Now that you paid your deposit for your Kilimanjaro trip, you need to start preparing for the adventure of a lifetime. One of the first things you need to do is start gathering, borrowing, and purchasing the right equipment so your trip goes well and you are prepared for all the different types of weather the mountain throws at you.
However, having all the right gear doesn’t mean that your flights to Tanzania will go off without a hitch. There are some things you can control and some you cannot. Being prepared will alleviate some of the unforeseen issues that could arise.
What are some of these issues?
While en route to Tanzania there are several things that can occur.
ONE: You could become ill and be unable to climb. For this reason, we require you to purchase trip insurance so you can get reimbursed if this situation does arise. Make sure your trip insurance has a “cancel for any reason” add-on.
TWO: There could be flight delays. This can be due to flight personnel striking, bad weather, mechanical issues, and canceled flights. Again, if this happens let us know and we will try everything we can to get you to the mountain. Within reason of course.
THREE: Lost or delayed luggage. Unfortunately, this does occur. But with some simple preventative planning, this shouldn’t ruin your trip.
If your luggage somehow gets misplaced or delayed on your way to Tanzania, let us know as soon as you are aware of it. Let our driver know as soon as possible. Of course, you’ll have had to pay in advance for our transportation from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to your hotel. If you opted to pay for a taxi, give us a call at the number in your guidebook and we will begin the process of tracking down your bags.
If we are unable to find your bags, don’t worry, we will take you to a rental shop where you can rent all the missing items.
This leads to what to do in advance to prepare for this unpleasant mess.
Daypack for Kilimanjaro
We recommend bringing a 30 to 35-liter pack for your daypack for Kilimanjaro. In addition to using it on the mountain, you should also use it for your flight carry-on. It is a good size that will fit in the plane’s luggage compartment.
In it, you should pack the essentials that you’ll need for the first few days of climbing.
- Convertible pants
- Rain jacket
- Hiking shoes
- Extra socks
- Light gloves
- Fleece pullover
- Baselayers
- Beanie
- Hat
- Extra underwear
- Moisture-wicking shirt
- A puffy jacket
- A Nalgene bottle
- A toiletry bag containing sunscreen, medication, band-aids, tape, or moleskin, lip balm, a toothbrush and toothpaste, toilet paper, and deodorant.
If you wear contacts bring extras with saline solution. Put everything in Ziploc bags in case they leak.
Video of How to Pack Your Carry-on for Kilimanjaro
In addition to your carry-on, you’re allowed another small bag like a laptop or camera bag.
In it pack your camera, snacks, extra SD cards, batteries, and a fully charged power bank.
Also, pack a headlamp, sunglasses, your paperwork, and your passport.
Bring cash—US dollars, 2009, and newer undamaged bills.
Furthermore, if you have room, bring your packable duffel bag.
Hopefully, this will just be a precaution, and your checked bag will arrive with you.