If you’re seriously considering a Kilimanjaro trek, you’re probably aware there are a wide variety of trekking operators, Both local and foreign operators, Offering a wide range of price points and addons.
Why so much variation ? After all, aren’t you all climbing the same mountain ?
It all comes down to two main factors: quality and ethics.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an epic adventure trip. We’re excited for you that you’re considering doing it!. Of course everyone’s budget will look different based on various factors like where you live in the world or your income for instance and certain decisions like how many days you want to spend hiking.
We’ve put together this comprehensive but short and clear post to help you work out your personalised budget for Kilimanjaro.
Due to our survey and clients feedback we have put a starting number to about 5000 USD.
5000 USD equals 4400 EUR or about 4000 GBP.
First and the most important topic is Travel Insurance. We at Bantu Pori Journeys we think it is crucial and we recommend you don’t skip reading this section !.
Traveller’s insurance is a must for anyone undertaking to hike Kilimanjaro. In fact, travel insurance for hiking up to an elevation of 6,000 m is a requirement. When taking out travel insurance, we suggest choosing one that offers cover for all of the following :
We recommend that you cover yourself to the tune of at least $200,000 for each of the above categories of insurance (except for luggage).
We higly reccomend World Nomads Insurance. They offer comprehensive yet affordable insurance that crucially covers you for “hiking up to 6,000 m”. Whichever travel insurance you choose, we’ll require you to send us the details of your policy before your flight to Tanzania.
Cost of Kilimanjaro travel insurance
You can expect your travel insurance for Kilimanjaro to cost around $200 if you opt for the sort of package we’ve discussed above.
You will want to investigate flights to the following three international airports in Tanzania:
Flights
Airlines flying to Kilimanjaro International Airport include Air Tanzania, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airway, Condor, Qatar Airways, RwandAir, and Ethiopian Airways.
Domestic Airlines & Flights in Tanzania
Domestic and charter flights between parks are usually booked by tour operators as part of the tour package. Domestic flights can be booked with several domestic carriers.
A valid passport is mandatory, and it shouldn’t expire within six months of your intended date of departure from Tanzania.
Visas are required by most visitors and cost US$ 50-100, depending on your nationality. They can be obtained on arrival at any international airport or land border - a straightforward procedure that requires no photographs, nor any other documentation aside from a passport.
A standard tourist visa is normally valid for three months after arrival and allows for multiple entries to Tanzania from neighbouring Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, but not from other countries.
For those who prefer to arrange a visa in advance, Tanzanian embassies or high commissions exist in Angola, Belgium, Britain, Burundi, Canada, China, CIS, Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Guinea, India, Japan, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sudan, Sweden, Uganda, USA, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
All Camping Facilities Such As Mobile Mountain Hardware Sleeping Tents, Mess Tents, Kitchen Tent, Toilet Tent And Emergency Equipment, Purified Water And Cooking Utensils Are Provided By Us.
We also provide you with a toilet at no extra charge.
Below Is A List Of Mount Kilimanjaro Gear Rental Should You Decide To Rent Instead Of Buying New Ones. We Have Included The Price Of Renting For Each Gear/Clothes.
For a hotel in Moshi or Arusha, you can expect to pay between 40 USD and 90 USD for a double room. For a little bit less than that you can enjoy a single room. This is based on a standard 3-star hotel that covers all the basics and comes with lockers, aircon, mosquito nets and security.
Since these are regions that sees a lot of tourists yearly, you shall expect a decent level of comfort. Of course, there are more affordable and more expensive options available. Both Moshi and Arusha have a few backpackers options as well as high-end luxury hotels.
It takes between five and nine days to climb Kilimanjaro. The exact day count depends on the route you choose, as some routes are longer than others. You can also choose to take one or two more days than the required minimum on each route to make the hike a little easier. More days also allow for better acclimatisation, and we cannot overstate the importance of proper acclimatisation to the success of your climb.
Prices usually depends on the number of days and climbers in your climb or the route you choose. Also the conservation and the hut fees are calculated per day.
Prices for our Kilimanjaro tour vary between 1500 USD and 2400 USD. This includes transfers from the airport to your accommodation, camping gear, park fees, camping fees, rescue fees, salary, meals and guides, and porters.
| Route | Duration | Description | Success rate | Price Range (US$) |
| Lemosho | 6-9 days | Arguably the most beautiful route up the mountain. It’s popular, but not as crowded as the Machame route. | High | $2150 - $1565 Pp |
| Machame | 6-8 days | A very scenic route and the most popular. It’s therefore the most crowded route. | High | $1800 - $1565 Pp |
| Marangu | 5-6 days | The original route and the only one with hut accommodation. Not very scenic. We don’t recommend this route. | Low | $1765 - $1500 Pp |
| Rongai | 6-7 days | The only route that approaches the top from the north. It’s a good option in the wet season as it receives the least rainfall. It’s the easiest route – though still not easy! | Medium | $1800 - $1565 Pp |
| Northern Circuit | 8-10 days | The newest and longest Kilimanjaro route. It’s very scenic, and is one of the least crowded routes. | High | $2150 - $1700 Pp |
| Umbwe | 5-6 days | The shortest, steepest and hardest Kilimanjaro route. We don’t recommend this route. | Low | $1800 - $1500 Pp |
A large part of the money you pay for climbing Kilimanjaro goes towards park fees. These are used for conservation, rescue operations and more.
How to pay the park fees?
You have two options when it comes to paying the park fees.
The most common and popular option is to pay the park fees upfront to us, along with the trek fees. All prices on our website include park fees as well as VAT. We will then pay the park fees to the park department.
Another option is to pay the park fees directly to the park department. You can do this with any Visa card at the park gate. You would be doing this on the first day of the climb at the park gate we would be entering from.
While booking, you can indicate your preference to us on how you wish to pay the park fees.
Tipping your Kilimanjaro support staff is not compulsory, but it is expected. In fact, tipping on Kilimanjaro has a long history. We urge you to abide by this custom, as not only does it form an important component of staff income, but you’ll probably feel pretty awkward during the tipping ceremony if you’re the only climber not doing any giving.
And finally, if you want to bring home those cool Eastern African souvenirs, or you are planning some extra days for a safari or partying, then you can definitely expect to pay more. Here is the list of recommended thing to do after your successfull hike :
We are a local hands-on company specializing in East Africa - Africa. Our travel experience has evolved out of our deep love for Tanzania and the Swahili Coast.
When you come with us, you are more than a tourist. You are received as a guest by guides, outfitters, lodge and camp staffs, tribal groups, and researchers.
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