Here are the best snacks for climbing Kilimanjaro

As you prepare for your epic journey to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, ensuring you have the right snacks is just as important as having the necessary equipment, a valid visa, and proper training. While drinking plenty of water remains crucial during your ascent, having energy-boosting snacks on hand can provide the necessary fuel to keep you going amidst the challenging terrain and altitude. So, what snacks should you bring for the journey up Kilimanjaro? Here’s your ultimate guide to selecting the best snacks for this adventure of a lifetime.

After purchasing gear and obtaining a visa, the next step is to buy snacks for the Kilimanjaro climb. While drinking enough water is crucial, it’s essential to bring snacks for energy and to maintain a healthy diet. Packet lunches provided by trekking companies are adequate, but they may not satisfy your hunger. As you’ll be using a lot of calories daily, especially at altitude, you need more than just white bread to sustain your energy. Snacks supplement lunches, compensate for unappetizing breakfasts and dinners, and provide a sense of familiarity in a foreign environment.

Altitude sickness can be mitigated by maintaining a balanced diet. Staying hydrated is crucial, but the foods you eat should complement that. Complex carbohydrates and hydration are essential for quick energy replacement. Carbs, sugar, and water should be consumed throughout the day, but avoid excessively fatty foods or dehydrating substances consumed in one sitting. There’s more to consider on diet at altitude, but these are the key points to remember.

Why Bring Snacks for Kilimanjaro?

While trekking firms provide meals, including lunch, dinner, and breakfast, the packed meals may not always be sufficient to sustain your energy levels throughout the day. Given the rigorous physical activity and higher calorie burn at altitude, bringing your own snacks serves as a supplement to the provided meals and ensures you have enough fuel to keep going. Additionally, snacks provide comfort and familiarity in an otherwise unfamiliar environment, offering a sense of home amidst the wilderness of Kilimanjaro.

A Quick Note on Altitude, Food, and Water

Maintaining proper hydration and nutrition is essential to mitigate altitude sickness and support your body’s performance. While water intake is crucial, your diet should also include carbohydrates and sugar to replenish energy levels. It’s important to avoid excessive consumption of fatty foods, alcohol, salt, and caffeine, as they can exacerbate altitude-related symptoms. Thus, snacks play a vital role in providing continuous energy and sustenance throughout your climb.

Do You Need to Bring Snacks for Kilimanjaro Climb?

While trekking companies provide all necessary food for the ascent, bringing personal snacks is not required but can be beneficial. The provided meals are designed to be high in carbohydrates, which are essential for energy at altitude. However, having some familiar snacks from home can provide extra calories and serve as a morale boost during the trek.

How Many Snacks Should You Bring?

If you choose to bring snacks, limit them to one or 1.5 items per day on the mountain, totaling no more than eight to twelve snacks for an eight-day climb. Bringing too many snacks can be unnecessary and add extra weight to your pack. Consider sharing your snacks with fellow climbers, guides, and porters to spread the joy and appreciation.

What Kind of Snacks Are the Best?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to the best snacks for Kilimanjaro, as personal preference plays a significant role. However, a variety of snacks is recommended to ensure flavor diversity and avoid taste fatigue. Consider packing snacks from the following categories:

When considering the best snacks for your Kilimanjaro climb, it’s important to recognize that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Personal preferences, dietary restrictions, and individual energy needs all factor into selecting the ideal snacks for your journey. However, incorporating a variety of snacks across different categories can help ensure that you have options to meet your nutritional needs and taste preferences while avoiding taste fatigue during your ascent.

Meal Replacements:

Meal replacement snacks such as protein bars, energy bars, and granola bars are convenient options that can serve as substitutes for traditional meals when hot meals are not available or appetizing. Packed with protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients, these bars provide sustained energy and help keep you feeling full and satisfied between meals:

Clif Bars: These popular energy bars come in a variety of flavors and are packed with protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients to keep you fueled during long treks.
RXBAR: Known for their simple ingredients and high protein content, RXBARs are a convenient option for meal replacement on the go.
KIND Bars: With a wide range of flavors and a focus on whole ingredients, KIND Bars are a nutritious choice for sustained energy during your climb.

