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How much does it cost to climb Kilimanjaro?

What Does a Kilimanjaro Climb Cost? The cost to climb Kilimanjaro is between $2,000–$6,000 per climber, depending on which Kilimanjaro Routes you select. Keep in mind that this cost does not include airfare or personal gear. Before making the decision to climb Kilimanjaro, it’s essential to thoroughly evaluate the financial impact. Neglecting this aspect is a common oversight, and we strongly advise against doing so.

Park Fees        

  • Conservation fees: $ 70 per day. This is collected from every client for maintenance, ranger’s payment, and other daily cost.
  • (Paid per trek) 20$ per person. Paid just in case you may need or require a rescue operation.
  • Camping or Hut fees are $ 60 for Marangu per night and $ 50 for all other Kilimanjaro Camping Routes. Charged for using the camps or huts available on the Mountain.
  • Crew fees $ 2 per crew per trek
  • VAT Tax 18%this is a general consumption tax that is placed on goods and services whenever value is added at any stage of production.

Kilimanjaro Crew Wages – wages will be paid to the crew (porters, guide, cook, assistant guide); however, these costs are variable as the crew will increase relatively lower ass group size increase.

Minimum wage requirement for Kilimanjaro hike crew

  • Main guide $ 20 Per day
  • Assistance Guide $ 15 Per day
  • Cook $ 15 Per day
  • Porters $ 10 Per day

Food: $ 20-$ 30 per day per climber, including the staff

Camping equipment

There are also costs associated with wear and tear on camping equipment. Such as Sleeping tents, mess tents, cookers, kitchenware; tables, camping chairs, and other essential items. ($ 30 – $ 50 per climber per trip) depending on the group size

Transportation. Transportation to & from the hiking trail from & to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, this cost is also variable ($ 100 – 200) depending on the route.

Administrative Cost for arranging your climb: Administrative costs

The company does incur administrative costs, which can’t be directly traced to the cost. Examples are leases, other taxes, and salaries. Marketing etc.

  • Estimated average commission of a tour operator: 15-30%.

However, no fixed cost is yet known as to how much is needed to pay for Kilimanjaro Climb; the cost is highly influenced by multiple factors. In our advice, do not run to those companies offering the lowest Kilimanjaro Climbing Costs, as a result, you may receive the worst service ever. just relax and consider the following factors so that you can plan your budget accordingly.

Factors Affecting Kilimanjaro Climb Cost:

Different factors affect the price of Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro; prices range from 1500$-5000$ and above. The cost of climbing Kilimanjaro depends on a few primary factors.

  • Climber’s preference: Budget versus luxury climbing.
  • Group size: the cost for solo climber versus group climbers.
  • The route chosen: Short route versus long route and its facilities.
  • Number of days spent on climbing Kilimanjaro: Case study of 5-days versus 9-days climbing.
  • Tour operators’ own price

The Kilimanjaro Climb Cost Includes

  • Private airport transfers on arrival and depart day
  • 2 Nights’ accommodation in a standard lodge in Moshi town (on arrival and departure day, Bed and breakfast)
  • Non-personal camping equipment
  • Private transport to and from the Mountain gate
  • Food (3 meals a day, snacks, purified water, and fruits)
  • Park fees, accommodation fee, and rescue fee +18% VAT
  • Salary to guides, cook, and the member of the crew (porters)

The Kilimanjaro Climb Cost Excludes

  • Personal expenses
  • Private toilet
  • Additional day stay or any additional tour activities not covered on the package.
  • Tipping for the crew.

Let us see an example of Machame, Rongai, or Lemosho Routes,7 Days/6 nights Climb Cost Breakdown

  • Kilimanjaro Park Fees
Estimated Park fees per person in a group of 2 climbers, For Machame, Rongai, or Lemosho Routes (7days/6 Nights Climb).
Fee PayablePer day Per Person (US$)Per Person per trip (7days)
Conservation fees70490
Camping fees50300
Rescue fees (Per person per Trip)2020
Guides & Porters (12/2= 6 per @ climber)212
Total amount before Tax822
Value Added Tax (VAT) 18% 147.96
Overall Park fees per person969.66

Crew Wages

After park fees and taxes, the other significant expenses are crew wages; while the rates paid (and charged to the client) may vary, all reputable Tanzanian trekking outfitters have wage systems for their climbing crews. A guide usually receives USD 20-50 per day, a cook – USD 15-20, and a porter – USD 8-10, adding to the total cost to climb Mt Kilimanjaro. The final total will, therefore hinge upon the size of the crew necessary to serve the total number of climbers and attain a satisfactory level of comfort expected on the climb—tips, determined by the client’s experience while trekking, are also appreciated.

Estimated Crew Wages, in a group of 2 climbers for 7days/6 Nights Climb).

CrewRequired NumberPer day Per Crew (US$)Total Per Crew per trip (7days)
Lead Guide120140
Assistant Guide115105
Cook115105
Porter910630
Total Crew wages US$ 980 
Total per Climber US$ 490 
  • Food
  • Estimated US$ 22 per climber per day (includes food for crew)
  • Total per Climber US$ 154
  • Transportation
  • Transport to/from the hiking trail
  • Average cost per Climber US$ 75
  • Camping equipment

There are also costs associated with wear and tear on camping equipment. Such as Sleeping tents, mess tents, cookers, and kitchenware; tables, and other essential items.

  • Average Costs are: US$ 50 per Climber
  • Accommodation before and after a Kilimanjaro climbing
  • Three (3*) Star Hotel in Moshi US$ 80 per Climber (per sharing room)
  • Round trip transfer to the airport Round trip transfer to the airport
  • Average cost is; US$ 60 per person
  • Administrative Cost for arranging your climb
  • Estimated minimum average commission of a tour operator: 15%

Total Cost of Kilimanjaro Climb Per Climber

Service
Total expenses of the expedition per person (in US$)
All Park Fees
969.66
Crew Wages
490
Food
154
Transport to/from hike trail
75
Camping equipment
50
Accommodation before and after a Kilimanjaro climbing
80
Round trip transfer to the airport Round trip transfer to the airport
50
Total before administrative commission
1,868.66
Administrative Cost for arranging your climb (Minimum average 15%)
280.2
The total cost of the trip per person
2,148.9

As you can see from the above illustrations, the price that one can reasonably expect to receive in a quote for Machame, Lemosho, or Rongai for a 7-day trek is around 2,148 US$ per climber in a group of two.

However, for group tours, some costs that are fixed will be shared, hence reducing your overall cost. however, the cost can’t go less than 1,950 US$ without compromising the crew’s wages as government park fees are impossible to compromise.

Note: Park fees + VAT 18% cannot under any circumstance be reduced, avoided, or evaded. Other cost reductions will reduce the quality of the service or, more commonly.

Overall, you can expect Kilimanjaro Climb Cost between $2000 and $5000, taking everything into consideration. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is not a trip where you should seek the cheapest options; your health, safety, and experience are dependent on you spending a bit of money. Start your Kilimanjaro Climbing with Kilele Climb today!

Kilimanjaro private & group tour prices 2022 – 2023

Group prices are only possible when a solo climber decides to join a group or if you are in a party of 4 or more.

Discounts:

  • Groups of 4 people and above incur group savings. Please inquire for custom quotes
  • Treks in April, May, and November qualify for a $60 per person discount.

Extra Charges:

  • $350/person for an extra night on the mountain for groups of 2+
  • Oxygen and hyperbaric pressure bags are available for an additional fee.
  • Extra porters (for camera gear, etc.) – $20/day
  • Private Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for 150 US$ per unit; one can be shared between 2-4 people.
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