Food and Meals on the Mount Kilimanjaro

Fueling Your Kilimanjaro Climb: Food and Meals on the Mountain

Trekking up Africa’s tallest mountain for 6-8 days burns huge amounts of calories and requires the right nourishment to keep your body strong. Food also provides comfort and morale during your Kilimanjaro climb. Here’s an overview of dining and nutrition on the mountain:

Included Meals

Most tour operators provide three hearty meals daily:

• Breakfast – Pancakes, eggs, porridge, toast, coffee
• Lunch – Sandwiches, snacks, fruit, soup
• Dinner – Variety of hot meals like pasta, rice, potatoes, and meat or veggie dishes

Drinking enough water is critical – dehydration exacerbates altitude sickness. Hot tea and juice also help. Expect basic camp cuisine with Western and local flavors. Special diets like vegan or gluten-free can usually be accommodated with advance notice.

Snacks and Hydration

Be sure to pack high-energy snacks in your daypack like trail mix, protein bars, dried fruit, nuts, crackers and chocolate. Bring electrolyte mixes to add to your water too. Refuel frequently while trekking and always stay well hydrated.

Packing Your Own Food

Some climbers opt to bring their own food favorites like energy gels, special snack bars or powdered sports drinks. Due to limited meal variety on the mountain, packing some personalized treats can provide helpful psychological benefits.

Staying Nourished at Altitude

Appetites tend to decrease at higher elevations. Nausea from altitude sickness also limits food intake. Keep eating as much as possible and focus on carbohydrate and protein rich foods for sustained energy. Stew, soup and porridge tend to go down easier.

Avoiding Stomach Issues

Unsanitary food or water can cause diarrhea or vomiting that leads to dehydration on the mountain. Only drink purified or boiled water. Choose cooked foods over uncooked salads or fruit. Only eat fully cooked meats and eggs.

Meal Tents and Dining

Most meals are served in dining tents or around the cook tent. Bench seating around camp tables makes for a cozy, communal atmosphere. Hikers often chat about their day’s adventures while dining together.

How Meals Work

Porters assist the camp cook in meal preparation using portable stoves and equipment. Water is gathered from local streams or melted from snow and ice. Dishwashing water must be heated before use due to the cold. Any leftovers get packed out.

Food Storage Concerns

Proper storage helps prevent food from spoiling. Items that need refrigeration are limited. Guides and cooks strategize to ensure balanced meals stay fresh for each day’s menu. Rodents and wildlife also pose risks requiring secure storage.

Cook and Tip

While food is included, the cook and porter crew work exceptionally hard. Remember to tip the team generously at the end for providing excellent service under challenging conditions.

Dietary Needs

Notify your guide and tour operator well in advance about any food allergies, dietary restrictions or preferences. While options are not extensive, they can tailor menus to accommodate most needs. Specialty food or supplements can be packed in if desired.

In summary, skilled camp cooks prepare filling, energizing meals that fuel your daily trekking on Kilimanjaro. Staying properly fed and hydrated keeps your body strong for the grueling hike. Don’t forget the midnight popcorn before your summit push!