Salty Snacks:

Salty snacks play a crucial role in replenishing sodium and electrolytes lost through sweat during strenuous physical activity. Trail mix, almonds, jerky, and pretzels are excellent choices for salty snacks, offering a satisfying crunch and a dose of essential minerals to keep your electrolyte levels balanced and your energy levels up.

Planters Trail Mix: A blend of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, Planters Trail Mix provides a satisfying crunch and a dose of essential nutrients to keep you going.
Blue Diamond Almonds: These lightly salted almonds are a portable and nutritious snack that can help replenish electrolytes lost through sweat.
Jack Link’s Beef Jerky: High in protein and conveniently packaged, beef jerky is a tasty and satisfying option for salty snacking on the trail.

Sugary Snacks:

Sugary snacks are valuable for providing quick energy boosts and lifting your mood during challenging moments on the mountain. Chocolate bars, dried fruits, and candies are excellent options for satisfying your sweet tooth and providing a rapid source of energy when you need it most. These snacks can help stave off fatigue and provide a much-needed morale boost during long days of trekking.

Snickers: Packed with caramel, nougat, peanuts, and chocolate, Snickers bars offer a delicious combination of sweetness and energy to keep you going during tough climbs.
Dried Mango: Naturally sweet and rich in vitamins and minerals, dried mango slices provide a burst of energy and are easy to pack and carry.
Haribo Goldbears: These classic gummy bears are a fun and tasty treat that can provide a quick boost of sugar and energy when you need it most.

Energy Snacks:

Energy snacks are specifically designed to provide immediate energy and hydration during intense physical exertion. Sports gels, energy chews, and electrolyte tablets are convenient options that deliver a concentrated dose of carbohydrates, electrolytes, and sometimes caffeine to fuel your muscles and replenish your fluids during strenuous activity. These snacks are particularly useful during steep ascents or challenging sections of the climb when you need a quick burst of energy to keep going.

GU Energy Gel: Available in a variety of flavors, GU Energy Gels are designed to provide a quick source of carbohydrates and electrolytes for sustained energy during endurance activities.
Clif Bloks: These chewable energy chews come in convenient, bite-sized packets and are packed with carbohydrates and electrolytes to fuel your climb.
Nuun Electrolyte Tablets: Dissolvable electrolyte tablets that can be added to water to provide a refreshing and hydrating drink with essential electrolytes for optimal performance.

By incorporating a variety of snacks from these categories into your pack, you can ensure that you have the necessary fuel to sustain your energy levels and keep you motivated throughout your Kilimanjaro climb. Experiment with different options during your training hikes to determine which snacks work best for you and make sure to pack a sufficient quantity to last the duration of your trek. With the right snacks on hand, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the challenges and enjoy the incredible experience of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

How much/many snacks should I bring with me?

Spend enough money on food to almost completely replace one meal every day. A couple of bars, one or two packs of jerky, a few packs of gummies, and a couple of energy gels are probably going to be required to meet this need daily. Pack enough juice crystal packets to last for at least two litres every day. Even if all of this is preferably supplemental, it is preferable to have an excessive amount rather than an insufficient amount. Bring an additional bar with you each day so that you may share it with your porters and guides. They are going to be thankful beyond measure. You are going to be astonished and delighted to witness something that is so tiny travel so far.

