What You Need to Know: We suggest US$20–30 per day for the mountain guide, US$10–15 per day for the cook and any assistant guide, and US$5–10 per day for each porter. With our crew of seven per climber, one guide, one cook and five porters, that comes to about US$55–95 per climber per day, or US$385–665 for a 7-day climb. Tips are given at the end of the climb, in cash, directly to each crew member.
How Much Should You Tip Each Kilimanjaro Crew Member?
Budget about US$55–95 per climber per day for a full crew of seven, shared between the guide, the cook and the porters as below.
These are the daily ranges commonly followed by climbers and the ones we suggest. Tip more for exceptional service if you wish.
| Crew member | Suggested tip per day |
|---|---|
| Mountain guide | US$20–30 |
| Assistant guide | US$10–15 |
| Cook | US$10–15 (we suggest the assistant-guide rate) |
| Each porter | US$5–10 |
Multiply by the number of days on the mountain to find your total.
Total Kilimanjaro Tips by Climb Length
Every climber on our climbs has a crew of seven: one guide, one cook and five porters. For one climber that makes:
| Climb | Tips per climber |
|---|---|
| 5 days (5-day Marangu) | US$275–475 |
| 6 days (6-day Machame, 6-day Marangu) | US$330–570 |
| 7 days (7-day Machame, 7-day Lemosho) | US$385–665 |
| 8 days (8-day Lemosho) | US$440–760 |
| 9 days (Northern Circuit) | US$495–855 |
For a group, multiply by the number of climbers, since each climber brings their own crew of seven. Many groups pool their tips and share them in these proportions.
Why Tips Matter to Kilimanjaro Crews, and How to Budget
Kilimanjaro crews work hard: porters carry up to 18 kg (40 lb) each on our climbs, walk ahead to set up camp and pack it again every morning; cooks prepare three hot meals a day at altitude; guides are responsible for your safety day and night. Tips are a large part of what they take home for a climb.
We have been a KPAP partner since 2023: the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project checks partner companies for fair pay, proper equipment and fair loads. Tipping your crew directly makes sure the money reaches the people who earned it.
Budget for tips from the start: about US$55–95 per climber per day for a full crew. Bring the cash in small notes, put each crew member's tip in an envelope, and hand them over in person at the end of the climb.
When and How to Hand Over Tips at the End of the Climb
Tips are usually given at the end of the climb, at the last camp or at the exit gate. Many crews hold a short thank-you song and celebration, and it is a moment most climbers remember.
Your guide can tell you the final crew list at the start of the climb. Prepare an envelope for each person, or one per role with the number of porters noted, and hand them over yourself. If you are in a group, agree the total with the other climbers before the last day, so the shares are fair and nobody is left out.
- When: at the last camp or the gate, at the end of the climb
- How: in envelopes or directly to each crew member, so each share reaches the right person
- Currency: US dollars or Tanzanian shillings
- Ask your guide for the crew list at the start of the climb, so you can plan the shares
Plan the total before you travel and bring it in cash, in small notes; US dollar notes should be newer and undamaged. Keep the tip money separate from your spending money, and have envelopes ready.
Our Kilimanjaro cost guide shows the rest of what to budget for: park fees, visa, insurance and gear rental.
What Cash to Bring for Kilimanjaro Tips
- Bring US dollars printed after 2009, in small notes, or change some into Tanzanian shillings in Moshi
- Put each crew member's tip in a separate envelope
- Count tips before the ceremony so the handover is quick
- Ask your guide how the crew prefer to receive tips
Tipping Your Safari Guide After the Climb
If you add a safari after your climb, the driver-guide is tipped separately: we suggest US$10–25 per person per day. See the safari tipping guide.
Common Questions About Tipping on Kilimanjaro
Is tipping on Kilimanjaro mandatory?
It is not compulsory, but it is expected and is an important part of crew income.
How much should I tip on Kilimanjaro in total?
About US$55–95 per climber per day for a crew of seven, so US$385–665 for a 7-day climb.
Can I tip in Tanzanian shillings?
Yes. US dollars and shillings are both accepted.
Should I give gear instead of money?
Donated gear is welcome, but it should be on top of a cash tip, not instead of it.
Do I tip if I don't reach the summit?
Yes. The crew has done the same work, and often more if they helped you down.
Who do I give the porters' tips to?
Directly to each porter, or in envelopes with their names, so each share reaches them.
Can I tip in Tanzanian shillings?
Yes. Shillings or US dollars are both fine; shillings save the crew exchange fees.
Should I tip in front of the whole crew?
Yes: handing tips directly to each person at the ceremony is fair and transparent.
The Bottom Line
Budget about US$55–95 per day for your crew of seven, bring it in small notes, and hand it over yourself at the end of the climb. It is a large part of how the people who carry, cook and guide for you earn their living.
Send us your dates, the number of climbers and your hotel level through the form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and our sales team in Moshi will reply with a written quotation.