How much should you tip on Kilimanjaro
When climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for the hard work of your guide and support crew, which often includes porters and cooks. The recommended tip varies, but a general guideline suggests about $20-$25 per day for guides, $10-$15 per day for assistant guides, and $5-$10 per day for each porter and cook. The total amount each climber should tip will depend on the size of the group and the length of the climb, but it typically ranges from $200 to $300 per climber for the entire trek.
Kilimanjaro Tips for a group:
For a group of 1-2 climbers, the total tip for the entire crew can range from $90-120 per day.
For a group of 3-4 climbers, the total tip can range from $180-240 per day.
Common Questions About Tipping On Kilimanjaro
Two of the biggest questions which always linger in everyone’s mind when hiking Kilimanjaro are –How many porters and guides you need for Kilimanjaro Trek and Tipping on Kilimanjaro – How much to tip guides/porters. What is too much or too little?
Tipping on Kilimanjaro can be confusing, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the process. Here are some of the most common questions about tipping on Kilimanjaro.
Q: Is tipping mandatory?
A: Tipping is not mandatory, but it is expected and appreciated as a gesture of appreciation. Most climbers agree that tipping their porters is a great way to show their gratitude and ensure a successful climb.
Q: Is it better to give a tip in cash or credit?
A: It is always best to give tips in cash as this is the preferred method of payment in Tanzania. If you are travelling with a group, then it is important to let the other members of the team know the importance of tipping so that it is distributed fairly.
Q: What is the suggested amount for tipping?
A: The suggested amount for tipping is typically 10-20%, usually per group, per individual climber tip at least 55% of respective daily rates of pay. This may vary depending on the tour length and difficulty. It is important to also consider the quality of service that you have received and the average wage in Tanzania.
Recommended Kilimanjaro Tipping Guide Scales
If you’re planning a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro, you may be wondering how much to tip your support crew. Tipping is an important part of the Kilimanjaro climbing experience, as it is a way to show your appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the porters, guides, and other staff who make your climb possible. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about tipping on Kilimanjaro, from the typical salaries of your support crew to the recommended tipping procedure. For your climb, here are the standard tipping recommendations:
Role | Suggested Tip Per Day |
Lead Guide | $20 |
Assistant Guide | $15 |
Porter | $10 |
Cook | $15 |
The Make-Up of a Typical Kilimanjaro Climbing Crew
Before we dive into the specifics of tipping on Kilimanjaro, it’s helpful to understand the roles of the various staff members who will be supporting you on your climb. A typical climbing crew on Kilimanjaro might include:
Chief Guide
The chief guide is the leader of your climbing crew. They are responsible for overseeing the climb, ensuring that everyone is safe and healthy, and making decisions about the route and pace of the climb. A good chief guide will be knowledgeable, experienced, and able to communicate effectively with both climbers and other staff members.
Assistant Guide(s)
The assistant guide(s) work closely with the chief guide to support the climbers and ensure a safe and successful climb. They may lead sections of the climb, help with navigation, or provide support and encouragement to climbers who are struggling.
Cook
The cook is responsible for preparing all of the meals for your climbing crew. They will typically prepare a mix of local and international dishes, and will accommodate any dietary restrictions or preferences you may have. A good cook will be skilled at preparing high-quality meals with limited resources.
Porters
Porters are the backbone of your support crew. They carry all of the gear, food, and supplies needed for the climb, and set up camp each night. Without porters, it would be impossible to climb Kilimanjaro. It’s important to note that porters often work under very challenging conditions, and may carry loads that are much heavier than what is considered safe or ethical.
Division of Tips Amongst Kilimanjaro Support Staff
It’s important to understand that the tips you give on Kilimanjaro will be divided among your entire support crew, including your guides, assistant guides, cook, and porters. The exact breakdown of the tips will depend on the specific tour company you’re climbing with, but a typical breakdown might look like this:
- Chief guide: 20% of the total tip amount
- Assistant guide(s): 20% of the total tip amount
- Cook: 15% of the total tip amount
- Porters: 45% of the total tip amount
How many porters and guides you need for Kilimanjaro Trek
The number of porters and guides required for a Kilimanjaro trek depends on the size of the trekking group and the route chosen. Typically, each climber is supported by one guide for every two climbers and about three porters per climber. This support team is essential for carrying gear, food, and other supplies, as well as ensuring the safety and success of the trek. The exact number can vary based on the specific needs of the group and the regulations of the Kilimanjaro National Park.
How much cash should I bring to Kilimanjaro?
It is recommended to bring approximately $1,100 – $1,500 in cash when climbing Kilimanjaro. This amount includes $400 – $500 for souvenirs and beverages, $450 – $750 for tips, and $250 as emergency cash. However, it is essential to assess your personal needs and preferences and adjust the amount accordingly.
Example Kilimanjaro tipping based on our suggested / minimum recommended tip
NOTE: Any comfort upgrades, add-ons or extra crew booked may have extra crew members in addition to the guidelines stated below. All ranges below are based on a maximum estimate of porters. Your exact crew size can be reconfirmed with your guide during your pre-climb briefing.
Kilimanjaro tipping guidelines – Marangu route
Number of hikers in group | Number of crew members | Total minimum suggested tip / tip per hiker |
2 hikers | 2 guides 5 max estimated porters 1 cook | Approx $460 total tip / Approx $230 per hiker |
4 hikers | 2 guides 9 max estimated porters 1 cook | Approx $640 total tip / Approx $160 per hiker |
6 hikers | 3 guides 14 max estimated porters 1 cook | Approx $950 total tip / Approx $160 per hiker |
Kilimanjaro tipping guidelines – Camping routes (Machame, Lemosho, Umbwe, Rongai, Shira)
Number of hikers in group | Number of crew members | Total minimum suggested tip / tip per hiker |
2 hikers | 2 guides 9 max estimated porters 1 cook | $640 total tip / Approx $320 per hiker |
4 hikers | 2 guides 12 max estimated porters 1 cook | $775 total tip / Approx $195 per hiker |
6 hikers | 3 guides 18 max estimated porters 1 cook | $1130 total tip / Approx $190 per hiker |
Kilimanjaro tipping guidelines – Northern circuit route
Number of hikers in group | Number of crew members | Total minimum suggested tip / tip per hiker |
2 hikers | 2 guides 10 max estimated porters 1 cook | $685 total tip / Approx $345 per hiker |
4 hikers | 2 guides 13 max estimated porters 1 cook | $820 total tip / Approx $205 per hiker |
6 hikers | 3 guides 19 max estimated porters 1 cook | $1175 total tip / Approx $195 per hiker |
When and how to pay the Kilimanjaro tips
- Clear any questions you might have regarding Kilimanjaro tipping during your initial email / phone correspondence or during the pre-climb briefing latest.
- DO NOT discuss the subject of tipping with your crew.
- The distribution of tips is BEST DONE AT THE PARK GATES after your climb. Alternative before heading back to the base hotel as this is the end of the trek for some support team members.
- We recommend to put the amount of tip money for each crew member in an envelope with their name on the top. You must then personally hand it to them individually at the exit gate or to the head guide to distribute in your presence.
