Understanding the Tipping Process for Kilimanjaro

When embarking on a Kilimanjaro trek, you not only undertake a personal adventure but also rely on a dedicated and hardworking team to help you reach the summit. Your Kilimanjaro mountain crew—guides, assistant guides, porters, cooks, and camp staff—work tirelessly to ensure your safety, comfort, and overall success on the mountain. An essential part of acknowledging their efforts is through tipping.

At Summit Wild, we follow all guidelines set by the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) to ensure the fair treatment and proper compensation of all crew members. Tipping is not just a token of appreciation but a crucial part of their earnings. In this post, we’ll dive into the tipping customs on Kilimanjaro, how the system works, and why your tips matter.

Is Tipping Compulsory?

Technically, tipping on Kilimanjaro is not compulsory, but it is customary and strongly encouraged. While the term "tip" might suggest an optional gesture, the reality on the mountain is different. After a successful climb, trekkers usually feel compelled to show their appreciation for the crew’s efforts, as they play an indispensable role in helping climbers achieve their goals.

In fact, tipping has become an essential part of a crew member’s income. Although we at Summit Wild pay our team members a government-mandated wage, tips make up a significant portion of their overall earnings. For many of the porters and guides, working on Kilimanjaro is their primary source of income, and your tips ensure that they can provide for their families.

Why Tipping is Important?

Tipping on Kilimanjaro is more than a tradition; it’s a vital economic practice. Many Kilimanjaro crew members come from rural areas with limited job opportunities. Their work on the mountain is not only physically demanding but also critical to the success and safety of the climbers. By tipping your crew, you are directly contributing to their livelihoods.

Additionally, the KPAP actively promotes fair working conditions and has set guidelines to ensure the welfare of porters. At Summit Wild, we strictly adhere to these guidelines to ensure that the tipping system is transparent, equitable, and truly benefits those who work so hard for you.

Recommended Tipping Amounts

Following KPAP guidelines and current industry standards, here’s a breakdown of suggested tipping amounts for Kilimanjaro treks. These amounts reflect what the entire group should collectively provide for the entire climb duration, not per individual climber:

Senior Guide: $18 – $25 per day for the whole group
Assistant Guide: $13 – $20 per day for the whole group
Cook: $10 – $15 per day for the whole group
Waiter: $8 – $12 per day for the whole group
Porter: $6 – $10 per day for the whole group
Summit Porter: $10 – $15 per day for the whole group
Toilet Crew: $8 – $12 per day for the whole group

Crew Size and Tipping Breakdown

The size of your mountain crew depends on the number of climbers and the specifics of your trek. Below is a rough guide to the typical crew composition and corresponding tipping ranges based on group sizes.

Group of 1: 1 Senior Guide, 1 Cook, 3 or 4 Porters
Group of 2: 1 Senior Guide, 1 Assistant Guide, 1 Cook, 7 Porters
Group of 3: 1 Senior Guide, 1 Assistant Guide, 1 Cook, 9 Porters
Group of 4: 1 Senior Guide, 1 Assistant Guide, 1 Cook, 12 Porters
Group of 5: 1 Senior Guide, 2 Assistant Guides, 1 Cook, 15 Porters
Group of 6: 1 Senior Guide, 2 Assistant Guides, 2 Cooks, 18 Porters
Group of 7: 1 Senior Guide, 2 Assistant Guides, 2 Cooks, 21 Porters
Group of 8: 1 Senior Guide, 3 Assistant Guides, 2 Cooks, 24 Porters
Group of 9: 1 Senior Guide, 3 Assistant Guides, 2 Cooks, 27 Porters
Group of 10: 1 Senior Guide, 3 Assistant Guides, 2 Cooks, 30 Porters

How to Distribute Tips

The best practice for distributing tips is to collect the total amount from the entire group and then divide it among the crew. Here’s a suggested method:

Prepare Envelopes: Separate tips into two envelopes—one for guides, assistant guides, and cooks, and another for porters and other support staff.
Hand Over Tips: Present the envelope for guides and cooks to the lead guide, and the envelope for porters to their representative.

Tipping on Kilimanjaro goes beyond a simple formality; it plays a crucial role in supporting the dedicated crew members who ensure your climb is successful and enjoyable. By following the suggested tipping guidelines and distributing tips fairly, you contribute to the continued high standards of service on the mountain. At Summit Wild, we prioritise the well-being of our crew, ensuring they are appropriately rewarded for their hard work and commitment, so you can enjoy a memorable and well-supported adventure.

SUMMIT WILD