Kilimanjaro Climbing Foods

On your Kilimanjaro climb, meals play a vital role in keeping you energized, healthy, and motivated. Our chefs prepare hearty, nutritious meals with fresh, locally sourced ingredients to meet the high physical demands of the trek.

Daily Meals on Kilimanjaro

Our meals on Kilimanjaro are carefully crafted to be nutritionally balanced, delicious, and hygienically prepared to ensure you stay strong throughout the journey. Below is a breakdown of what to expect during each meal:

Breakfast

Breakfast is designed to kickstart your day with the energy needed for long hours of trekking. It typically includes:

• A warm bowl of porridge for sustained energy.
• Sausages, eggs, toast with marmalade or jam for protein and carbs.
• Hot beverages such as tea, coffee, or hot chocolate to warm you up before the climb.

We encourage climbers to communicate their appetites to the guide. If you need more food or specific adjustments, we are happy to accommodate.

Lunch

Lunch is usually a packed meal you carry in your daypack, offering a balance of energy and convenience. A typical packed lunch includes:

• A boiled egg for protein.
• Sandwiches and a chicken portion for a mix of protein and carbs.
• Fresh fruit to refresh and rehydrate.
• A cold drink for quick hydration.

Upon returning to camp, you’ll enjoy afternoon tea with snacks like salted popcorn, peanuts, biscuits, and plenty of hot drinks to help you recover.

Dinner

Dinner is the most substantial meal of the day in the mountains, helping your body recover and prepare for the next day’s trek. The meal begins with a warm soup, followed by:

• A main course with chicken or meat, vegetable sauce, cabbage, and a choice of rice, pasta, or potatoes.
• Fresh fruit for dessert, offering natural sugars and vitamins.

We also bring familiar comfort foods, including brands like Heinz, Nescafé, and Nestlé, so you feel at home even on the mountain.

Special Dietary Requirements

We cater to all dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specific needs. To ensure we meet your requirements, let us know in advance. For very strict diets, we recommend bringing along speciality energy foods, as some ingredients may be difficult to source in Tanzania.

The Role of Carbohydrates at Altitude

High altitudes can suppress appetite, making it challenging to consume enough calories. Carbohydrate-rich foods are particularly important for several reasons:

• They are easier to digest and more palatable than high-protein or high-fat foods.
• Carbs optimize performance at altitude by replenishing muscle glycogen and increasing blood oxygenation, which can alleviate symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Our Kilimanjaro Food Menus are intentionally rich in “good” carbohydrates to support your body’s adaptation to altitude and maintain energy levels throughout the trek.

Quality and Hygiene Standards

Unlike traditional dehydrated trail food, our mountain kitchens produce meals using fresh, high-quality ingredients carried up the mountain by porters. All food is prepared under strict hygiene standards to ensure safety and quality.

Drinking Water on Kilimanjaro

Staying hydrated is the only essential requirement for acclimatization and overall health during the climb. We provide boiled, filtered, and purified water for drinking, cooking, and washing food. Untreated water can lead to gastrointestinal issues, so we take every precaution to prevent this.

How Much Water Should You Drink?

You should aim to drink 3–4 litres of water daily to combat dehydration caused by exertion, dry air, and altitude. We recommend bringing electrolyte powders or flavour drops to make hydration more enjoyable. At each campsite, you’ll also find a variety of hot beverages like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, squash, and fruit juices. While sodas and bottled water are not available, our options ensure you stay hydrated and warm.

Staying Energized on Kilimanjaro

The combination of fresh, nutrient-dense meals and proper hydration ensures that your body remains fuelled and resilient during the climb. Our chefs and guides are committed to keeping you well-fed, hydrated, and ready to conquer Kilimanjaro.

Have questions about our Kilimanjaro Foods or special requests? Contact us to learn how we tailor our Kilimanjaro menus to your needs!