The ascent of Kilimanjaro: what price?

Tackling the ascent of Kilimanjaro is a goal for many hikers and it is true that it is an extraordinary experience. However, this adventure is not the cheapest. Indeed, when one wishes to climb the roof of Africa, it is better to plan the budget.

Therefore, you will find in this article all the elements allowing you to make yourself a idea on the overall budget of such a rise. 

Keep in mind that the price for the ascent of Kilimanjaro depends on many elements including :

• La voie selected
• La longer term, of the ascent
• The comfort options selected
• We at chosen trip

However, as a first step it is important to know the official prices corresponding to the entrance fees in the park.

Climbing Kilimanjaro: the entrance fee to the park

Indeed, the budget to climb Kilimanjaro is important et may vary by agency to another. However, some fees are fixed and cannot be negotiated. 

These costs are generally included in the quotes sent by the various tour operators. 

Among these fees, we find:

• The entrance fees to the park : 82.60$ per adult and per day
• The camping / refuge fees : 59 $ -70 $ per person and per night (the price varies depending on the campsite or refuge)
• The rescue costs : 23.60$ per person

To give you an example, for a person performing the ascent in 6 5 days and nights, the budget will be at least 810$ concerning compulsory fees and 951$ for 7 6 days and nights. At this price it will obviously be necessary to add other costs that can be negotiated with the agencies.

The talks with the tour operator are done on other expenses such as :

• Food costs
• The costs of tents
• The guides
• The carriers
• The cooker 
• Transportation

Ascent of Kilimanjaro: the price according to the route and the duration

One of the first factors to consider when budgeting for the ascent of Kilimanjaro is the choice of path.

Indeed, there is 7 routes to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. 

These routes offer different landscapes but also vary in duration and difficulty.

The routes are as follows:

The price by way Marangu 

Also called the "Coca Cola Road" is the most popular and the easiest. This is also the way the less expensive and can be done in 5 days. This is the only route that it is possible to do in a refuge. Count at minimum $ 1300 for 5 days and 4 nights.

The price by the Machame route

Known to be one of the most beautiful route, this route is very busy (although less than Marangu). It is a demanding trek with a fairly good success rate. This trek can be done in 6 or 7 days. The price is a bit higher than the Marangu route. For 6 days count at minimum $ 1600.

I for my part did the ascent of Kilimanjaro via the Machame route which I recommend 100%.

The price by way of Lemosho

Most nice way according to some although difficult. It is little used. The ascent by this route is done between 7 and 8 days which makes it most expensive route.

The price by the Rongai way

It is the only one that starts from the northern slope. Better route during the rainy season because we are more sheltered. This route can be done by 6 or 7 days. The price by this route is higher than by the Marangu or Machame routes since the transport to the northern slope is longer. This route is less frequented than Marangu or Machame. You can get by around $ 1800 for 6 days.

The price by the way Shira

This route takes part of the route of the Lemosho route but takes place in 6 days. This route is therefore more difficult than the shorter and therefore cheaper Lemosho route. However, this route remains more expensive than the Marangu or Machame routes with a price around $ 2000 for 7 days.

The price via the Western Breach route

This is the way of the mountain people which is the most technical and difficult to reach the top. This route is done in 2/3 days but is reserved for people with sufficient physical conditions because of its difficulty.

The price by the Umbwe route

This lesser-known and little-traveled route allows you to reach the summit by 5 days minimum. It is a steep route requiring good physical conditions as well as knowledge of mountaineering due to its technicality.

Ascent of Kilimanjaro: the price according to the comfort options

Beyond the choice of the path you want to take to reach the top of Africa, different comfort options may be offered to you by your tour operator.

Indeed, you will have the opportunity toopt for private toilets, large tents etc.

The choice or not of these options will obviously vary the price. The more comfort options you take, the higher the price of your trek will be.

Ascent of Kilimanjaro: the price according to the tour operator

Le budget to plan for the ascent of Kilimanjaro also depends on the travel agency through which you are going to pass.

As you probably know, there are many agencies offering you to climb Kilimanjaro. You will also see that the prices can be very different from one agency to another.

It is important not to focus solely on the price offered by an agency. Take the time to educate yourself, see the reputation and the options that are included or not in their quote before making your final choice.

In order to reduce the price as much as possible, know that you have the possibility to do Kilimanjaro without going through an agency or a tour operator but by coming into direct contact with a guide. 

For more information, do not hesitate to consult my article listing the best tour operators to do Kilimanjaro.

Climbing Kilimanjaro: additional costs

In addition to the costs that have been described in this article, you will have to add to your budget some additional costs and in particular the following:

• Tips : generally, guides and porters are paid very little by travel agencies. Therefore, it is customary to tip everyone at the end of the trek. How much should we tip? This is a tip so obviously you give what you want and what you can. However, in general, we usually give between $ 10 and $ 15 per day trek for the ; between $ 8 and $ 10 for the cook et between $ 5 and $ 10 for each porteur. These sums are to be shared between all the members of the group. 
• Equipment rental (optional): note that it is possible to rent equipment that you need for the ascent of Kilimanjaro directly in Arusha or in Moshi. The day before your departure for the trek, your guide will usually come to take stock of your equipment to make sure you don't miss anything.
• International flight / transport : Obviously, the international flight is not included in the price. You will therefore have to add a return trip between Paris and Kilimanjaro International Airport which will cost you between 500E and 1000E depending on the season you want to go.