How much does it cost to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro?

Written by: Felix Abel, Local Expert

The cost of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro ranges from about $1,500 to $7,000 per person, averaging approximately $4,000 a person. There are scores of tour operators offering cheap Kilimanjaro climbs that skimp on safety to save money. There are also larger operators who outsource the experience which often comes with an inflated price.

If you’re looking for a cheap Kilimanjaro climb but also want to ensure a basic level of quality equipment and safety measures, it’s best to book with a reputable, local tour operator.

If it seems like the price you are quoted is extremely inexpensive, you might want to ask some probing questions. 

Why is it so cheap? 

Is the company paying its staff and porters a fair wage? 

Is it following the necessary safety precautions? 

There are some unavoidable costs to any climb so if the price you’re given from budget operators seems too cheap, it likely means something is amiss.  

Can you climb Kilimanjaro for free?

It’s essentially impossible to climb Kilimanjaro for free. This is because you cannot climb Kilimanjaro without a registered guide and porters to carry your gear, both of whom require payment. What’s more, there are Kilimanjaro National Park fees for climbers that amount to a minimum of $800 alone.

The only remote possibility that might allow you to climb Kilimanjaro for free is if you get a large group of friends to hike with you, each of whom is willing to pay for their hike.  Some Kilimanjaro tour operators may offer you a discount, or a free trip, because you have brought them such a large climbing party.

In other words, the work you’ve done to organize the group is essentially your payment and the tour operator is so happy to have the business that they allow you to climb without paying.  

What is the cheapest way to climb Kilimanjaro?

Be careful about trying to climb Kilimanjaro cheaply. If you are looking to get a discount, you may want to climb during the low season where there are fewer climbers on the mountain. The low season runs from March to June as these are the wettest months of the year on Kilimanjaro and not exactly the best time to climb. However, climbing Kilimanjaro ultimately means sharing the mountain with other hikers.

Be careful about using a low budget tour operator for your Kilimanjaro climb. These are often unestablished, poorly run operations that use low prices as their only way to attract clients. This has resulted in dangerous situations on the mountain in the past. By reducing prices so much, these companies skimp on important expenditures and are simply unable to provide satisfactory service to climbers.

What is the cost of the permit for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro? How about the guides and porters?

The Kilimanjaro National Park authority collects fees from all visitors in order to fund the upkeep of the park. This includes maintaining the trail and paying for rangers. The conservation fee applies for each day (including partial days) you spend inside the park. On an 8-day climb, the conservation fees total $560 ($70 x 8 days).

In addition, hut fees of $50 to $60 per night per person are charged for using the campsites and simple huts on the mountain. Huts are only available on the Marangu route. For all other routes, such as the Machame route, camping is at designated public sites. The hut fees on a 8- day Marangu climb are $350 ($50 x 7 nights).

All of the staff also must pay $2 per person per trip to enter the park.

Rescue fees are charged to each climber in case the park authority has to coordinate a rescue. This fee is required even if you do not  actually require a rescue. So, the total cost for simply gaining entry into Kilimanjaro National Park can be assessed by adding up all of the above costs.

Can a beginner climb Kilimanjaro?

Yes, someone with basic physical fitness can climb Kilimanjaro. However, an experienced hiker will likely have a higher rate of summit success. Medical issues like altitude sickness, also referred to as acute mountain sickness, can happen to anyone; from novices to experienced trekkers. It’s always worth discussing any high altitude trek with a medical professional prior to departure.

Read more on how hard it is to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro.

What kind of gear do I need to buy for climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro?

The essential gear for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro includes the following, which may cost you as much as $600 – $800. Note, this list is not exhaustive and only represents the basics required to support a successful summit. Items like camping equipment will likely be provided by most local operators.

• Day pack
• Pack cover
• Sleeping bag comfortable to 15°F
• Waterproof hiking boots
• LED headlamp with extra batteries
• Trekking poles
• Heavy-duty duffel bag

Conclusion

In addition to the fee for your chosen tour operator, the park entry fee as outlined above, and gear, you will have to pay for airfare and visa, medical check-up and vaccinations, travel insurance costs, and tips for your crew. Food is another cost, although depending on what tour operator you use, that is often included in the price of the package. The cost to climb Kilimanjaro also varies based on your chosen route and duration of your trek.

And while it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to embark on a Kilimanjaro trek for free, there are several high-quality, East Africa-based companies such as Natural World Kenya Safaris that are well–equipped to provide you with a safe and memorable climb.