Essential Equipment:
• Duffle Bag/Rucksack – To be carried by porter. I would recommend a good duffle bag of between 70-90L as they are generally waterproof, lockable and easy to access. North Face and Mountain Equipment both make excellent bags. The maximum weight for this bag on the trek is 15KG.
• Daypack/Rucksack – A good day pack of between 25 – 40L for carrying spare layers, water, camera, snacks etc.
• 4 Season Sleeping Bag (Rated to between -15 & -20ºC) – Down sleeping bags are generally best as they are lighter and pack down smaller but synthetic bags are also fine. Sleeping bags are available to hire in Arusha.
• Water Bottle and/or Camelback (4 Litres) + purification tablets/system.
• Head torch + Batteries (Including spare bulb and batteries)
• Books/Guides/Maps as preferred.
• Pocket Knife/Leatherman/Swiss Army Knife.
• Camera – I would recommend taking spare batteries and film.
• Money Belt/Pouch
• Waterproof liner for both bags.
• Walking poles are becoming more popular. I use and recommend them. A pair is best but many walkers start with just one. Leki Makalu anti-shock poles are some of the best although there are numerous brands on the market.
• Large plastic bin liners and Ziploc storage bags of various sizes for keeping your kit dry.
• Energy bars and snacks – 2 per day
• Daypack/Rucksack – A good day pack of between 25 – 40L for carrying spare layers, water, camera, snacks etc.
• 4 Season Sleeping Bag (Rated to between -15 & -20ºC) – Down sleeping bags are generally best as they are lighter and pack down smaller but synthetic bags are also fine. Sleeping bags are available to hire in Arusha.
• Water Bottle and/or Camelback (4 Litres) + purification tablets/system.
• Head torch + Batteries (Including spare bulb and batteries)
• Books/Guides/Maps as preferred.
• Pocket Knife/Leatherman/Swiss Army Knife.
• Camera – I would recommend taking spare batteries and film.
• Money Belt/Pouch
• Waterproof liner for both bags.
• Walking poles are becoming more popular. I use and recommend them. A pair is best but many walkers start with just one. Leki Makalu anti-shock poles are some of the best although there are numerous brands on the market.
• Large plastic bin liners and Ziploc storage bags of various sizes for keeping your kit dry.
• Energy bars and snacks – 2 per day
Toiletries, Health & Medical Kit:
• First Aid Kit – Our guides carry a first aid kit for emergencies but you should carry a personal first aid kit for your own needs. You are trekking in a remote area your personal first aid kit should reflect this. It should include wound dressings, antiseptic wipes, antiseptic cream, crepe bandages, triangular bandages, blister kit etc. You can buy excellent readymade kits from outdoor shops or pharmacies.
• Sunblock & Lip balm – 30+ SPF
• Medication – Please take sufficient quantities of any prescription medication you need for the duration of your trip. Additionally, you may want to take a supply of medication that you use occasionally for headaches, aches and pains, sickness and diarrhoea as these are the most common ailments that affect climbers. We suggest you bring as much as you need of the following:
o Anti-malarial prophylactics
o General Antibiotic
o Diamox (Altitude – see the guidebook for further advice)
o Ibuprofen
o Paracetamol
o Diarrhoea medicine (Immodium)
• Toiletries – There are ablution facilities in the camps and a small quantity of water for washing. Pack toothbrush & paste, floss, hand and face cleansers. Baby wipes are excellent for a quick freshen up.
• Sunblock & Lip balm – 30+ SPF
• Medication – Please take sufficient quantities of any prescription medication you need for the duration of your trip. Additionally, you may want to take a supply of medication that you use occasionally for headaches, aches and pains, sickness and diarrhoea as these are the most common ailments that affect climbers. We suggest you bring as much as you need of the following:
o Anti-malarial prophylactics
o General Antibiotic
o Diamox (Altitude – see the guidebook for further advice)
o Ibuprofen
o Paracetamol
o Diarrhoea medicine (Immodium)
• Toiletries – There are ablution facilities in the camps and a small quantity of water for washing. Pack toothbrush & paste, floss, hand and face cleansers. Baby wipes are excellent for a quick freshen up.
Water Purification:
Your trekking crew should provide you with sufficient purified drinking water each day but I would recommend you carry purification drops, tablets or a filter in case you run short of water during the day.
• It is important that any water you drink is safe. You can do this by one of several means.
• Bottled Water (in Arusha) – Not recommended as expensive and has a high environmental cost.
• Boiled Water – All lodges will supply flasks of freshly boiled water/tea/herbal tea at a small charge, which is safe to drink and is my preferred option.
• Iodine drops or purification tablets – A good safe option although can leave water with an unpleasant aftertaste.
• Water Filters & Electronic Sterilisers – These are widely available in outdoor shops and are a more expensive option although the water generally does taste better than drops/tablets.
• It is important that any water you drink is safe. You can do this by one of several means.
• Bottled Water (in Arusha) – Not recommended as expensive and has a high environmental cost.
• Boiled Water – All lodges will supply flasks of freshly boiled water/tea/herbal tea at a small charge, which is safe to drink and is my preferred option.
• Iodine drops or purification tablets – A good safe option although can leave water with an unpleasant aftertaste.
• Water Filters & Electronic Sterilisers – These are widely available in outdoor shops and are a more expensive option although the water generally does taste better than drops/tablets.
