Cost of climbing Kilimanjaro

Flights and Taxes:

There is no getting away from the fact that flights costs (mainly due to fuel charges) have risen enormously. From the UK as of August 2008 taxes and fuel surcharges amount to at least £260 (over USD500). To this cost you must add flight fares, which start around £350 and rise according to the season. Good news! The lower flight fares for European travellers to Kilimanjaro coincide with the best climbing season January to early March.

Summary: allow at least £600 per person for flight costs and around £200 more in high season.

Park fees:

These are the next important cost element. Allow USD105 per day for each day of your climb. In the past KINAPA has raised the fees at very short notice.

Climb Cost:

Different operators charge varying climb costs. You pay for what you get!!  A very cheap product most likely means that local staff are badly remunerated.
The biggest savings that climb operators make on Kilimanjaro is through staff costs . We therefore recommend that you select a climb operator that has been thoroughly checked out for  good practice by an independent vetting organisation.
Also be cautious of low prices in case you discover too late that all important equipment is not up to standard. Leaking tents and poor sleeping bags can end a climb early. Check on the quality and maintenance of the vehicles that are going to take you on busy tarmac roads and then on rutted and difficult tracks to the climb start point. These vehicles must be 4WD, well-maintained and safe.

The following cost guideline is an indication of the minimum prices we believe you should be asked to pay for a climb that is fair to local people, the environment and you!

Climb Cost Per person climbing in a group of four climbers and sharing twin.

To include Park & Rescue Fee, Full Board, all Transfers, 2 nights Hotel.

Rongai 7 Days climb:       £998 (USD1950)

Lemosho 8 Days climb:  £1256 (USD2450)

Meru & Kili Combo 10 Days climb:  £1385 (USD2700)