base-layers to outer ones.


  • Shorts for first day or two.
  • Trekking Trousers. Fleece lined with air-vent trousers are a good choice.
  • Waterproof Trousers A light pair that can be worn on their own or pulled over your trekking trousers is best.
  • Thermal underwear 1 pair of synthetic long john bottoms and 1 or 2 tops.
  • 4-5 pairs of sports underwear. 


The key to staying warm on the mountain is wearing lots of thin layers that can be pealed off as you get warm or put on as you cool down. Make sure layers and fleeces all fit comfortably over each other.


  • Lightweight base layer over your underwear is recommended on the trek from base-camp to the summit. I used TSLA (Thermal Microfiber Soft Fleece), I'd recommend it 
  • Fleeces, take 2 light ones (the TSLA can count as one) and 1 heavy fleece. 


  • A solid Shell Jacket. This is essential as it gets really windy at times. You could also use this with the fleeces, the waterproof jacket and base-layer on the summit night trek.
  • Waterproof Jacket Gore-Tex is a good option. Need to fit on your fleeces and base-layers.
  • A rain poncho, we used them one day when it was too hot to wear a jacket.


If you own a proper warm down jacket, like a Marmot, Eddie Bauer or similar, it could be your outer layer on the summit. However, I've seen plenty of people just put on enough fleeces and a good waterproof jacket for extra insulation on the summit night.


  • Absolutely need a extra warm  pair of gloves. Fleece-lined is good, mittens over a thin thermal pair is best but not essential. 
  • A hat! A wide-brimmed one if you wish. I just wore a regular baseball cap and applied sunscreen. 
  • A wooly/beanie/fleece hat for the summit. 
  • A nice scarf.
  • U.V. protected sunglasses.


Equipment

  • Sleeping bag - 3-season or 2-season with liner. You can rent a nice warm one and just bring a clean liner with you, that's what my friend did.
  • A bag for your gear. The porters will carry this bag from camp to camp, so not one with a frame, the porters will carry it on their heads and it makes their job harder if it has a solid frame.
  • Backpack that you’re comfortable walking long distances with it, ideally with a pouch for your camelbak hydration pack/bladder.
  • A water bottle and/or a camelbak bladder that are thermally insulated/protected, enough for 3-4 litres.
  • Water purifying Iodine is best but try it for taste at home first (flavoured powder helps). They will boil all water on the mountain but better safe than sorry.
  • A headlamp, bring spare batteries and a spare bulb too if you wish.
  • Plenty of sunscreen and chapstick.
  • Trekking poles, we rented them.
  • A camera, your cellphone and a power bank.


  • PERSONAL HYGIENE ITEMS Towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes, toilet paper and alcohol-based hand disinfectant are useful. Soap & hot water is provided daily.
  • PERSONAL MEDICAL KIT Antiseptic cream, plasters, knee supports, moleskin or compeed, Ibruprofen/Aspirin/Paracetamol etc, 
  • Imodium, rehydrating powder, throat sweets and insect repellent can all come in useful.
  • We also took some snacks and energy gels.

  • Earplugs come handy for the light sleepers.




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Karim Khattab


This is still work-in-progress!

So please bear with me.

Kilimanjaro ~ The Roof of Africa