Climbing Kilimanjaro does not come cheap, and you can expect your trip to cost between $3000 and $6000 (this includes flights and other expenses like visas, insurance and rental gear). Still, this is significantly cheaper compared to the cost to climb Mt. Everest.
The cheapest option may not always be the best option.
The cost will vary based on which route you choose to take, how many days you choose to spend on the mountain and the size of your group, but here is a rough breakdown of the costs, so you are aware of where your money will be going.
Real Costs of Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
1. How to Choose a Guide
The cost of the climb itself can vary between $1,500 and $4,000, this number includes the Kilimanjaro National Park fees which will amount to about $800 for a 6 night/5-day camping trek or about $130 per trekking day, and it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option.
But it is recommended that you don’t choose a package that is less than $1,700 as you get what you pay for. Trekking agencies will cut costs by reducing the wages for the porters and guides who work hard to make your trip a success. Kilimanjaro climbs that cost less are guaranteed to have cut corners.
If you need help with choosing a tour operator, we have developed a trusted relationship with the best operator on the mountain.
The Kilimanjaro climb can be dangerous and in order to make sure you have the safest most pleasant climb possible, it is important to have well paid porters and guides.
The larger the group, the lower the price per person.
As mentioned previously the cost is also dependent on the route you will be taking, the more scenic and less crowded routes will be more expensive.
It is also more expensive to book your climb from overseas rather than booking when you enter Tanzania. With that said, booking in advance gives you the opportunity to do adequate research and make sure you are prepared and will actually be able to climb. 90% of climbs are booked in advance outside of the country.
Please Note: This cost may not always include your accommodation before and after you have completed the climb.
2. Visa, Vaccinations, Insurance, and More
You can expect to pay between $300-$500 for Visas, vaccinations, insurance etc for your Kilimanjaro climb. Visas are definitely a requirement if you plan on climbing Mt Kilimanjaro and can be purchased once you arrive in Tanzania. Your visa will cost between $50-$100.
Due to the nature of the Kilimanjaro climb you will also have costs such as rescue fees at $20.
It is recommended you also get hiking insurance for high altitudes, trekking accidents, off mountain illnesses and accidents, theft and other considerations which will also cost between $100-$200 depending.
You will be required to get certain vaccinations such as Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A and B, Rabies, Diphtheria, tetanus, polio and typhoid. These vaccinations will also come at cost, but they are necessary.
You will also have to take precautions against malaria as Tanzania is a high-risk malaria area.
3. Hiking Equipment
Buying or hiring equipment will cost you between $200 and $500. It is important you have quality equipment to increase your chances of successfully reaching the summit.
You need clothing that will keep you warm and dry in even the worst weather conditions, this will not come cheap.
Other equipment can include equipment for the kitchen, mess tent and more which tour agencies may not include in order to cut costs.
Check out our full list of gear to climb Kilimanjaro.
4. Flights
You can expect to pay $800-$1000 for flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport, Dar es Salam or Nairobi. Obviously, this price can vary depending on where you are flying from and where you are flying to.
5. Tips
Tipping is a compulsory tradition on every Kilimanjaro climb. Tips range from $200-$300 per person depending on the size of the group and the number of days spent on the mountain.
The tips are presented to the mountain crew at the end of the climb.
Tipping is important. As mentioned above, trekking agencies often reduce wages of the mountain crew in order to cut costs and many of the guides and porters do not have permanent employment on the mountain and are often freelancers. These people make sure you get to the summit safely and comfortably and it is important that you acknowledge this by tipping them.
6. Pro Tips
You also need to make concessions for unplanned costs, such as extra food, travel and accommodation that your tour agency may not include.
So, it is important for you to allocate about $200 to any unforeseen additional expenses to make sure you are not stranded and without certain necessities.
7. Accommodation Before and After the Climb
The accommodation before and after your climb should be included in your package. But in case it is not included, directly booking a 3-star hotel in Moshi will cost between $100-$120. If it is included in the package, it will cost between $80-$90.
Overall, you can expect to spend between $3000 and $6000 taking everything into consideration. This 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.
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