Kilimanjaro Camping Conditions

For anyone not taking the Marangu route to Mountain Kilimanjaro, sleeping in tents  is going to be a way of life on your journey to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Here are some things to expect during your time at Kilimanjaro campsites.

“During your trek, the assistant guides or cook will serve breakfast and dinner in the “mess tent.” While the meals are simple, they provide the necessary fuel to climb the mountain, and it’s crucial to eat as much as possible. Vegetarian options are available, and non-vegetarians can expect fish and chicken with some beef, which may be difficult to digest at higher altitudes. Breakfast includes millet-based porridge, fried eggs, toast with jam and butter, and your choice of coffee, tea, or Milo. Lunch and dinner start with a soup followed by a main dish like rice, pasta shells, spaghetti, or a hearty potato stew with sauce. Fresh fruit, including watermelon, bananas, and mangoes, are also served. One of our fellow trekkers brought hemp-based protein powder, which we all added to our breakfast porridge each morning and found it to be very helpful for maintaining our energy levels throughout the day, especially on summit day.”

Be prepared for basic bathroom facilities at the campsites, which may consist of a hole in the ground with enough space to balance your feet on both sides or rocks near your tent. Squat toilets are the norm, so if you’ve never used one before, it’s important to familiarize yourself with this type of toilet. Unfortunately, apart from special single-tent toilets provided by RASHAD ADVENTURE, squat toilets are the only option available at the campsites.

Clean water will be available for refilling your water bottles and camel backs after breakfast and dinner every night. Simply bring your empty containers to the mess tent, and an assistant guide will refill them for you. Water tablets are not necessary.