How much does it cost to climb Kilimanjaro?

A Kilimanjaro trek typically costs between $2,000 and $6,000, depending on the operator, route, and level of service. If you’re aiming for a safe and successful summit, expect to pay at least $3,000 to $4,000 with a reputable company.

Budget operators might offer trips for under $2,000, but be cautious—many cut corners by underpaying porters, providing inadequate food, or skipping essential safety measures. On the other hand, high-end expeditions can exceed $6,000, offering luxury accommodations, gourmet meals, and even portable toilets. At Elite Exped, our $4,550 fee reflects our teams unparalleled, hands-on expertise: our three directors lead all aspects of guiding and climbing, from fixing ropes to logistics – experience that drives our industry-leading summit success on 8,000m peaks.

Elite Exped’s Kilimanjaro Expedition Prices

Elite Exped offers three top-tier packages designed to maximise comfort, safety, and success rates:

• • Our Kilimanjaro Expedition ($4,550+) provides an all-inclusive, expertly guided trek which follows the Lemosho route. This carefully crafted itinerary, built on decades of mountaineering expertise, ensures an exceptional Kilimanjaro trekking experience.
• • Our Kilimanjaro Masterclass ($7,500+) offers an extraordinary adventure combined with a transformative resilience mindset programme to the majestic slopes of Kilimanjaro. Through immersive interaction with the world's best, you'll absorb firsthand knowledge, practical skills, and the mental fortitude necessary to excel, whether in climbing or any pursuit.
• • Our VVIP Package ($15,000+) is an exclusive once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering the chance to ascend Kilimanjaro alongside two of the world’s most elite adventurers—Nimsdai Purja and Ant Middleton.

Several factors affect your overall cost, from permits down to route and accommodation choices.

1. Guides, Porters, and Crew

Unlike other major peaks, climbing Kilimanjaro without a guide is not allowed. Every climber needs a licensed guide, and most trips also include porters and cooks to carry gear, set up camp, and prepare meals.

Ethical trekking companies follow Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) guidelines, ensuring fair wages and working conditions for staff. A responsible operator will include these wages in their pricing, but budget companies often pay their porters as little as $5 per day—something to consider when choosing a trek.

2. Route Choice and Duration

Kilimanjaro has multiple trekking routes, each with varying costs:

• • Marangu Route (5-6 days, ~$2,000-$3,000): The cheapest option, but with lower success rates due to its short acclimatisation period.
• • Machame Route (6-7 days, ~$2,500-$4,000): Popular for its scenic beauty and high success rate.
• • Rongai Route (6-7 days, ~$1,700-$2,500): Starting on the mountain’s northern side, this route is a quieter choice with a more gradual ascent.
• • Lemosho Route (7-9 days, ~$3,000-$5,000): More expensive but for good reason—it offers better acclimatisation.
• • Northern Circuit (8-9 days, $2,800-$3,500): The longest route, the Northern Circuit treks around the mountain, offering stunning views along the way and plenty of time for acclimatisation.

Longer routes generally cost more but also increase your chances of reaching the summit by allowing better acclimatisation.

3. Accommodation, Food, and Gear

Kilimanjaro climbs usually include full-board meals, camping gear, and tents. High-end operators provide more spacious tents and even dining tents, which can add to the cost.

If you don’t already own trekking gear, you’ll need to rent or buy items like insulated jackets, trekking poles, and sleeping bags beforehand, adding anywhere from $200 to $500 to the overall cost.

Beyond the trekking package, there are other expenses you need to factor in. You will need to apply for a visa online or upon your arrival. These can cost anywhere from $50 for single entries to $100 for multiple entries. Flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) can range in price, depending on your departure location, the season and type of ticket (economy, business first).

Tipping is another expense to factor in. It’s standard practice to tip guides, porters, and cooks, with the total amount usually falling between $250 to $400 per person, depending on the trek’s duration and group size. A standard guideline is:

• • Lead guide: $20 per day
• • Assistant guide: $15 per day
• • Porters: $5-10 per day each
• • Cook: $10 per day

Then there’s travel insurance, which most operators require. Since Kilimanjaro is a high-altitude trek, your insurance must cover emergency evacuation and medical expenses, costing anywhere from $100 to $900.

Medical preparations also come into play. If you’re travelling from certain countries, you may need a yellow fever vaccine, and many trekkers opt for malaria tablets and altitude sickness medication (like Diamox), which can cost between $100 and $300. Be sure to check with medical experts to ensure the medications you plan to take will still be effective when taken together.

While budget operators might seem tempting, they often cut costs in ways that could impact safety—such as using inexperienced guides, skimping on food, or failing to provide proper altitude sickness support. Saving a few hundred dollars isn’t worth risking your health or ethical trekking standards. Opting for a KPAP-approved company ensures that your guides and porters are treated fairly while still offering a reasonable price.

If you’re climbing Kilimanjaro on a budget, there are ways to keep costs down without cutting corners on safety. One of the best ways to save money is by joining a group trek rather than booking a private expedition. Group climbs allow you to share costs like guide fees and logistics, making the experience more affordable.

Another great way to save money is by renting gear instead of buying it. High-quality cold-weather gear can be expensive, and if you don’t plan on using it again, renting can save you hundreds of dollars. Booking your flights early can also help you score better deals on airfare.