Mountain Packing List

Before your climb we will go through a piece by piece equipment check with you. Any item that you need can be rented at our shop (no prior reservations required). If you have chosen Gladys Adventure as your climb tour company, you will receive a 30% discount from our listed prices.

Equipment

• 1 - Sleeping Bag -- we suggest a comfort rating of at least 0 °C (32 °F) plus a liner.
• 1 - Trekking Poles, collapsible
• 1 - Head lamp, with extra batteries
• 1 - Duffel bag - waterproof, 85L capacity or larger, for porters to carry your equipment
• 1 - Daypack, 30-35L capacity, for you to carry your personal gear

Accessories

• 1 - Sunglasses or Goggles ---important to be polarized
• 1 - Backpack Cover, waterproof
• 1 - 3 - Water Bottle(s) (Nalgene, 32 oz.)----you will need to carry 3L of water with you each day. It is best that not all water is in a Camelbak since too much chance of system breakdown or line freezing so best that at least some of your water is in a bottle. The park will not allow disposable bottles on the mountain.
• 1 - Water Bladder (Camelbak type, 3 liters)--or carry 3L in water bottles as an alternative
• 1 - Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional)
• 1 - Pee Bottle, to avoid leaving tent at night (recommended - not as important if you have a private toilet tent)
• Stuff Sacks, Dry Bags or Plastic Bags*, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate. * Important Update: Disposable plastic bags are no longer permitted in Tanzania. But "zip-lock" style bags are exempted since they are expected to leave the country with you.

Technical Clothing

• 1 - Waterproof Jacket/Poncho, breathable with hood
• 1 - Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down
• 1 - Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
• 2 - Long Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
• 1 - Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
• 1 - Waterproof Pants, breathable (side zipper is ideal)
• 2 - Hiking Pants
• 1 - Fleece Pants
• 1 - Shorts (optional)
• 1 - Long Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric
• 5 - Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric recommended
• 2 - Sport Bra (women)

Headwear

• 1 - Brimmed Hat, for sun/rain protection
• 1 - Knit Hat, for warmth
• 1 - Balaclava, scarf or Buff

Handwear

• 1 - Gloves/mittens, warm and waterproof
• 1 - Gloves (liner gloves)

Footwear

• 1 - Hiking Boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in
• 1 - Comfort Shoes, to wear at camp (optional)
• 5 - Socks, wool or synthetic -- cotton does not dry quickly enough
• 1 - Gaiters, waterproof
• 5 - liner socks (optional)

Miscellaneous

• Toiletries
• Prescription medicine -- if using Diamox, this is readily available in Moshi.
• Sunscreen -- the UV is quite strong so this is important even if you do not typically use this
• Lip Balm -- important to have UV protection
• Insect Repellent, containing DEET -- not in pressurized can. This is only needed at lower altitudes
• First Aid Kit -- your guide will have a first aid kit also but some basic items for blisters, upset stomach/nausea/diarrhea and headache is a good idea
• Hand Sanitizer
• Toilet Paper -- some will be brought along but best to bring an extra roll
• Wet Wipes (optional but recommended)
• Dry wipes (optional)
• Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy (optional but can be a big help on summit day) -- these are not available locally
• Electrolytes, powder or tablets (optional)
• Camera/phone (optional) -- there is no charging capabilities on the mountain unless you bring a solar charger. Extra batteries/memory card are a good idea.

Documents

You will not take these on the mountain

• Passport
• Visa (available at JRO Airport upon arrival)
• Immunization Papers --no immunization is needed unless you are coming from a Yellow Fever risk area.
• Insurance Documents
• Emergency contacts

Equipment Provided by Gladys Adventure:

• sleeping tents (for clients and staff)*
• mess tent*
• cooking tent*
• sleeping mattress (for clients and staff)*
• folding table*
• folding chairs*
• cooking utensils
• dining utensils
• cooking fuel
• food
• water purification tablets
• emergency oxygen cylinder(s)
• portable stretcher
• first aid kit
• walkie talkie to communicate with Gladys Adventure office (we have our own private channel for this)

* indicates equipment not used for Marangu Route or Mt Meru

Packing for Safari

During the safari you will be in a comfortable vehicle during the days. The temperatures can vary a fair amount from early morning to mid afternoon though. Dressing comfortably in light layers that can be easily added/removed is best. It is better to avoid wearing bright colors - especially black and bright blue, since this can attract unwanted insects such as tse tse flies. Although the safari vehicle has a protective pop up roof you will want some sun protection (hat, sunblock, sunglasses) and insect protection (repellent). If your itinerary a visit with the Hadzabe you will want good shoes for moving quickly through the bush and also long pants and long sleeves to avoid scrapes. During game drives, each vehicle will have binoculars but you may want to rent extras. The vehicles will have small electronic charging ports so bring any plugs/cables that you may want to use. Once at your night's accommodations, the lodges and tented camps are furnished already and there will be electricity either by generator or solar panels. The showers will be in your room/tent. If your safari includes a flight, keep in mind that Coastal Aviation flights with standard fare only allows 15kg luggage (including carry-on). Precision Air flights (flights from safari to Zanzibar) allow one 23kg bag. Overnights at Ngorongoro Conservation Area near the rim can be cold and windy - normally 5℃ colder than other campsites. Especially if you want to be outside in the evening or early morning you might want a jacket, light gloves and knit cap just in case.