If you’ve always wanted to climb Kilimanjaro, you’ve probably wondered about the cost of doing so. Any big expedition is always going to incur a number of costs along the way – think permits, park fees, gear and guides. But while there are some areas where it pays to be frugal, a climb like this isn’t one of them. If you’re curious about climbing Kilimanjaro on a budget, this post is for you…
Climbing Kilimanjaro on a budget
We’ll cut right to the chase – if you’re looking to climb Kilimanjaro, it’s pretty hard to do it on a budget. But the good news is, you do get excellent value for money (depending on who you book with, of course!). The fact of the matter is, there are lots of costs when it comes to Kili, and these simply can’t be avoided.
What are the fees?
Because you cannot climb Kilimanjaro without a guide, you need to factor this into the cost of a climb. You also need to buy a permit to climb Kilimanjaro. As well as this, you’ll need to factor in the cost of hiring porters and cooks, to assist you up the mountain and set up camp each night. However, if you book with Earth’s Edge, all of this is taken care of.
Beware of cheap expeditions
While you have to book with a licensed guide, not all trips to Kilimanjaro are made equal. You need to make sure that you book with a reputable company. Not only does this mean that your safety is a priority, but it means that their staff and porters are treated fairly, too. Often, you see a cheap price, but find an awful lot isn’t included. Always double check exactly what’s included before booking.
What’s included on an Earth’s Edge expedition to Kilimanjaro?
- Return international flights from Dublin to Kilimanjaro (UK flights not included)
- Experienced Irish/UK expedition leader
- Experienced Irish/UK expedition doctor
- Training Weekend
- Local guides, porters and support staff
- All accommodation
- All meals (except in Arusha where accommodation is based on B&B)
- A celebratory dinner at the end of the expedition
- All transport throughout the expedition
- National Park fees & local VAT
- All group gear consisting of first aid kits, mountaineering equipment, cooking equipment etc.
- Use of state of the art tents and thermarests
What about my own gear?
If you want to keep your costs down, a great way to do so is buy borrowing gear from friends before you go. If a friend has done a similar climb, they may have the more expensive items you need, like sleeping bags or jackets. However, the one thing you don’t want to borrow is hiking boots. Your hiking boots need to be like your second skin! They need to be fitted to your feet, and broken in before a trip. Trust us, there’s no pain like poorly fitting boots on a trek! Remember, if you book an Earth’s Edge expedition, you get a 15% discount on all your gear in Great Outdoors.
To read more about our expedition to climb Kilimanjaro, click the link. You can also read our Ultimate Guide to Kilimanjaro here.
