Kilimanjaro, a thrilling and adventurous climb, takes you through diverse landscapes and ecosystems. As you ascend, you’ll encounter colder temperatures and thinner air, adding to the excitement and challenge. While bananas and energy bars are reliable fuel sources, they can become monotonous. You may ask yourself, What do you eat on Mount Kilimanjaro? If you’re seeking to add a dash of adventure to your Kilimanjaro trek, here are some unique and innovative meal ideas to consider:
1. Ethiopian-Inspired Lentil Stew: This robust and flavorful dish is a taste sensation and a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, it’s perfect for maintaining energy levels during the trek. It’s also vegan and gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs. You’ll need red lentils, onion, garlic, ginger, tomato paste, vegetable broth, and spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric to prepare it.
2. Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Mango: This refreshing and filling salad is perfect for a midday break on the trail. It’s packed with healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants and can be made with just a few ingredients like quinoa, avocado, mango, red onion, lime juice, and olive oil.
3. Beef Jerky and Sweet Potato Chips: If you’re looking for a protein-packed snack that’s easy to carry on the trail, beef jerky and sweet potato chips are a great option. Beef jerky is high in protein and low in fat, while sweet potato chips are a great source of carbohydrates and vitamins.
4. Spicy Tuna and Crackers: If you’re craving something savory and spicy, try mixing canned tuna with hot sauce, avocado, and lime juice. Serve it with whole-grain crackers for a satisfying snack that’s high in protein and fiber.
5. Chocolate and Almond Butter Energy Balls: If you’re looking for a sweet and satisfying snack that will energize you for hours, try making chocolate and almond butter energy balls. They’re made with just a few ingredients: almond butter, cocoa powder, honey, and oats. The balls can be conveniently packed into your backpack for a rapid energy boost while hiking.
These are just a few creative meal ideas to consider when planning your Kilimanjaro trek. Pack plenty of water, electrolyte tablets, and high-energy snacks to keep you fueled and hydrated throughout your climb.
2024/2025 Best Safari Company for Kilimanjaro Trekking: What do you eat on Mount Kilimanjaro
Choosing the right safari company for Kilimanjaro trekking is a significant decision, but a few options excel for the 2024/2025 season. Among the top-rated companies is East Africa Safari Guides. We offer a range of packages to suit various budgets and preferences and boast experienced climbing guides and porters who prioritize your safety and comfort. Our commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism practices ensures your adventure positively impacts the environment and local communities. With us, you can trek with peace of mind, knowing you’re in the hands of professionals who care.
Below is a sample of the Menu we offer our clients on Mount Kilimanjaro.
| BREAKFAST | LUNCH | SNACKS | DINNER | |
| DAY 1 | APPETIZER: Carrots & Ginger Soup | It will be provided to use on the way. | APPETIZER: Butternut Squash/ Cucumber Soup. |
|
| French Fries with Fried Chicken SALAD: Mayonnaise Salad | MAIN COURSE: Tilapia Fried Fish with Sauce & Lyonnaise Potatoes with Vegetable Sauce. SALAD: Tomato & Avocado. | |||
| FRUITS: Pineapple. | FRUITS: Mangoes & Oranges | |||
| HOT WATER: Coffee, Hot Chocolate & Tea | HOT WATER: Coffee, Hot Chocolate & Tea | |||
| DAY 2 | PORRIDGE: Oats/ Finger Millet with dried grapes or dates. Plain Omelette/ Boiled eggs, Beef or Chicken Sausages, Pancakes + Bread toast | APPETIZER: Zucchini Soup | It will be provided to use on the way. | APPETIZER: Fresh Carrots Soup |
| MAIN COURSE: French fries with fried chicken. SALAD: Mix Salad | MAIN COURSE: Zanzibar Rice with Beef Sauce SALAD: Cucumber & Avocado | |||
| FRUITS: Watermelon | FRUITS: Banana | FRUITS: Pineapple. | ||
| HOT WATER: Coffee, Hot Chocolate & Tea | HOT WATER: Coffee, Hot Chocolate & Tea | HOT WATER: Coffee, Hot Chocolate & Tea | ||
| DAY 3 | PORRIDGE: Rice Porridge (Congee)/ Oats Plain Omelette/ Boiled eggs, Beef or Chicken Sausages, Pancakes + Bread toast | APPETIZER: Tomato Soup / French Onions Soup | MAIN COURSE: Fried Potatoes with Vegetable Sauce & Fried Chicken SALAD: Mix Salad | APPETIZER: Sweet corn & Potatoes Soup |
| It will be provided to use on the way. | MAIN COURSE: Supergate with vegetable sauce & Mince Meat Sauce Mishkaki (BBQ- Cubed pieces of meat) | |||
| FRUITS: Papaya & Orange | FRUITS: Mangoes | Fruit Juice | ||
| HOT WATER: Coffee, Hot Chocolate & Tea | HOT WATER: Coffee, Hot Chocolate & Tea | HOT WATER: Coffee, Hot Chocolate & Tea | ||
| DAY 4 | PORRIDGE: Cassava or Oats Pancakes with Dill, Swahili Bagia, and Bread toast. | APPETIZER: Leek Soup | APPETIZER: Fresh green bean soup | MAIN COURSE: Margarita Pizza with fried Chicken and fried potatoes SALAD: Coleslaw Salad |
| PORRIDGE: Cassava or Oats Pancakes with Dill, Swahili Bagia, and Bread toast. | MAIN COURSE: Rice with Vegetable Sauce SALAD: Tomato & Cucumber | |||
| FRUITS: Mangoes | FRUITS: Papaya Mousse | FRUITS: Pineapple | ||
| HOT WATER: Coffee, Hot Chocolate & Tea | HOT WATER: Coffee, Hot Chocolate & Tea | HOT WATER: Coffee, Hot Chocolate & Tea | ||
| DAY 5 | Cereal, Toast, Bacon & Scramble Eggs or Spanish Omelette. | APPETIZER: Leek and Green Pepper Soup | Bites: Biscuits, Queen Cakes, Chocolate Bar & Apples | APPETIZER: Carrots & Ginger Soup |
| MAIN COURSE: Empanada Pie or Sandwich | MAIN COURSE: Macaroni / Pasta with Vegetable Sauce / Mushroom Sauce / Vegetable Stroganoff | |||
| FRUITS: Mangoes & Watermelon | FRUITS: Banana | FRUITS: Apple Crepe Suzette | ||
| HOT WATER: Coffee, Hot Chocolate & Tea | HOT WATER: Coffee, Hot Chocolate & Tea | HOT WATER: Coffee, Hot Chocolate & Tea | ||
| Summit Night | ||||
| DAY 6 | On the way to the summit Morning: Ginger tea | Vegetable Stew with Pancakes | APPETIZER: Fresh Vegetable Soup. MAIN COURSE: Rice Salad with Vegetable Curry | APPETIZER: Fresh Vegetable Soup. MAIN COURSE: Rice Salad with Vegetable Curry |
| FRUITS: Mangoes & Banana | FRUITS: Apple Crepe Honey | |||
| HOT WATER: Coffee, Hot Chocolate & Tea | HOT WATER: Coffee, Hot Chocolate & Tea | |||
| Day 7 | PORRIDGE: Oats Porridge, Cheese Omelette, Cinnamon Pancakes + Bread toast | French Fries with Fried Chicken SALAD: Mayonnaise Salad | Return to Arusha |
