How much do you tip on Kilimanjaro?

Tipping your Kilimanjaro crew is an important part of the climbing experience. The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Program (KPAP) has set recommended tipping guidelines to ensure fair and respectful compensation for the team members who support your climb. These guidelines are consistent across all routes on the mountain, so no matter which route you choose, the tipping recommendations will remain the same.
Tipping Guidelines (1)

Here are the recommended daily tip amounts in USD per crew member:

  • Lead Guide: $20-25/day

  • Assistant Guide: $15-20/day

  • Porter: $8-10/day per porter

  • Helping Porter: $8-12/day

  • Cook: $15-20/day

These amounts are for the entire group, not per individual climber. For example, if you are in a group of two people, you will tip based on the total crew size. Your final briefing pack will detail the total size of your crew, which may include more or fewer crew members depending on the size of the group and the length of the climb.

Example of Crew Size for a 7-Day Climb (for Two People):

  • 1 Lead Guide

  • 1 Assistant Guide

  • 1 Cook

  • 6-7 Porters (depending on the size of the group and requirements)

  • Optional: Additional porter for a private toilet setup

Payment and Distribution

Tips should be paid to the head guide on the morning of the last day of the climb. The head guide will then distribute the tips fairly among the crew members according to their roles and the KPAP’s policies.

Why Tipping Matters:

The crew members on Kilimanjaro play a vital role in ensuring your safety, comfort, and success during the climb. They carry your gear, cook your meals, and provide expert guidance throughout the trek. Tipping is a way to show your appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

Tipping can be made in cash, and it’s customary to give the tips in USD, as it is the most widely accepted currency for such payments on the mountain.

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