Kilimanjaro snack packing list

When it comes to packing snacks for your Kilimanjaro climb, it’s essential to ensure that you have enough to sustain you throughout each day of the trek. Here’s a breakdown of how much and what kind of snacks you should bring:

1-2 Bars per Day: Energy bars or granola bars are convenient and provide a quick source of energy. Aim to pack enough bars to replace at least one meal per day.
Few Packs of Jerky and Pepperoni Sticks: Jerky and pepperoni sticks are high in protein and can help satisfy hunger cravings. Pack a few packs to supplement your energy bars.
Few Packs of Gummies, Candy, and/or Chocolate: Sweet treats like gummies, candy, or chocolate can provide a much-needed sugar boost during the trek. Choose a variety of flavors and types to keep things interesting.
Energy Chews & Gels for Summit Night: Energy chews and gels are designed to provide a quick energy boost, making them ideal for summit night when you need extra stamina to reach the peak. Make sure to pack enough for the final push.
Enough Juice Crystals for 2L+ per Day: Staying hydrated is crucial during the climb, especially at high altitudes. Pack enough juice crystals or electrolyte powders to flavor at least 2 liters of water per day.
Extra Snacks for Porters & Guides: Consider bringing an extra bar per day to share with your porters and guides. They will appreciate the gesture, and it can go a long way in showing your appreciation for their hard work.

Bring Snacks You Love Eating at Home—Comfort Food

Ultimately, choose snacks that you enjoy and find comforting. Whether it’s almonds and dried mango or M&Ms and gummy bears, prioritize taste and familiarity over nutritional content. While the provided meals will meet your dietary needs, having snacks that bring you joy can make a significant difference during challenging moments on the mountain.

Finding the perfect snacks for your Kilimanjaro climb can make a big difference in keeping your energy levels up and your spirits high. Let’s explore some top snack options tailored for the trek:

Energy Bars & Granola Bars: Energy bars are a go-to choice for many hikers, providing a quick and convenient source of energy. Brands like LARABAR, Clif, KIND, Nutri-Grain, and Nature Valley offer a variety of flavors and ingredients to suit different tastes. It’s essential to pick bars with natural ingredients and to mix up flavors to avoid taste fatigue.

GORP & Trail Mix: Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts (GORP) or trail mix can be a satisfying snack on the trail, offering a mix of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. However, it’s crucial not to overconsume nuts, especially at altitude, due to their high-fat content. Balance nuts with carbohydrates for optimal energy.

Jerky, Vegan Jerky & Pepperoni Sticks: Jerky is a savory and protein-rich snack that can provide a welcome break from sweet treats. Opt for high-quality jerky brands like McSweeny’s or Grimm’s, or try vegan alternatives like Noble Jerky or Primal for a plant-based option.

Gummies, Energy Gummies, Candy & Chocolate: Indulge in some candy or chocolate for a sweet boost of energy during your climb. Gummies are particularly convenient and easy to eat on the go. Just be mindful that chocolate may freeze at low temperatures, so consider consuming it early or letting it melt in your mouth.

Energy Chews and Gels: Energy chews and gels are excellent options for summit night when you need a quick energy boost. Brands like Honey Stinger, GU, and CLIF offer a variety of flavors and formulations to keep you fueled during the final push to the summit.

Juice & Gatorade Powder: Stay hydrated and energized by adding juice or Gatorade powder to your water. These products provide essential carbohydrates and electrolytes to keep you going, even when your appetite is low.

When planning your snacks for the climb, aim to bring enough to replace at least one meal per day. Pack a variety of options to keep things interesting and share extras with your porters and guides as a gesture of appreciation. Remember, snacks play a vital role in your Kilimanjaro experience, so choose wisely and enjoy the journey to the summit!

Snacks to Avoid Bringing

While all climbs are fully supported, it’s important to be mindful of what snacks you bring to ensure they are practical and manageable. Avoid snacks that are excessively filling, spoiled, heavy, or require bulky packaging. Additionally, refrain from bringing caffeine or alcoholic beverages, as they can interfere with hydration and sleep.

Selecting the right snacks for your Kilimanjaro climb is a crucial aspect of your preparation. While there is no magic snack that guarantees success, having a variety of energy-boosting treats can provide the necessary fuel and comfort to conquer Africa’s tallest peak. With proper hydration, nutrition, and snacks, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges and embrace the adventure that awaits on Mount Kilimanjaro.