Kilimanjaro Crew & Tipping: What to Know

Why Is The Crew Essential?

The crew on Kilimanjaro is the backbone of your trek. Without them, the climb would not be possible. They handle everything from carrying your luggage and setting up camp to preparing meals and ensuring your safety throughout the journey. They have extensive knowledge of the mountain and its challenges, and their professionalism and dedication allow you to focus on your climb. A strong, supportive crew helps make your Kilimanjaro adventure a success, giving you the best chance to reach the summit.

Who Are Kilimanjaro Crew? Porters, Cooks, Assistant Guides & Main Guides

The Kilimanjaro crew is made up of several specialized roles, each contributing to the success of your trek:

1. Porters: Porters are responsible for carrying the majority of your luggage, including tents, food, and camping gear. They hike ahead to set up camp, ensuring everything is ready when you arrive. They also carry your personal belongings within the weight limits set by the park.

2. Cooks: The cooks prepare meals for the entire team. They work hard to provide nourishing, high-energy meals that keep climbers fueled throughout the trek. Expect a variety of meals designed to meet your dietary needs and keep you energized during your hike.

3. Assistant Guides: Assistant guides support the main guides and help manage the group. They assist with navigation, provide guidance during the trek, and ensure that everyone is safe and acclimatizing properly.

4. Main Guides: The main guides are highly experienced, certified professionals who lead the group on the mountain. They are responsible for your safety, route navigation, and making important decisions during the climb, such as adjusting the itinerary for acclimatization or managing health risks.

What Does Each Do?

Each member of the Kilimanjaro crew has an essential role to play in making your climb as smooth and enjoyable as possible:

• Porters: They carry all the gear, including tents, cooking equipment, and your personal luggage. They also assist with setting up and taking down campsites each day.

• Cooks: They plan and prepare balanced meals that provide the necessary energy for a demanding day of hiking. They ensure your meals are fresh and safe, even in the most remote conditions.

• Assistant Guides: They help manage the group’s pace, ensure everyone is following the plan, and provide support when needed. They are also trained in first aid and altitude sickness management.

• Main Guides: The main guide is in charge of the whole expedition, making decisions regarding the group’s well-being, and ensuring that everyone is staying on track and following safety protocols.

Creating A Safer Climb For Everyone

The safety of all climbers is paramount, and the Kilimanjaro crew plays a crucial role in ensuring this. Here are some ways the crew contributes to a safer climb:

• Weight Limits: To avoid overloading porters, the Tanzanian government enforces weight limits on the amount of luggage each porter can carry. This ensures they can safely manage the load while maintaining their strength and endurance throughout the climb.

• KPAP: The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) helps improve the working conditions and welfare of Kilimanjaro porters. By supporting companies that follow KPAP guidelines, you ensure that porters are treated fairly, provided with proper clothing, and receive fair wages.

• Clothing: Crew members are provided with appropriate clothing and equipment to handle the harsh conditions of Kilimanjaro. This ensures they can perform their duties effectively while remaining comfortable and safe.

How Many Crew Do You Need On Kilimanjaro?

The number of crew members depends on the size of your group and the route you choose.

For all Kilimanjaro routes except Marangu you will have:

• 1 climber: 1 guide, 3 porters, 1 cook
• 2 climbers: 1 guide, 6 porters, 1 extra assistance guide, 1 cook
• 3 climbers: 1 guide, 9 porters, 1 extra assistance guide, 1 cook
• 4 climbers: 2 guides, 9 porters, 1 extra assistance guide, 1 cook, 1 waiter

On larger groups, the ratio of crew to climbers increases, ensuring that every climber receives the attention and assistance they need.

How Much Should You Tip The Crew?

Tipping is a significant part of the crew’s income, as it is not included in the cost of your climb. While there is no fixed rule, it’s customary to tip based on the size of the group and the level of service provided. Here is a general guideline:

The following are daily rates for each person:

• Per Chief Guide: $20-25 Per day
• Per Assistant guide: $15-20 Per day
• Per Cook: $10-15 Per day
• Per Porter: $8-10 Per day

Note: Each client should expect to tip between US$ 250 – US$ 350 for the entire climb

A good rule of thumb is to pool your tips at the end of the trek and divide them among the crew based on their roles and the level of service they provided.

Additional notes:

• If you have booked your climb through an agent that gave you different information, please tip according to the agent’s information.
• To avoid confusion, on the first day of your climb, please confirm with your guide the correct total number of staff that you or your group have. Don’t pay tips to any other persons.
• When you do the tipping at your hotel in Moshi town, please make sure the guide is accompanied by at least one other member of your crew to allow total transparency.