Tailor Made Experiences

Kilimanjaro Tipping Guide

Mastering Kilimanjaro Tipping

Understanding the traditional tipping norms on Kilimanjaro can be a challenging task. Simba Safaris, armed with years of experience in guiding adventurers up this iconic peak, presents this detailed Kilimanjaro Tipping Guide to simplify the procedure. We aim to empower every trekker with the knowledge to genuinely show gratitude to the dedicated teams that turn the dream of scaling Kilimanjaro into reality.

Recognising the KPAP Standards

Simba Safaris is a dedicated supporter of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Program (KPAP). We believe in the spirit of fair pay and welfare. Here's a breakdown of KPAP's recommended tipping guidelines, which we diligently follow:

  • Lead Guide
  • This skilled individual, who guides your journey up the mountain, has a tipping standard of $20/day.
  • Assistant Guide
  • Assisting in making the trek smoother, the guideline for this valuable team member is $15/day.
  • Porters
  • These backbones of the trek carry essentials and make the journey possible. For their relentless service, $8/day for each porter is suggested.
  • Cook
  • Ensuring you get nutritious meals at high altitudes, the cook recommends $15/day.

    While these amounts are standardised across all routes, it's crucial to understand that these are cumulative for the group and not per individual climber. We ensure that trekkers are well-informed about their crew size before getting on the journey.

We share the Heart of Tanzania with every Guest and bring its warmth to you – the adventurer!.

Firoz Simba
Founder, Simba Safaris

To Us Africa Is An Extremely Special Place. We Want Our Guest To Experience The Warm And Friendly Nature Of The People They Will Meet Along The Way And To Make Sure Of That We Have Built A Team Of Expert Hosts, Guides And Excursion Managers Who Share Our Passion For Africa. Every Day Is Treated As A Special Gift As You Go Through Your Journey. It Is Our Dream To Share This Magnificent Continent With People From Around The World And We Are Really Fortunate To Do So. We Hope To Welcome You In Africa In The Near Future.

Safety Protocols and Insurance Insights

Safety and preparation are critical factors for any Kilimanjaro expedition. Keeping this in mind:

  • Distribution and Essential Details
  • An informed climber is an empowered one. This is why we emphasise transparent tipping practices, which can make a massive difference to the crew’s overall experience. Here's a concise structure to follow:
  • Crew Composition
  • Generally, for a duo climbing over seven days, the crew usually includes one lead guide, one assistant guide, one cook, and around 6 to 7 porters. This can vary based on the climb's duration or any added services.
  • Toilet Porter
  • If you’ve opted for a private toilet, remember a dedicated porter is ensuring its cleanliness. He's an added member of the standard crew.
  • Tipping Time
  • Always hand the tips on the last day's morning to the head guide. We maintain a strict policy ensuring the head guide divides the amount fairly amongst the crew.

We urge our climbers to acknowledge every crew member's role. This will ensure their efforts don't go unnoticed on your journey up the mountains. Want to get the best out of your Kilimanjaro experience? Trust Simba Safaris to guide you every step of the way. Get in touch with us now for a memorable adventure!

Kilimanjaro Tipping Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Tipping is a customary way to show gratitude for the hard work and dedication of the Kilimanjaro crew. It provides them additional income, acknowledging their essential role in making the climb successful.

While tipping is not obligatory, it's a deeply ingrained custom in Kilimanjaro. Given the crew's dedication and the challenging nature of their job, it's a gesture that's widely expected and appreciated.

The amount varies based on roles. Typically, lead guides receive $20-30/day, assistant guides $15-25/day, cooks $10-15/day, and porters $6-10/day. However, these figures are guidelines and may vary based on the service quality.

Yes, tipping in US Dollars is widely accepted. Ensure the notes are in good condition, and try to have smaller denominations for easy distribution.

It's customary to give the total tip to the head guide, who will distribute it amongst the crew based on an established policy. This ensures fairness and transparency.

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