Every climber on Kilimanjaro relies on a crew of guides, a cook and porters who carry tents, food, water and luggage up the mountain. Most porters come from villages around the mountain, and for many it is an important source of income. How they are treated depends largely on the operator you choose.
Who is on your crew
- Lead guide: responsible for your safety, pace and health checks. Licensed by the national park and trained in first aid.
- Assistant guides: one for every two climbers on summit night, depending on group size.
- Cook: prepares three meals a day.
- Porters: usually three or four per climber, carrying equipment and your main bag.
What fair treatment means
The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) sets guidelines for operators. They cover:
- Loads: park rules cap a porter’s load at 20 kg. We keep company loads to 15 kg per porter, plus personal kit.
- Wages: at least the legal minimum, paid in full soon after the climb.
- Food and shelter: three proper meals a day and a tent to sleep in.
- Gear: warm, waterproof clothing and boots for the conditions.
- Care: sick or injured porters are brought down and looked after.
Ask any operator whether they are a KPAP partner, and be wary of climbs priced well below the market. Read how much it costs to climb Kilimanjaro.
How tipping works
Tips are a normal and expected part of a Kilimanjaro climb and make up a large part of the crew’s earnings. They are usually given at a short ceremony on the last morning. Before the climb, we tell you exactly how many crew are on your team, so the numbers match on the day.
Suggested tips
| Crew member | Per day, per group |
|---|---|
| Lead guide | $20–$25 |
| Assistant guide | $15–$20 |
| Cook | $12–$15 |
| Porter | $8–$10 |
For one climber on a seven- or eight-day climb, this usually comes to $250–$400. Groups share the total. Bring US dollars or Tanzanian shillings in small notes, and give each person their tip directly or in a named envelope.
Other ways to help
Good-quality gear you no longer need, such as jackets, gloves and boots, is always welcome. Ask your guide or KPAP how to donate it. See our Lemosho Route for how we run our climbs.
Frequently asked questions
Usually three or four per climber, depending on the route and group size.
Most climbers budget $250–$400 each for a seven- or eight-day climb, shared between guides, cook and porters.
The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project, a Moshi-based organisation that sets fair-treatment guidelines for porters and monitors partner operators.
