Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari
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Upcoming Climbs
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- July 17, 2021
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- July 31, 2021
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- August 14, 2021
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- September 11, 2021
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- January 8, 2022
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- January 22, 2022
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- July 16, 2022
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- July 30, 2022
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- August 13, 2022
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- August 27, 2022
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- September 10, 2022
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- Price
- $7100
- Deposit
- $1500
- Duration
- 15 days
- Difficulty
- Level 2
- Type
- Trekking
What You’ll Need
A list of required personal equipment accompanies every RMI program, and the thought process behind each item is much greater than simply “preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.” The list for your program takes into account factors such as: seasonality, route conditions, weather, elevation and more. As such, this list is framed within the broadest of contexts and is dynamic by its very nature. Therefore, certain variables (additions and/or subtractions) are inherent within such an all-encompassing list. We make every effort to recommend only top of the line clothing and technical gear and it is never our intention for you to buy or rent unnecessary gear.
The Guide Pick is an example of the listed item, giving you an idea of the material and specifications of the item. This exact item does not need to be purchased or used; however, any item you choose must have similar characteristics and performance abilities to the Guide Pick.
RMI Guides concur on the potential necessity of every item, thus every item on the list is required at gear check. However, guides may also have suggestions derived from their experience, some of which will vary from a given list. The guides’ recommendation whether to bring along or leave behind certain item(s) comes during the gear check, when the team first meets. Occasionally this recommendation comes at the expense of having previously purchased an item. If a guide presents the option of leaving behind certain item(s) on the list of required equipment, it is for a reason. Their recommendation may be related to the weather, route conditions, freezing level, perceived strength of the party, or desired pack weight.
Ultimately, there will never be a consensus for a “perfect” equipment list for an ascent. It does not exist because of the multitude of variables faced by climbers throughout the climb. Please follow this equipment list closely so that you will arrive for the gear check with all the required items. Keep in mind the list is not black and white, fine tuning will occur once you meet with your guide. Have a great climb!
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Most of the required equipment is available for rent or purchase from our affiliate Whittaker Mountaineering. RMI climbers receive a 10% discount on new clothing and equipment items ordered from Whittaker Mountaineering when they use code RMI2021 at checkout. This offer excludes sale items, rentals, meal packages, and Feathered Friends.
Shop Your Equipment List // Rent new equipment for your climb
Equipment List
Pack & Travel
Guide Pick™
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2 DUFFEL BAGS
120+ liter bags made of tough material with rugged zippers. One duffel will be used as your "trek duffel" to hold all your personal overnight gear and will be carried by our mountain staff between camps. The other duffel will be left at the hotel with extra gear and clothing.
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LUGGAGE LOCKS
Bring as needed. Make sure these are TSA-compliant.
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35+ LITER BACKPACK
You'll use this backpack to carry your personal gear needed on the trail (warm jacket, hard shells, water, camera, etc.) not including any of the gear that will be carried by our mountain staff (sleeping bag, extra clothes, etc). This can also be used as a carry-on and while traveling or sightseeing.
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PACK COVER
Protects your pack from rain while on the trail.
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DAY PACK (OPTIONAL)
A 25+ liter day pack to use as carry-on or while sightseeing. This will not be used on the trek. If you have some other preferred way to carry a few miscellaneous items, then there is no need to bring this day pack.
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Sleeping Bag & Pad
Guide Pick™
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SLEEPING BAG
We recommend a bag rated between 20° and 0° F. Allow ample room for movement. We recommend down over synthetic for its light weight, warmth, and packability. If you know you sleep cold, consider a 0° F bag.
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COMPRESSION STUFF SACK FOR SLEEPING BAG
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INFLATABLE SLEEPING PAD
A full-length inflatable pad.
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Technical Gear
Guide Pick™
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TREKKING POLES
We recommend lightweight, collapsible poles.
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Head
Guide Pick™
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WARM HAT
Wool or synthetic.
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BALL CAP OR SUN HAT
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BUFF
A Buff provides versitile head and neck protection. A neck gaiter is also acceptable.
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HEADLAMP
Start with fresh batteries and bring extra set(s) of batteries appropriate to the duration of the trip.
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GLACIER GLASSES
Glacier glasses are protective sunglasses that provide close to 100% frame coverage (wrap-around frames and side shields ensure no light can enter from the top, bottom, and sides of the glasses) and transmit less than 10% of visual light.
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Hands
Guide Pick™
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Each glove layer is worn separately as conditions change during the climb.
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LIGHTWEIGHT GLOVES
Lightweight liner or softshell gloves. Lighter colors absorb less sunlight while still offering UV protection.
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MEDIUM WEIGHT GLOVES
Wind- and water-resistant, insulated mountain gloves.
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HEAVY WEIGHT GLOVES OR MITTENS
Wind- and water-resistant, insulated gloves or mittens. These also serve as emergency backups if you drop or lose a lighter-weight glove.
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Upper Body
Guide Pick™
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We recommend a minimum of five upper body layers, all of which can be used in conjunction with each other. Two of these should be insulating layers, one light and one medium, that fit well together. Today there are many different layering systems to choose from, including fleece, soft-shell, down and synthetic options.
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LIGHTWEIGHT BASELAYER OR SUN HOODY
Long-sleeve wool or synthetic top. Lighweight, light-colored, hooded baselayers (sun hoodys) are highly recommended for sun protection.
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LIGHTWEIGHT INSULATING LAYER
One step up in warmth and bulk from a baselayer. A technical fleece makes an ideal lightweight insulating layer.
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MEDIUM WEIGHT INSULATING LAYER
A down, synthetic, or softshell hoody makes a great midlayer.
