Kilimanjaro Climbing Cost: Comprehensive Insights by Visit Arusha
How much does it cost to climb Kilimanjaro? What factors affect climbing prices?
Many different factors affect the climbing prices. A Kilimanjaro climb can cost from $1,400 (standard) to over $7,000 (luxury package) and above. Blend this knowledge with the fact that there are 250 licensed and hundreds of unlicensed operators in the region and making the right choice becomes a major task. In fact, to understand how the climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro cost is formed many different factors should be taken into consideration.
The Variety of Offers and Cost Information for Climbing Kilimanjaro
The price quoted for a package may often serve as a hint as to what your future climbing experience will be like. Yet, basing your decision only on cost would be a mistake. In fact, Mt Kilimanjaro climbing cost has many hidden, yet essential components.
With personal safety and a lifetime of memories at stake, choosing the cheapest way to climb Kilimanjaro is never a good idea. As a rule, a safe and comfortable Mt. Kilimanjaro hike costs not less than $1,400.
On the other hand, one does not necessarily need to pay the $7,000 + for a VIP package to get that extra service that may make all the difference in the world.
In this article we shall spell out how Kilimanjaro climb cost is formed, and how to choose the best offer to fit your budget. The following example is based on a Machame route 7-day “Classic” package for 2 or more climbers. This is by far the most popular option that offers a reasonable (neither a budget deal nor an extravagant affair with hundreds of porters) level of comfort at a reasonable price.
Climbing Kilimanjaro: Price Components
The price of a Kilimanjaro climb is made up of two kinds of costs: fixed, (i.e. park fees per person), and variable, i.e. (transfers and equipment), which are shared between all members of the group and, up to a certain point, lower as the number of climbers grows.
Unless you take the risk of opting for the lowest of offers, slighting most if not all of safety and comfort features that are normally available, the final price of your trek shall include the costs of the following:
Kilimanjaro National Park Fees
Every Mount Kilimanjaro climber is required to pay park fees, which inholds conservation, camping, rescue and crew fees. On Lemosho and Rongai routes special forest fees are also applicable. It is another key element of Mt Kilimanjaro climb cost.
Total Park Fees, depending on route and number of days, will amount to between US$800 and 1,100 (all calculations and prices henceforth are given in USD).
Never trust claims that it is possible to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro and avoid fees by bypassing ranger posts. It is simply impossible to reach Uhuru Peak avoiding any encounters with park rangers. Dozens of those who attempt this are caught every year.
On the other hand, many budget operators keep their rates low by relying on high unemployment rates which allow them to staff their crews with those willing to work hard with no guaranteed pay. Bypassing established official routes where climbing permits are checked at each ranger post will bereave you of the possibility of receiving timely assistance from the rangers should such a necessity arise.
Lastly, it is unlawful. Trespassing on National Parks is considered a serious offence in Tanzania. The best-case scenario entails being bereft of the chance of ever experiencing the wonders of Tanzania again after being deported and stiff fines. The worst-case scenario would involve imprisonment.