WHAT ARE THE BEST SNACKS TO HAVE WHEN CLIMBING KILIMANJARO?
We take care of your nutrition needs during your Kilimanjaro adventure. You will enjoy three delicious and warm meals every day. Our meals are balanced with protein, carbohydrates, and fat, but we emphasize carbs more because they help you cope with the high altitude better.
We also provide afternoon snacks like peanuts, popcorn, cookies, and chips. You don’t have to bring your snacks, but it’s up to you if you want to and our porters are ready to help you.
Feel free to bring your favorite snacks and ones you feel comfortable with, just keep a few guidelines in mind:
- opt for snacks that are not too bulky or messy, like bagels or popcorn, to keep things tidy.
- Choose snacks that won’t spoil easily, especially if you’re planning to spend a lot of time outdoors.
- Consider lighter options to make carrying them easier, especially if you have to hike or walk around.
- Use containers that are sturdy and won’t break or leak to avoid any accidents.
- Minimize waste by avoiding foods that come in cans, which you’ll need to carry out with you.
- While you can enjoy your favorite caffeinated treats, be mindful not to overdo it to ensure a good night’s sleep.
- Lastly, remember that alcohol is not allowed in the park, so it’s best to leave it at home.
With these simple tips in mind, you can still enjoy your snacks while being considerate of your surroundings and fellow park visitors.
1: Meal Replacements
Having meal replacement options like protein bars, energy bars, granola bars, and powders can be useful in certain situations. For instance, if you feel unwell during mealtime and skip a regular meal, you can rely on these replacements to get the nutrition you need when you start feeling better. Also, if you find that the hot meals provided aren’t to your liking, these meal replacements can be a tasty alternative.
2: Salty Snacks
Cravings for salty foods are common when you’ve been sweating and losing sodium. That’s why it’s a great idea to bring along snacks like trail mix, nuts, pretzels, jerky, and Pringles. These treats not only satisfy your salt cravings but also help replenish other important electrolytes like magnesium, calcium, and potassium.
3: Sweet Snacks
Treating yourself to some sweet snacks can be a real mood booster during your trip. Whether it’s hard candy, chocolate bars, or dried fruit, these delightful treats can provide a midday pick-me-up or a delicious after-dinner indulgence. Sugar has a way of lifting spirits and giving a temporary feeling of happiness through the release of endorphins.
4: Energy Snacks
When you need a quick burst of energy, energy snacks like sports gels, energy gels, Sport Beans, Cliff Blokes, or GU Chews can be a lifesaver. Packed with sugars and sometimes caffeine, they provide a fast and efficient way to boost your energy levels. Since they are low in fat, fiber, and protein, they’re easily digested and can give you the fuel you need when you’re on the go.
5: Electrolytes
To help your body recover and stay well-hydrated, it’s essential to replenish lost electrolytes like potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium during exercise. Products like Gatorade packets, Nuun brand tablets, and GU Hydration tablets are designed specifically for this purpose. Having one serving in the evening can be beneficial for your post-activity recovery.
In conclusion, Snacks are optional, so you can choose not to bring any if you prefer. But if you decide to bring snacks, make sure to limit the number of meal replacements, salty snacks, and sweet snacks to only 1 or 1.5 per day while on the mountain. Bringing three or four of these types of snacks per day is too much for one person along with regular meals. Overpacking snacks might leave you with a lot of leftovers at the end of your trip. So, it’s best to bring just the right amount to enjoy without any waste.
Read here 12 tips to successfully climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
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