Hygiene on Kilimanjaro is interesting topic. If you are not used to camping, this will require some adjustments, but there are ways to keep comfortable.
Important note: I have done Lemosho route, other routes might be slightly different, but in general the hygiene on other Kilimanjaro routes will be similar.
Toilets – campsites
There are toilets at the campsits. Using them is less than glamorous. These are squat toilets with ceramic floor and they are not cleaned, at best maybe someone throws water on the floor as a way to clean it. They smell badly, and I have to admit, the higher in altitude you go, the more gross they become. Westerners are not used to them and might have issues with the aim plus people have more digestive issues the higher you go in altitude.
Pro Tip 1: Use buff to cover your mouth and nose while using them to block off the smell
Pro Tip 2: Do not forget to bring light source such as headlamp if visiting toilet at night.
Pro Tip 3: There is no TP (toilet paper), so make sure to put it on your packing list and bring it with you from home, so you dont have to stress and look for it in Tanzania.
Pro Tip 4: For ladies, for number 1, re-usable clothes (pee cloth/pee rag) exist, which can be purchased before your trip and used, if you do not mind that.
Toilets – private
Some companies offer portable chemical toilets and private toilet tent, either automatically included in the tour price or as trip add-on at additional surcharge. I have seen this service cost about 100$ for 7 day trip. Keep in mind that having this service will not only increase cost of trip but it means, there will be dedicated porter for this, so you need to allocate additional money for tips for this person, about 70 USD if traveling solo. Up to you to decide if this is worth it. For me personally I took it as part of experience of hiking Kilimanjaro.
Toilets – on the way
There are no toilet facilities on the way, so if you need to go, you need to improvise and go into nature. If you feel you might need to go, share this with the guide as they know spots which are common and easy points to relief yourself. I was able to wait until campsites with exception of summit night.
If you opted-in to pay for private toilet, some companies set them up during some of the stops.
Ladies can purchase she-wee or similar device, if this is preferred.
Pro Tip: Add trash or dog poop bags, to be used to pack used TP if needed to go in the nature and then another bag for general trash.
Shower
Another hygiene on Kilimanjaro topic would be showers. There are no showers available at all, your guides and porters will provide a bucket with hot water and soap in the morning and evening, which you can use for “showering”.
Pro Tip: Pack small lightweight quick drying towel with you.
My personal shower routine:
- First wash my face with the hot water
- Wash my hands with the soap
- Wipe my body with towel, which I partially dipped into bucket
- For my armpits, I have also used product “Muc-off Dry shower” which is nicely smelling foam which kills bacteria, prior applying anti-perspirant. These two products might be considered as luxury items and can be skipped.
- I have used wet wipes if the water didn’t do the trick.
- In the evening, I have also washed my feet in the bucket as the last part
This worked for me. I also used wet wipes for my face, although I have not used make up, just so that I can remove any dirt from skin on my face.
Cosmetics
Perfume or additional cosmetics will only add unnecessary weight. I would say, keep any lotions or elaborate skin products and routines for when you return home or at least back to hotel in Tanzania. Make up such as mascara or eyeliner might even freeze in the low temperatures and you might not be able to use it anyway.
I did bring couple of Q tips as your ears will get dirty more on the trail.
Hair care
Your hair will likely get very greasy anyway and hat is your best friend. You will need protection against sun at lower altitude and for warmth at higher. Hairsprays or dry shampoos are luxury items and not necessary. Only brush and ties/scrunchie to tie your hair will be enough. If your hair get itchy it might be possible to wash it in the bucket of allocated hot water, which means you can not use it for your “shower”. Most companies will not provide more water than your allocation since the water has to be brought from nearby water streams.
Period
The high altitude might mess up with your cycle, so even if you planned your trip outside of your cycle, make sure to bring supplies, just in case. Personally I have experienced unexpected bleeding one day outside of my cycle and was glad I had required supply available.
If you are using menstrual cup, consider that it might be tricky to co-ordinate cleaning your hands together with cup emptying. But this is for your personal consideration.
Oral care
You will have to brush your teeth outside of your tent, be considerate when spitting out. I tried to walk out a bit outside of the campsite a bit. Because the tents are close to each other if the campsite is busy, so try to be respectful. Only use clean water for brushing teeth. If you want to keep your habit of flossing, I suggest you time it with the hand washing in the hot water bucket.
Must-bring list of toiletries:
- Sunscreen
- Wet wipes
- Antibacterial gel or wipes
- Small quick drying towel
- Toothbrush and tooth paste
- Tissues
- Toilet paper
- Period supplies
- Hair brush, hair ties
- Dog poop bags
- Bag for trash
Luxury optional items
- Lip balm
- Q tips
- Antiperspirant or deodorant
- Muck off Dry Shower
- Moisturiser
- Make up removal wipes
- Make up
- Insect repellent
- Pee rag
- She-wee
- Shampoo, soap
Pro Tip: I tried to use travel size of them or smallest available packaging to save weight and space.
With little planning and adjustment, you can maintain minimalist but good hygiene on Kilimanjaro. You will likely need less toiletries than you expect. Same as with clothing. If you want to know about what to wear, head to article HERE
