Costs

The cost of a Kilimanjaro trek can vary widely, from around $1000 (USD) per person at the low end, to $5000+ at the high end, depending on the number of days and level of service. (Note that US dollars are the working currency of most Kilimanjaro tour operators).

Some out of date guidebooks give a price range of $500-600... this is no longer possible as the park fees (which make up a large part of the cost) have been substantially increased in the last few years. You can see the current park fees at the Tanzania Parks website. Here's a breakdown of mandatory park fees for a 5 day trek (as of August 2008):

Entry permit: $60 per day x 5 days = $300
Camping or hut fees: $50 per day x 5 days = $250
Rescue fees: $20 per trip
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Total park fees = $570

In addition to this, the cost of your climb will usually include:

• Salaries and park fees for your guide, porters, cook
• Food
• Use of equipment
• Transport to and from the trailhead
• Office expenses and profit for the tour company

Tipping is customary on Kilimanjaro (and the porters and guides rely on tips to feed their families). The amount is at your discretion, but budget at least an extra 10% for tips.

Obviously costs will increase with the number of days spent on the mountain (but so will your chance of acclimatizing and actually reaching the summit!). Some of the other things that may be included with a more expensive package include:

• "Luxury" items like folding tables and chairs, mess tents, private toilet and even shower tents
• Higher end equipment (e.g. tents with zippers and insect screens that actually work!)
• Emergency and safety equipment (e.g. pulse oximeter, gamow bag, satellite phone, ...)
• Better food
• Hotel accomodation before and after the climb
• Pickup and dropoff at the airport
• More experienced / better trained guides
• A "western" guide (who may have additional mountaineering training and experience as well as internationally recognized Mountain Guide qualifications) in addition to the required Tanzanian guide
• Glossy brochures and full page magazine ads
• Offices in more expensive places such as the US or Europe
• etc.

For some people, these are unnecessary expenses, while others will gladly pay for them. In short, you have to decide what level of service you want, and how much time you can afford to spend on the mountain.