Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Fees
Do you need a permit to climb Kilimanjaro?
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro requires obtaining several permits, including a mandatory park entrance permit and camping fees. All climbers must be accompanied by a licensed guide, as solo trekking is not allowed. These regulations ensure safety and environmental protection while trekking to Africa’s highest peak. Plan ahead to secure your permits and enjoy a safe and memorable climbing experience.
- Guided Climb: It is mandatory to hire a licensed guide to climb Kilimanjaro. Solo trekking is not permitted due to safety regulations established by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority. This rule has been in place since 1991 to ensure the safety of climbers and to provide necessary support during the trek
- Permits: Climbers must obtain a park entrance permit, which costs $83 per day for individuals aged 16 and older, and $20 for those between 5 and 16 years old. Children under 5 can enter for free. Additionally, there are camping fees of the same amounts, and other fees apply for huts and rescue services
- Designated Routes: Climbers are required to stick to officially designated routes. This ensures safety and helps in the management of the park’s natural resources
- Support Staff: A typical trekking party includes not just the guide, but also porters and cooks, with a significant number of support staff required for each group. This is essential for carrying equipment and ensuring climbers have the necessary supplies during the trek
Kilimanjaro Permit Cost
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro requires a permit that is typically included in the package price offered by tour operators. The Kilimanjaro permit cost per person varies depending on the length of the climb but generally ranges from $700 to $1000. This fee is used by the Tanzanian government to maintain the park, pay ranger salaries, and fund conservation efforts. It’s important to note that this cost does not include other expenses such as equipment, guides, porters, food, and accommodation. It’s important to note that the permit can only be obtained through a licensed Kilimanjaro guide or tour operator; independent climbing is not allowed.
Understanding the Cost of a permit to climb Kilimanjaro
The Kilimanjaro park fees were paid directly to the park on the first day of the climb. Now, tour operators pay park fees.
Conservation Fees
The conservation fee is for the maintenance and upkeep of the park. It amounts to $70 per person per day. If you chose the Northern Circuit Route and you’re going to be on it for ten days, your conservation fees will be as follows:
Northern Circuit Route: $70 x 10 days = $700
Campsite/Hut Permit
Every night, you pay fees to sleep on campsites. This amounts to $50 per person per night regardless of the route, except for the Marangu route. There are huts along this route where you can sleep, and it costs $60 per night.
Let’s say you’re staying on the Marangu Route for five days, hut permit costs will be as follows:
Marangu Route: $60 x 4 nights = $240
Rescue Fees
You’re charged a one-time rescue fee of $20, and you’ll have to pay this fee whether you need rescuing or not.
Guide and Porter Entrance Fees
Aside from your entry fee, you’ll also have to cover the entry fees of your porter, guide, and crew for the climb. It only costs $2 per crew member per trip. Let’s say you have ten crew members, and there are five people in your climbing party. That means you will have to pay $4 each.
VAT – Value Added Tax (VAT) is a government tax applied to all fees mentioned above, totaling 18%.
To give you a better perspective, here’s the calculation for a seven-day climb along Lemosho Route:
Amount | Number of Days | Total | |
Conservation Fee | $70 | 7 days | $490 |
Campsite Permit | $50 | 6 nights | $300 |
Rescue Fees | $20 | $20 |
A seven-day trek along the Lemosho route totals $810. If we’re going to factor in the 18% tax mandated by Tanzania, the final total amounts to $955.80.
Let’s see another example of the Marangu route, for a six-day trip:
Amount | Number of Days | Total | |
Conservation Fees | $70 | 6 days | $420 |
Hut Fees | $60 | 5 nights | $300 |
Rescue Fee | $20 | $20 |
The total amount for a six-day climb would be $740, and including taxes your final fees for the Marangu route would fall at around $873.20 per person.
Climbing Kilimanjaro Cost Estimation
Feeling inspired to climb Kilimanjaro? Let’s break down the estimated costs involved in climbing Mt Kilimanjaro:
Route | Tour Operator Fees (Including Park Fees) | Park Fees |
Marangu Route (5-6 days) | $1500-$2500 | $719.80–$873.20 |
Machame Route (6-7 days) | $1700-$2700 | $814.20–$955.80 |
Lemosho Route (7-8 days) | $1900-$3100 | $955.80–$1097.40 |
Rongai Route (6-7 days) | $1800-$2800 | $814.20–$955.80 |
Umbwe Route (5-6 days) | $1800-$2800 | $672.60–$814.20 |
Northern Circuit Route (9-10 days) | $2600-$4200 | $1239–$380.60 |
Shira Route (7-8 days) | $1800-$2800 | $955.80–$1097.40 |
1. Budget Cost ($1,500 – $2,000): This option is the most economical, covering shared accommodation, basic meals, and shared transportation. Perfect for those seeking a more budget-friendly trek.
2. Standard Cost ($2,500 – $4,000): Stepping up from the budget option, the standard package offers private accommodation, improved meals, and more personalized staff assistance. Ideal for a well-rounded experience.
3. Luxury Cost ($5,000 – $10,000): For those craving ultimate comfort, the luxury package delivers luxurious accommodation, gourmet meals, private transportation, and a personalized trip plan tailored to your preferences.
Kilimanjaro Climbing Inclusions And Exclusions
In our Kilimanjaro Package Deals, the following prices are included:
- 3 Delicious meals a day, boiled and filtered drinking water while on the mountain.
- All park entrance, camping, and rescue fees
- Warm water for washing is to be provided every morning and evening.
- Oxygen Cylinder – only for emergency
- English Speaking Guides (Wilderness First Responder certified), cooks and porters
- Staff salaries and fees.
- Transport to/from national park gates.
- First aid kit and pulse oximeter.
- Emergency telephone between the guides and our office in Moshi town.
- 3 liters of bottled drinking water to be provided on the first day of your hike, on the mountain porters will fetch water from the streams to be boiled and filtered for you.
Not included in the package:
- Prices do not include sleeping bags
- Gratuities
- Soda/alcohol unless otherwise noted
- Health insurance
- Visa fees
- International airfare
- Laundry
- All Meals and drinks in Moshi town
Book Kilimanjaro Climb Today
Choose the Kilimanjaro guide package that best aligns with your expectations and embark on your Mount Kilimanjaro climb with confidence.
