How Much Does It Cost to Climb Kilimanjaro?
Climbing Kilimanjaro costs from about USD 1,800 to USD 4,000 per person with a reputable operator, depending on the route, the length of the climb, the group size and the level of service. Our packages currently run from USD 1,910 to USD 3,647 per person.
Climbing Kilimanjaro costs from about USD 1,800 to USD 4,000 per person with a reputable operator, depending on the route, the length of the climb, the group size and the level of service. Our packages currently run from USD 1,910 to USD 3,647 per person.
A large part of the cost is not negotiable: Kilimanjaro National Park fees are set by the government, are paid per day and add up to a large share of the price. Here is a breakdown so you can compare operators fairly.
Where the money goes
These are the main costs behind a Kilimanjaro climb price.
- Park fees: conservation, camping or hut and rescue fees paid to Kilimanjaro National Park, per person per day
- Crew wages: guides, assistant guides, cooks and porters, who carry the equipment and food
- Food and equipment: meals, tents, mattresses, cooking gear and oxygen
- Transport: transfers to the gate, hotel nights before and after the climb
- Operator costs: licences, insurance, vehicles and an office
Why the route changes the price
Park fees are charged per day, so a longer climb costs more. A 9 day Northern Circuit climb costs far more than a 5 day Marangu climb because of the extra days of park fees, crew and food. The extra days also raise your chance of summiting, so a longer climb is often better value.
Be careful with very cheap offers
Very low prices usually mean the crew is not paid fairly, the food is poor or the operator does not pay the full park fees. Cheap operators often have poorly equipped crews and fewer safety checks. Ask for the list of what is included, the number of porters per climber and how the crew is paid. Read our guide to choosing a safari company for the questions to ask, which apply equally to mountain operators.
Tips for the crew
Tips are not included in the climb price and are an important part of the crew’s income. We recommend a total of about USD 250 to USD 350 per climber for the whole crew, shared between the head guide, assistant guides, cook and porters in line with their roles. We explain how to hand it over before the climb.
Other costs to budget for
Plan for these costs beyond the package price:
- International flights to Kilimanjaro or Dar es Salaam, and a Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance that covers high altitude trekking and evacuation
- Gear purchases or rental: sleeping bag, boots, jackets and poles
- Hotel nights before and after the climb
- Tips for the mountain crew
Why group size changes the price
The cost of guides, assistant guides and a cook is shared between the climbers in a group. A group of four pays less per person than a couple on the same route. We offer group pricing for four or more climbers, and we can also match solo climbers to a joining group on certain dates.
Equipment rental costs
If you do not own a sleeping bag, down jacket, trekking poles or boots, you can rent them in Arusha or Moshi. Rental prices are modest, and it can be wise to rent expensive items you will only use once. We check your kit before the climb and advise on what to buy and what to rent.
Is Kilimanjaro worth the cost?
For most climbers it is the trip of a lifetime. The cost covers a team of up to a dozen people looking after you for a week in a harsh environment, and the park fees that fund the national park. A fair price protects the crew and your safety.
Kilimanjaro prices by route
Prices are per person, including park fees, crew, meals and transfers.
- 6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure via Marangu Route (6 Days / 5 Nights, from USD 1,910 per person) The classic Coca-Cola Route offering comfortable communal hut accommodations and optimal acclimatization.
- 5 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via Umbwe Route (5 Days / 4 Nights, from USD 2,141 per person) The steepest, most direct path to Uhuru Peak for fit and experienced trekkers seeking a rapid alpine challenge.
- 6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure via Machame Route (6 Days / 5 Nights, from USD 2,484 per person) The scenic Whiskey Route condensed for fit trekkers with strong endurance and high stamina.
- 6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure via Umbwe Route (6 Days / 5 Nights, from USD 2,484 per person) The optimized steep western approach with an extra acclimatization night at Karanga Camp.
- 7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure via Machame Route (7 Days / 6 Nights, from USD 2,762 per person) The premier 7-day Whiskey Route with a dedicated acclimatization night at Karanga Camp.
- 7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure via Rongai Route (7 Days / 6 Nights, from USD 2,762 per person) The only northern approach starting near Kenya, offering drier trails, solitude, and Mawenzi views.
- 7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure via Lemosho Route (7 Days / 6 Nights, from USD 2,787 per person) The scenic western route traversing pristine wilderness and Shira Plateau with high summit success.
- 8-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Adventure via Lemosho Route (8 Days / 7 Nights, from USD 3,136 per person) The gold-standard Kilimanjaro route featuring unmatched acclimatization, dual Shira camps, and 95%+ success rate.
- 9 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Adventure via Northern Circuit Route (9 Days / 8 Nights, from USD 3,452 per person) The ultimate 360° mountain traverse with maximum solitude and the highest summit success rate (~98%).
- 10 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Via Lemosho Route, Day Summit (10 Days / 9 Nights, from USD 3,647 per person) The most scenic Kilimanjaro route over 10 days, with excellent acclimatization and a daylight summit of Uhuru Peak.
- 10 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Via Northern Circuit Route, Day Summit (10 Days / 9 Nights, from USD 3,647 per person) Kilimanjaro’s longest and most gradual route: remote northern slopes, the best acclimatization profile and a daylight summit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to climb Kilimanjaro?
The 5 or 6 day Marangu route is usually the lowest cost because of the shorter duration. We do not recommend the cheapest operators, as safety and crew welfare suffer.
Are park fees included?
Yes. Our prices include all Kilimanjaro National Park fees and rescue fees.
How much should I tip?
We suggest about USD 250 to USD 350 per climber in total for the whole crew on a 7 day climb, depending on group size. We will give you a full guide before the climb.
Is the price lower in a group?
Yes. Larger groups share the cost of guides and equipment, so the price per person falls.
Do you offer discounts for groups?
Yes. Prices fall as the group grows, and we can quote for groups of four or more.