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Tipping On Mt.Kilimanjaro Climb

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TIPPING GUIDES ON MOUNTAIN KILIMANJARO

When going on the experience of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, it is critical to consider not only the climb itself, such as gear, travel, and miscellaneous fees, but also to budget for gratuities to the guides and porters who will assist you along the way. While some tour operators may present tipping as optional, it is critical to understand that for many crew members, gratuities are a significant portion of their income, often accounting for up to 50% or even 100% in cases of insufficient wages from certain companies, despite Tanzania National Park’s minimum wage regulations. As a result, unless the service provided was particularly poor, tipping is strongly recommended as a way of supporting the livelihoods of those who make the climb possible.

The appropriate tip amount varies depending on the job of the crew member.

  • Porter: $10 per day each porter.
  • Cooks charge $15 per cook.
  • Assistant guides cost $20 per guide.
  • Kilimanjaro Guides: $25 per day or more per guide.

These sums should be combined from the entire climbing party. For example, if you finished a seven-day Machame climb and the guide’s tip is $20 per day, the party would pay the guide $140. If there were four participants in the climbing party, each would donate $140/4 = $35 to the guide’s gratuity. To effectively estimate total tips, you must first determine how many crew members are accompanying you and how long your climb will go.

While it is commonly assumed that tipping 10% of the climb’s cost is acceptable, this might vary depending on a variety of criteria such as the size of your party, the duration of the climb, the number of workers assisting you, and the amount of equipment and supplies they are carrying. To guarantee transparency and appropriate budgeting, it is recommended that you inquire about tipping amounts with your tour operator before booking.


When it comes to tipping Kilimanjaro porters, it’s crucial to follow these guidelines:

Tipping Kilimanjaro Porters
  • Tip the porters separately from the guides.
  • Bring a packet of 50 letter-size envelopes to distribute the tips.
  • Determine a gratuity for each member of your climbing team: porters, cooks, assistant guides, and lead guide.
  • Distribute the tips on the last morning of the descent, typically at Mweka Camp or the Park Gate.
  • Tip in Tanzanian shillings or US dollars, whichever is more comfortable.

In conclusion, leaving tips for the dedicated people that ensure the safety and success of your climb on Mount Kilimanjaro is not only customary but also a vital way to show your support. Regardless of your cultural background, you must acknowledge the importance of tipping in maintaining the neighborhood and making sure that workers are fairly compensated for their labors.

Mt. Kilimanjaro Hiking Tours