Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is the dream vacation for many people visiting East Africa.
The giant ice-capped peak is the wonder of the world. Standing firm at 5,895 meters above the African sky”
There are different routes for Mount Kilimanjaro. Each route offers a different challenge to climbers.
The good news is Mount Kilimanjaro is the only Mountain that allows every kind of climber to reach the top.
Whether you’re a beginner, an intermediate trekker, or an experienced mountaineer. There is always a perfect route for you.
The question is: How much does it cost to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
The climbing cost for Mount Kilimanjaro is determined by different factors.
The route you take and the number of days you spend climbing.
Climbing Kilimanjaro can cost around $1,500 to $6,000 or more.
Per person. If you climb solo expect the cost to be higher than climbing with a group.
There are sharing cost benefits if you’re climbing Kilimanjaro with a group.
The good news the estimate you see above is for all-inclusive packages. Offered by tour operators in Tanzania.
Each package covers full board accommodation on the mountain.
Crew salaries, climbing fees, porters, professional mountain guides.
Tents/ huts and all accommodation for pre or post-climbing. Either in Moshi or Arusha
A big portion of the cost you pay covers your Kilimanjaro climbing cost and this amount is paid to the government.
All these costs are inclusive of the final price you receive from tour operators. Let’s have a look at the breakdown of the expenses
Kilimanjaro climb expenses breakdown on average (per person per day):
Conservation fees per day (all routes)
(a) US$70 for or above the age of 16 years
(b) US$20 between the ages of 5 and 15 years
Public Campsite Fee per Night
(a) US$50 for or above the age of 16 years
(b) US$10 between the ages of 5 and 15 years
Hut Fee
(a) US$60 per night (of or above the age of 16 years)
(b) US$20 per night (between the age of 5 and 15 years)
Rescue Fee
-US$20 per person per trip
The above cost is exclusive of 18% VAT
Staff, transportation, etc. = $80 to $150
Food = $15 to $30
Other administrative costs and extra expenses including special beverages or
orders not included in the package
Recommended tipping for the team on Mount Kilimanjaro. (per person per day)
$20 per guide, per day.
$15 per cook, per day.
$10 per porter per day.
Is it possible to climb Kilimanjaro without a guide?
The answer is NO.
It’s directives from the government of Tanzania with KINAPA. ( Kilimanjaro National Park Authority).
It’s mandated that no climb should be done without registered licensed guides. and the climbing permit should be requested by tour operators.
All climbers to Kilimanjaro should have proper camping gear and cooking equipment.
They are also required to have porters and other relevant members of the support crew.
Some tour operators offer cheaper packages that involve fewer members of the crew.
This cheaper package usually does not include porters. So trekkers have to carry more things.
The weight limit that each trekker is allowed to carry is 12kg.
This is for the safety of each traveler as well as a higher chance of reaching the summit.
Avoid cheap operators at any cost for your climbing safety on Mount Kilimanjaro.
When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
The weather in Kilimanjaro is very unpredictable.
But it is better to know the common weather of the mountain before you decide to book your tour.
The dry season is a good time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro because you will enjoy nature and a good view.
The dry season is from December through the beginning of March. and from late June through the end of October, June to December.
The peak season is from August to September and the heavy rainy season is from the end of March to the middle of May
What are the Climbing routes for Mount Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro offers six routes to its peak.
However 5 out of 6 are the best climbing routes for climbing while the Mweka route is for descending from other routes.
Knowing the climbing routes is ideal for you to pick the right one.
You have to consider your level of experience, budget, and of course your schedule.
If you are traveling with other climbers. You also have to mind their preferences and experience.
How many days do you need for Kilimanjaro Climbing?
Trek lengths range from 5 days to 10, but most guides recommend at least 6 days ton8
give ample time for acclimatization. Here are the available routes to Kilimanjaro:
Marangu Route
Marangu Route is also known as the Coca-Cola route. Marangu is the Park Headquarters of Kilimanjaro National Park.
The Marangu Route begins in the southeast and approaches Uhuru Peak via Gilman’s Point. It is possible to climb via the Marangu route for 5 days or 6 days.
Is the only route that offers hut accommodation for the entire climb. But also uses the same trail for both ascending and descending.
This route is the best for hikers who don’t prefer steeper paths. But it is better to keep in mind that the summit night is always steeper.
One of the attractions you can see on the Marangu route is the Mahundi crater and zebra rocks.
Book now for 6 Days Marangu climbing package
Machame Route
The Machame route is also known as the Whisky route. Machame Route is one of the most popular routes on Mount Kilimanjaro.
This route is very scenic, providing hikers with incredible views and varying landscapes.
The Machame route is difficult compared to the rest routes except the Umbwe route. Where both routes’ climbers are able to ascend the Barranco Wall.
The Machame route is the best of all routes and good for climbers who are fit with climbing experience.
Climbers use a different route for descending. The Mweka Route is on the southeast side of the mountain.
You can climb Kilimanjaro via the Machame route for 6 days or 7 days depending on time, budget, or fitness. One of the attractions you can see on the Machame route is the Shira caves.
