Kilimanjaro Tipping Guide

Standing at top of the Kilimanjaro takes a lot. And, it’s nearly impossible without the support of Kilimanjaro Guides, porters, mountain crew and cooks. And, to show gratitude towards them there is a custom of tipping these people on Mount Kilimanjaro.  

But should you tip and when you should tip, know everything in this unique custom on Kilimanjaro Tipping Guide.

Some words on Kilimanjaro Tipping Ceremony

The Kilimanjaro Tipping ceremony is the most beautiful way to celebrate your Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing. This is a fun custom that happens at the end of the Kilimanjaro Climb. And this tipping ceremony is backed by traditional singing and dancing.

And, this is the time when Kilimanjaro Mount climbers tip to the mountain crew. The guides assemble the crew members at the ceremony and the tipping money is distributed in two envelopes. One is for guides and cooks and the other one for tips for all porters.

The Procedure of the Kilimanjaro Tipping Ceremony

It’s no doubt that tipping is the best way to show your gratitude towards the Mountain Crew. But as a climber, you should know what the exact procedure of the Kilimanjaro Tipping Ceremony is and how you should tip to the mountain crews. Let’s take a look at how Kilimanjaro Tipping Ceremony works

• Kilimanjaro Tipping Ceremony happens on the last day of the Trek. After the Kilimanjaro Climb, the guides generally assemble the entire mountain crew.
• Following this, the group’s spokesperson says a few words on the behalf of thanking the entire staff which is translated by the lead guide into Swahili.
• The spokesperson signs on the tipping sheet to show the amount of tipping that has been given, and indicate how much tip has been allocated to each crew member.
• Then that spokesperson hands over the allocated tip to the respective crew members.
• Then the guides announce how much tip has been given to each crew member.
• This whole tipping ceremony ends with a lot of dancing and singing.

Is Tipping Compulsory on Kilimanjaro?

No, not. Tipping is not compulsory in Kilimanjaro. But it has been custom and is expected on Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing. we encourage each climber to have some money for the Tipping Kilimanjaro Guide.

Kilimanjaro Crews relies on the tip they get from the climbers. It’s because the salary they get is inadequate and is hard for sustaining. This could be the main reason every climber on Kilimanjaro, wanted to tip the mountain crew.

The currency you can use while tipping Kilimanjaro Guide

Either in US Dollars or in Tanzanian Shilling, you can tip the Kilimanjaro staff by using both these currencies. It would the good if you withdraw enough cash at Airport and near the lodge you will be staying.

Once you’re in Kilimanjaro, you cannot draw any cash.

 

How should I tip the mountain crew

There is no defined answer to this question how much should you tip n Kilimanjaro crew? It depends on the number of people in your group, and the greater number of people in your group will be, the larger the crew will. And higher the crew member indicates that you will pay a large amount of tip.

Now, we are giving a general tipping guide on the daily tipping amount per mountain crew member

Note- These Kilimanjaro Tips are based on the industry standard as of January 2023. Please ask your lead guide before tipping the members.

Remember that the longer you Kilimanjaro Climbing will take more you will tip on a daily basis, as the crew members are tipped daily.

The total tip amount per climber for a seven-day Kilimanjaro Climb

The above table shows your tipping amount will be less if your group have more numbers of people.

Tip according to the service you received

The amount you tip bring smiles and motivates the mountain crew to work hard so that they can earn more tips. But if you’re not happy with their services, tip less than the suggested amount. If the service is okay, tip the mentioned amount.

But you got a truly exceptional service, you should tip more than the mentioned amount. Please note that over-tipping is good but not advisable, as it may lead to crew starting depending upon tipping money.

The best tipping advice is you should tip the amount based on their job, whether they have delivered a good service or not.

Best time to Tip the Kilimanjaro Crew

As we have mentioned below, the Best Time To Tip The Kilimanjaro crew is after the Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing. You can hand over the tip money to the mountain crew at the Kilimanjaro tipping ceremony, on your last day at Mount Kilimanjaro.

You can ask your lead guide about the exact time of the tipping ceremony.

Conclusion

Every single porter, cook and guide plays a crucial role in Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing. Just imagine without any of these people. And their continuous support throughout your journey must need to appreciate. Tipping on Kilimanjaro also acts as a social reform as your small contribution is making a big difference in a porter’s life.

Follow this Kilimanjaro Tipping Guide to show your gratitude by paying a small tipping amount to the Kilimanjaro Mountain Crew.