How Much Does Climbing Kilimanjaro Cost?

Climbing Kilimanjaro isn’t your average hiking trip. It is a logistical puzzle that takes a whole team to make happen. Every trek involves guides, porters, cooks, gear, and permits. Add to that the fact that you will be walking through different climate zones, carrying everything from tents to food to emergency equipment, and you start to see why this is not something you can do alone or on the cheap. Even the most stripped-down Kilimanjaro trek has to cover park fees, wages, and the basics to get you safely to the summit and back down. If you are wondering what the trek actually feels like, you can read more about it in our guide on how hard it is to climb Kilimanjaro.

It is also worth remembering that Kilimanjaro is a national park, and the Tanzanian government has strict rules in place to protect both the mountain and the people working on it. These rules set minimum wages for porters, regulate safety standards, and include conservation fees for every trekker. So when you see the cost of a Kilimanjaro trek, you are not just paying for a bed in a tent. You are supporting a whole chain of people and helping to protect the mountain itself.

At Bookatrekking.com, we keep things simple. Whether you climb in high season or low season, in an open group or privately, the price of our Kilimanjaro packages stays the same. We believe in fair, transparent pricing without last-minute surprises. That said, the experience you get for that price can vary depending on a few things—mainly the time of year you choose and the route you take. The weather can change the whole feel of the trek, from clear summit views in dry season to wet boots in the rainy months. If you are wondering when the best time is to make the climb, you can check out our guide on the best time to climb Kilimanjaro.

The route you pick also plays a role in the kind of experience you will have. Some routes, like the Machame Route and the Lemosho Route, offer better acclimatisation and more varied scenery. Others, like the Marangu Route, have hut accommodation instead of tents. The price may stay the same, but the route shapes how challenging, scenic, and social your climb feels. That is why we always recommend looking beyond the number and thinking about what kind of adventure you really want on the mountain.

When you book your Kilimanjaro trek with Bookatrekking.com, the price includes everything you need for a safe, comfortable, and well-organised climb. That starts with the official Kilimanjaro National Park fees, which cover your entry, camping or hut accommodation on the mountain, and rescue services. These fees alone make up a big part of the total cost and are non-negotiable. On top of that, you are paying for an experienced team: certified guides, cooks, porters, and all the logistics that go into moving people, food, and gear up the mountain. Your meals, tents, and safety equipment like oxygen and pulse oximeters are all part of the package too.

Accommodation before and after the trek is not included by default. This gives you the flexibility to choose your own comfort level—Moshi has a wide range of hotels and lodges to suit every budget. If you prefer, we can easily arrange accommodation for you as an add-on. What is also not included are personal gear (which you can rent), tips for your mountain crew, and your international flights. For packing advice, you can check out our complete Kilimanjaro packing list. We keep it transparent so you know exactly what is covered—and what is not.

To give you a real idea of what it costs to climb Kilimanjaro, let’s take our bestseller: the 7-day Machame Route. It’s one of the most popular routes for a reason: great views, good acclimatisation, and solid chances of making it to the top. Right now, that trek costs around €1,525 per person. That’s for everything you actually need: park fees, guides, porters, food, tents, and all the logistics to get you safely up and back down.

But that’s not the full picture. You’ll also need to budget for tips, gear rental if you don’t have everything, insurance, your flights, and your hotel before and after the climb. Most people end up somewhere between €3,000 and €4,000 all-in. It’s not cheap—but then again, standing on the Roof of Africa isn’t something you do every day..

If you’re planning to climb Kilimanjaro, take the time to think it through. It’s not something you want to rush, and it’s definitely not something where you want to cut corners. A solid trek is about more than just the price—it’s about having the right support, the right kit, and giving yourself the best shot at actually enjoying the climb. The mountain is tough enough without adding stress over missing gear or last-minute surprises.

If you want to read more, we’ve put together some useful guides to help you out. There’s one on Kilimanjaro facts if you want to know what makes the mountain so special, a full Kilimanjaro packing list, and a post on what to expect when you get to the Barranco Wall. And if you’re not sure where to start or just want some honest advice, get in touch with us. We’ve been there, we’ve done it, and we’re happy to help you do the same.