How much do you tip on Kilimanjaro?
On all elements of guide and porter compensation and welfare, we adhere to the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Program’s (KPAP) established guidelines. KPAP recommends tipping amounts for all operators, which we follow. Tipping your Kilimanjaro mountain crew is a traditional practice.
The recommended tipping amounts for climbing Kilimanjaro are the same regardless of which route you take. You should leave a tip.
- Lead guide: $20 per day
- Assistant guide: $15 per day
- Porters: $8 per day (per porter)
- Cook: $15 per day
A typical crew for a 7-day climb for two persons would consist of one lead guide, one assistant guide, one cook, and six to seven porters. If your climb is longer, you will require more porters because more food will need to be carried for everyone. In addition, if you have reserved a private toilet, there will be an additional toilet porter who will carry the equipment and ensure that it is kept clean.
On the morning of the final day of the ascent, tips should be given to the head guide. The tip will subsequently be distributed by the head guide in accordance with our stringent rules.
Ratio of climbers to staff
The table below illustrates the number of climbers in relation to the number of staff.
Climbers |
Mountain crew |
| 2 | 13-16 |
| 3 | 16-18 |
| 4 | 20-22 |
| 5 | 27-30 |
| 6 | 30-32 |
| 8 | 39-42 |
| 12 | 56-59 |
