01. Why We Tip on Kilimanjaro
Reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is a monumental team effort. Behind every successful climber is an incredibly hard-working crew of guides, cooks, and porters. They carry your tents, prepare your meals, and ensure your safety in a harsh environment.
While our crew receives a fair and ethical base wage as mandated by the national park and porter welfare organizations, tipping is a deeply ingrained tradition on the mountain. It serves as a personal "thank you" for their exceptional dedication and physical exertion, and it constitutes a vital part of their livelihood.
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02. Recommended Amounts
Tipping amounts are typically calculated per group, not per climber. Below are the standard, daily recommended tipping guidelines per crew member for the entire group to share:
- Chief Guide: - per day
- Assistant Guide: - per day
- Cook: - per day
- Porter: - per day (per porter)
For example, a standard 7-day trek with 1 guide, 1 cook, and 3 porters for a solo climber might result in a total tip pool of around - from the climber. For larger groups, climbers pitch into a single pool.
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03. The Tipping Ceremony
Tipping is traditionally done on the last morning of the trek at the final camp (like Mweka Camp) before the final descent to the gate. This is known as the tipping ceremony.
Usually, the climbers pool their tip money together. The group appoints a spokesperson who says a few words of gratitude, and then distributes the envelopes to the Chief Guide, who then distributes it transparently to the crew, or directly to each crew member. We highly recommend handing the tips directly to the individuals to ensure transparency.
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04. Currency & Logistics
US Dollars (USD) or Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) are both highly appreciated. If using USD, the bills must be crisp, unwrinkled, and printed in the year 2013 or newer, as local banks will not accept older or damaged bills.
Bring smaller denominations (, , , ) as exact change won't be available on the mountain. Keep your tip money safe in a waterproof bag during the trek. It's also incredibly helpful and appreciated to donate any gently used hiking gear (boots, fleeces, gloves) to your porters after the climb!
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