Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro is an experience that many people dream of but few ever achieve. Located on the border of Tanzania and Kenya, the 19,341-foot snow-capped peak is the tallest mountain in Africa – and the world’s fifth highest. It takes a special kind of adventurer to make the days-long hike up Kilimanjaro but those who do find a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s truly unforgettable. Yet, as with most challenging goals, summiting Kilimanjaro’s peak comes with a cost. Get ready to go over the costs associated with hiking Kilimanjaro in the sections below.
Flights and Accommodations
As with any journey, the costs associated with a Kilimanjaro hike begins with flights and accommodations. Typically, travelers book round-trip flights to Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro International Airport, then arrange transport to their lodging. Most hikers opt for group tours and packages with all of these services already organized and bundled into one price – but if you’re planning your own trip, you’ll have to budget separately for airfare, accommodations, and transportation before the hike even begins.
Depending on where you’re coming from, flights to Kilimanjaro can range anywhere from around $800 to $2,000 or more. It’s also important to keep in mind that you’ll need a visa to enter Tanzania, in addition to your flight and other travel costs.
Your accommodations at the base of Kilimanjaro will depend on the length of your package and how you choose to break up your hike. Many packages include a night in the city and a few nights in the countryside, so budget an average of $100-$150 per night for group accommodations.
The Trek itself
The next major cost associated with hiking Kilimanjaro is the fees to climb the mountain itself. You’ll need to reserve a spot on a Kilimanjaro hike that’s at least five days long in order to make it to the peak. Depending on your package and accommodations, typical climb fees range from $1,000-$2,000.
However, don’t forget to include essential supplies and gear in your budget. Aspiring climbers need to bring their own gear, such as specialized hiking boots and a heavy-duty sleeping bag, along with food and warm jackets for the trip. If you’re on a guided tour, you’ll likely get many supplies included in the cost – but even so, plan to spend anywhere from $300-$600 on gear before the journey.
The Guides and Porters
It’s virtually impossible to hike Mount Kilimanjaro without the help of an experienced guide. Each tour group typically includes one guide per five hikers, and the guide is responsible for the group’s general well-being and successful ascent. Fortunately, many guides are included in the package organization fees, but when necessary, trekkers may have to hire additional guides. Hiring a Kilimanjaro guide typically costs around $35-$50 per day and porters cost $20-$30 a day.
In addition to your guide, you will also likely hire porters. Porters are the true unsung heroes of Kilimanjaro treks and carry heavy gear, supplies, and food for the duration of the journey. Oftentimes, hikers pay for the care of porters out of an expense account separate from their own. Hiring porters typically adds hundreds of dollars to the final bill – and yet, it’s an essential cost that helps ensure the comfort and safety of your group over the long climb.
Return Trip Costs
After a successful climb, it’s time to get home with newfound stories of victory! Again, package groups may have all of the return transportation fees included, but if you’re making your own way, you’ll need to factor in the return flights, taxis, or buses back home. Most hikers take a train from the town of Moshi back to Kilimanjaro airport, at a cost of around $30.
Also, don’t forget that Kilimanjaro’s climate is often unpredictable; the clouds, snow, and cold weather can make it hard to get to the summit and trekkers can often find themselves staying longer than planned, which could increase your accommodation costs.
Total Cost
All in all, the cost of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro generally ranges anywhere from $2,000-$6,000, depending on your travel style and the length and difficulty of the journey. Longer treks are more expensive, but they’re often the safest option to increase your chances of success.
For most hikers, the expense of climbing Kilimanjaro is absolutely worth it in the end. The experience of standing at the peak of the “Roof of Africa” and taking in the jaw-dropping views of the continent is utterly priceless.
Planning and Preparation
Before embarking on a Kilimanjaro adventure, it’s important to plan for all of the potential costs. Research and compare tour packages or look into putting together your own DIY adventure. Consider the factors mentioned above and make sure you’ve budgeted for all of the potential costs before setting off on this grand journey.
Additionally, don’t forget that Kilimanjaro is an extremely challenging climb; those heading to the summit should plan to spend time conditioning and exercising before heading out. The fitter you are, the more successful your trek will be – which will more than make up for the money spent on the hike in the end.
Working with a Professional
Hiring a professional Kilimanjaro guide is highly recommended if you want to make it to the peak of the mountain. Professional guides are highly knowledgeable about Kilimanjaro’s routes and terrain, so they’re essential for making a successful climb. Plus, many of the guides focus not just on the route, but on the overall experience, helping hikers acclimate, choosing the best path, and providing medical advice and safety instruction.
However, it’s important to do your research and be sure you’re using a reputable guide and company. Prices for guides vary widely, so shop around and read reviews thoroughly before booking or paying for any services.
Maximum Enjoyment
Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Making it to the top is an immense accomplishment that’s sure to bring tremendous feelings of pride, accomplishment, and joy. To ensure your journey is filled with positive memories, be sure to focus on the adventure and experience, rather than the cost.
By understanding the costs of a Kilimanjaro hike and budgeting accordingly, you’ll be able to plan a successful journey, filled with awe-inspiring scenes and a safe, enjoyable hike to the roof of Africa.
Rest Days
This section is crucial when arranging the optimal route and hiking experience of the mountain. Hikers calculate the amount of rest days to ensure that the trek is possible when taking into consideration weather, altitude, difficulty, and daytime walking hours. Professional guides take all these factors into consideration and plan a route that fits the group’s requirements and preferences all while considering safety.
Rest days are essential for Mount Kilimanjaro to ensure that acclimatization and hydration can happen in preparation for the next day. Hikers may experience altitude sickness and those in the group who are feeling weaker than usual must take extra rest. Acclimatization is key to success, and rest days thus must be an essential part of the journey if hikers are to reach the summit.
Subsidiary Costs
Although these are relatively lesser costs, they are important to keep into consideration. For example, hikers should always have some cash on hand while on the mountain and during the ride back in case they come across any unexpected expenses. Most any form of cash (not just USA and Euros!) is accepted but the USD is the most common.
Any snacks, souvenirs, and toiletries should also be taken into account when planning for the Kilimanjaro trip. Food is usually provided by the package tour, but it is always best to bring emergency supplies such as light snacks just in case hunger hits during hikes. Be sure to also buy souvenirs and memorabilia at the end of the journey to commemorate the accomplishment.
Miscellaneous Costs
In addition to all of the mentioned costs, there are many other miscellaneous costs that hikers may not initially think of when preparing for Kilimanjaro. Travel insurance is a must for any international trip, and it will likely cost several hundred dollars depending on the complexity of the journey. Baggage excess costs may also apply to those with heavy trekking gear.
Visitors will also be required to purchase a KFW permit, which is a governmental fee that varies from season to season. This will cover park entrance fees, hotel nights, and Kilimanjaro rescue assistance if needed. Finally, don’t forget to budget for any first-aid supplies that may be necessary during the hike.