Book now for 7 Days Machame route climbing package
Lemosho Route
Lemosho is the most beautiful route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Visitors start hikes in the rainforest and cross the spectacular Shira Plateau.
It combines with the Machame route to the southern circuit. The route has a longer distance to cover in the rainforest ecosystem than other routes.
Climbers through the Lemosho route meet with other climbers from the Machame route. The meeting point is the junction that leads to the Lava Tower.
Climbers who want to spend many days on the mountain should use the Lemosho route. This route offers eight (8) and seven (7) days of climbing.
This is one of the best-recommended routes for altitude acclimatization. Is the route with a high success rate for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing.
Check out for 7 Days Lemosho Route Climbing
Umbwe Route
The Umbwe Route is the most difficult route but very short. This route is less traveled by Mount Kilimanjaro climbers.
This route was before used to pass through Western Breach and Arrow’s Glacier path to the summit. But due to a tragic rock fall, the approach via the Western Breach closed.
One (1) year later reopened but due to its difficulty and safety risks, it is not well recommended. Instead, the Umbwe Route now joins the Machame Route at Barranco camp.
This route offers a six-day or seven-day climb for Mount Kilimanjaro.
It follows the southern circuit to the summit and descends through the Mweka Route.
Rongai Route
Rongai Route starts from the North-East and passes through the Saddle. Which is situated between Kibo and Mawenzi Peak to approach the summit via Gilman’s Point.
The Rongai route descends via the Marangu Route. The Rongai Route is flatter than the other Kilimanjaro routes. But because of its profile, it does not offer trekkers good options to climb high and sleep low.
Rongai is very beautiful as it passes through the rainforest and remote wilderness. Yet it is not as varied as Machame and Lemosho. It is possible to climb for 6 days or 7 days.
Check out for 6 Days Rongai route climbing
Mweka Route
Mweka is the shortest route from a road head to the summit. It is a special descending route for hikers from Machame, Lemosho, and Umbwe routes.
Not only that but also this route is useful for re-supplying fresh food to Karanga camp or Basecamp.
Mweka route has two (2)campsites. The first campsite from the base camp is Millennium, and the last campsite on the way down to the gate is Mweka. The accommodation on the way up and down is camping with mobile tents carried by porters.
What is the extra cost of Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing?
International flights
Flights to and from Tanzania take up a large fraction of the travel budget. Check the airlines available in your departure country.
Many flights are one- or two-stop flights. Here’s a secret tip: try booking early and take advantage of ongoing promotions.
Visa
Like traveling to any other country, you need a visa to travel to Tanzania. Some citizens who belong to visa-exempt countries may get their visas upon arrival.
Single-entry visas on arrival cost $50 for most countries and $100 for US passport holders. Multiple-entry visas on arrival cost $100 and transit visas are $30, valid for 14 days.
Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Equipment
To trek a mountain like Kilimanjaro, you need to be properly geared up. The important gear you need to bring includes good-quality hiking boots.
Extreme weather sleeping bag, duffel bag, walking poles. Layered clothing, headlamp, daypack, and insulated water bottles.
If you already have some of this equipment, you’ve saved a lot of money.
If not, make sure you buy reliable equipment. Prices vary depending on the brand. Quality, and other factors like sales and promotions.
Vaccination and medications
When entering Tanzania, you are advised to get a Yellow Fever vaccination card.
This costs around $100 (£72) for a shot if you are coming from any of the countries with a risk of Yellow Fever Virus.
Other than that, the CDC does not recommend getting a vaccine unless you are staying for a long time. Or you’re going to be exposed to mosquitoes.
Other vaccinations that are recommended are routine vaccines.
Such as MMR (Measles Mumps Rubella) vaccine and DPT (Diphtheria Polio Tetanus) booster. As well as Hepatitis A vaccination.
Also, bear in mind that Tanzania is a known malaria area.
Although trekking up the mountain lowers your risk, it’s better to be on the safe side.
You can bring malaria tablets and maintain precautions by using mosquito repellents.
Wear clothes that cover your extremities, and stay indoors after dusk.
Pre-post climbing Food and Accommodation
Food and accommodation outside the mountain (before and after the climb).
It may or not be provided by the tour operator. especially if you plan to stay longer in Tanzania.
Rates will depend on your type of accommodation. The place you are going to stay in (Moshi and Arusha provide pretty cheap rates).
And the number of days of stay and the season of your travel.
Safari add-on for Mount Kilimanjaro
If you plan to have other activities like safari drives and other park visits, you need to set aside some money for that.
Depending on what you plan to do or where you plan to go, prices can go as low as $200 and as high as over $1000 per person per day.
Miscellaneous
These expenses, especially unforeseen ones are inevitable on any trip.
Miscellaneous includes public transportation which costs around $1.60 per hour.
For local buses and minibusses (Dalla-Dalla), and higher prices for luxury buses.
Conclusion
Mount Kilimanjaro is not only Africa’s highest mountain but also the iconic figure of Africa.
We hope this article provides you with insights into the cost of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
With this knowledge, you can make an informed decision about whether to seek further information or proceed with booking for Kilimanjaro trip.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today for more details.
If you would like to book now, these are the best packages for Mount Kilimanjaro
