Food on Mount Kilimanjaro
When people think of backpacking and camping, they often envision unappetizing dehydrated food packages and unhealthy powdered mixes. However, when it comes to Mount Kilimanjaro, this perception couldn’t be further from the truth. At this elevation, the culinary experience involves indulging in real, hearty meals. Maintaining a continuous calorie supply is crucial for a successful ascent of Kilimanjaro. While an average person burns around 2,500 calories on a typical workday, a hiker on Kilimanjaro can expend a staggering over 6,000 calories daily! To stay adequately fueled, regular and substantial eating is essential.
Daily Kilimanjaro Sample Menus
Our dedicated dining tent, equipped with chairs, provides a comfortable space for meals. While your daily menu during the Kilimanjaro climb will vary, here’s a general idea of the types of food you can anticipate:
Breakfast: Typically starts with porridge, followed by sausage and eggs, toast with marmalade or jams, and hot beverages like tea, coffee, or chocolate. We encourage climbers to discuss their appetites with the guide, as we aim to provide sufficient food without excess.
Lunch: Packed lunches are carried in your daypack and usually include a boiled egg, sandwiches, a portion of chicken, fresh fruit, and a cold drink.
Afternoon Tea: Served at the end of the day’s walking, featuring biscuits, peanuts, and the delightful addition of salted popcorn, along with a variety of hot drinks.
Dinner: Commences with soup, followed by a main course comprising chicken or meat, a vegetable sauce, cabbage, and a side of rice, pasta, or potatoes. The meal concludes with fresh fruit for dessert.
Even though you’re far from home, we understand the importance of familiar comforts. You might be pleased to find some of your favorite food brands, such as Heinz, Nescafe, and Nestle, among our provisions. We accommodate all dietary restrictions; just inform us in advance. For those with very strict diets, we recommend bringing along some of your preferred “energy” foods, as certain specialty ingredients can be challenging to source in Tanzania.
A common impact of high altitude is a diminished appetite. To counter this, we provide enticing meals that are abundant in “good” carbohydrates. According to certain Research Institute on Environmental Medicine, carbohydrates prove to be the most effective fuel for enhancing performance at altitude, expediting recovery, and replenishing muscle glycogen stores for the subsequent day’s activities.
The same research underscores the recommendation of a high carbohydrate diet at altitude as an intervention to alleviate symptoms of AMS (acute mountain sickness), attributing its efficacy to increased ventilation and blood oxygenation. Given the decreased appetite, carbohydrate-based foods tend to be more appealing than those high in protein or fats, particularly as altitude induces changes in metabolic processes. The amalgamation of extended hours on the trail and your body’s adaptation to altitude results in a significantly elevated energy requirement compared to your usual needs at home.
Seasoned hikers accustomed to consuming lackluster dehydrated fare on the trail often find themselves pleasantly surprised by the quality and diversity of the meals prepared in our mountain kitchens. Our commitment to using only fresh produce is unwavering—no reliance on dehydrated “ready meals.” Furthermore, all the food is transported up Mount Kilimanjaro by our diligent porters.
Drinking Water on Kilimanjaro
To ensure the well-being of our climbers, we consistently supply boiled, filtered, and purified water. In Africa, untreated water is a significant contributor to gastro-intestinal issues, and to mitigate this risk, we meticulously treat all the water we provide, including that used for washing food and cooking.
Maintaining proper hydration is crucial for acclimatization, given the combination of dry air, physical exertion, and high altitude, all of which can lead to rapid dehydration. If you’re using Diamox for acclimatization, it becomes even more imperative to stay adequately hydrated.
For those climbing Kilimanjaro, a daily water intake of approximately 3-4 liters is recommended. We suggest carrying an electrolyte formula to enhance your water, and if plain water isn’t to your liking, flavoring drops can be added for variety. At each Kilimanjaro camp, a range of beverage options is available, including tea, coffee, hot chocolate, squash, and fruit juices. It’s important to note that we do not supply sodas or bottled water at the camps.