There is no electricity up the mountain; carrying a power bank would be your best bet. A for cameras, bring more spare batteries and charge your gadgets (camera and mobile phone) before climbing.
More about what to pack for Kilimanjaro
You can charge your phone on Kilimanjaro, but there is no electricity on the mountain. Here’s how climbers do it practically:
Best Solution: Power Bank
- Bring a high-capacity power bank (20,000–30,000 mAh or more).
- A good one can charge your phone 4–6 times.
- Choose a model with multiple ports and fast charging.
- Keep it warm at night (cold kills battery life) — sleep with it in your sleeping bag.
Other Options
- Solar chargers — Some people bring small foldable solar panels, but they are slow and weather-dependent (clouds and cold reduce effectiveness).
- Portable solar power banks — A combination of a power bank + small solar panel.
- Sharing with the crew — Some operators have limited solar charging at certain camps, but don’t rely on this.
Practical Tips
- Turn on Airplane Mode and reduce screen brightness to conserve battery.
- Charge your power bank fully at the hotel in Moshi before the climb.
- Bring a waterproof bag for your electronics.
- Many climbers only use their phone for photos and emergency contact — you don’t need it for much else.
Should I bring a portable charger or power bank on Mount Kilimanjaro?
Recommendation:
A reliable 20,000–27,000 mAh power bank is sufficient for most people on a 7–9 day trek. Test it before you travel.