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RAIN JACKET (HARD SHELL)
An uninsulated, waterproof shell jacket with hood.
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INSULATED PARKA WITH HOOD
Your expedition-style heavy parka must extend below the waist, have an insulated hood, and be able to fit over the rest of your upper body layers. While the parka is worn primarily at rest breaks on summit day, it also serves as an emergency garment if needed. We recommend down rather than synthetic fill.
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SPORTS BRA
We recommend a moisture-wicking, active-wear bra.
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Lower Body
Guide Pick™
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We recommend a system of four layers, all of which can be used in conjunction with each other. Products which combine several layers into one garment, such as traditional ski pants, don’t work well as they don’t offer the versatility of a layering system.
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2 - 3 PAIRS OF UNDERWEAR
Non-cotton briefs or boxers.
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LIGHT TO MEDIUM WEIGHT BASELAYER
Synthetic or wool.
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SOFTSHELL CLIMBING PANTS
Softshell climbing pants can be worn in combination with a base layer on colder days, or alone on warmer days.
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RAIN PANTS (HARD SHELL)
Noninsulated, waterproof shell pants must be able to fit comfortable over your baselayer bottoms and trekking pants. Full-length side zippers are required for facilitating quick clothing adjustments over boots.
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LIGHTWEIGHT TREKKING PANTS OR SHORTS
A lightweight, synthetic pair of pants is a good option for the approach trek when hiking at lower altitudes and in warm conditions. These pants have no insulation, are typically made of thin nylon, and commonly feature zippers to convert between pants and shorts.
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Feet
Guide Pick™
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HIKING BOOTS
A pair of lightweight boots for approaches and hiking on rugged terrain. We recommend a waterproof, mid-top boot for better stability and ankle support.
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CASUAL SHOES
Great for traveling and wearing around town or camp. A pair of tennis shoes or light hikers works well.
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GAITERS (OPTIONAL)
Large enough to fit over your trekking boots to guard against mud and snow.
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4 PAIRS OF SOCKS
Either wool or synthetic. Whatever sock combination you are accustomed to wearing during your training or previous adventures (whether single medium weight socks, a medium weight with a liner sock, two medium weight socks together, etc.), should work just fine for this climb.
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Personal Items
Guide Pick™
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MEALS & SNACKS
See the Food tab for suggestions and quantities.
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2 WATER BOTTLES
One-liter water bottles with wide mouths made of co-polyester (BPA-free plastic).
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STUFF SACK(S)
Bring as needed.
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READING MATERIAL/JOURNAL (OPTIONAL)
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UMBRELLA (OPTIONAL)
Small and lightweight.
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PERSONAL TOILETRIES & BAG
Include toilet paper, hand sanitizer, toothbrush and toothpaste, and wet wipes. Bring a quantity appropriate to the duration of your trip.
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SUNSCREEN
We recommend small tubes of SPF 30 or higher, which can be carried in pockets for easy access and to prevent freezing.
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LIP BALM
We recommend SPF 15 or higher.
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INSECT REPELLENT
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EAR PLUGS
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1 - 2 CHEMICAL TOE WARMERS
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SPARE CONTACT LENSES/ EYEGLASSES (OPTIONAL)
Spare prescription glasses if you wear contact lenses/eyeglasses.
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2 - 3 PAIRS CHEMICAL HAND WARMERS
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PEE FUNNEL (FOR WOMEN)
Practice using this before coming on the climb!
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SMALL HAND TOWEL
Daily wash water provided. Towel is used to dry face and hands.
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CAMERA (OPTIONAL)
Many smartphones have excellent cameras. Action cameras, small point-and-shoots, and compact dSLRs are lightweight and work well at altitude.
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POWER BANK (OPTIONAL)
A small power bank, enough to charge a phone or e-reader several times.
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TRAVEL POWER ADAPTER
For charging personal electronics while traveling internationally.
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BINOCULARS
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First Aid & Medications
Guide Pick™
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SMALL PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT
Our guides carry comprehensive medical kits, so keep yours small and light. We recommend a selection of adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, Moleskin and blister care, medical tape and/or duct tape, cough drops, basic painkillers, an antacid, an anti-diarrheal, and personal medications.
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We recommend you speak with your physician about which medications make sense to have for remote international travel and/or high altitude climbing. At minimum, we require the following:
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ANTIBIOTICS
Broad spectrum antibiotics like Ciprofloxacin (500mg tablets), Metronidazole, and Azithromycin (250mg tablets).
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ANTI-MALARIAL MEDICATIONS
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ACETAZOLAMIDE (DIAMOX)
125mg tablets for prevention or treatment of Acute Mountain Sickness.
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DEXAMETHAZONE
4mg tablets for treatment of altitude illness.
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Travel Clothes
Guide Pick™
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TRAVEL CLOTHES
We recommend bringing a selection of comfortable clothing to wear while traveling as well as pre- and post-trip.
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SUNGLASSES
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SWIMSUIT
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Travel Documents
Guide Pick™
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PASSPORT
Valid for six months beyond your return date.
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COPY OF PASSPORT
The first two pages of your passport.
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COPY OF FLIGHT ITINERARY
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2 EXTRA PASSPORT PHOTOS
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IMMUNIZATION RECORD
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Pre-Trip Checklist
Guide Pick™
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Purchase travel insurance.
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Purchase airplane tickets.
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Reserve rental equipment.
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Be in the best shape of your life!
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Provided Equipment
RMI provides the following equipment for your program: sleeping tents, dining tent, stoves, group cooking equipment, fuel, tables, chairs, and private biological toilet at each camp.
Every guide on your climb will carry rescue equipment and a first aid kit. Each climb has two-way radios and a satellite phone for emergency contact.