When people think about backpacking and camping, the Kilimanjaro Food that comes to mind usually involves unappetizing dehydrated food packages and unhealthy powdered mixes. On Mount Kilimanjaro, could not be farther from reality. Up here, you eat real food and lots of it.

Supplying your body with continuous calories is an important factor in successfully climbing Kilimanjaro. While an average person on a typical workday burns around 2,500 calories, a hiker on Kilimanjaro can burn 6,000 to 8,000 calories a day! In order to keep well fuelled, you have to eat. Our mountain chefs are brilliant at what they do. The taste and variety of the menu items is very impressive. We regularly receive glowing feedback from our clients that they were pleasantly surprised at how good the food was and how it really helped them in their quest for the summit.

It is well known that eating a high-carb diet is best for boosting endurance. In general, carbohydrates replace depleted muscle glycogen, prevent muscle deterioration, and require less oxygen for metabolism.

At high elevations, this effect is even more pronounced. When exposed to altitude, there is a shift in the body’s energy source from fat to carbohydrates. Carbs require 8-10% less oxygen for metabolism than protein or fats.
Researchers have found that people naturally increase their carbohydrate consumption when at high elevations, presumably as a response to the low oxygen in the environment.
We, at Shangwe Safaris can accommodate various dietary requirements. Our cooks can prepare food for vegetarians and vegans and people with food allergies and intolerances. All we ask is to please let us know in advance either via email or directly on the booking form.