Kilimanjaro and other things to do in Tanzania

Hi Candace - have a look at some of the stuff posted on this site over the past 2 weeks. Generally you should be paying around $100-130 US per day to the safari/climbing organisation. Your park fees are also around $100 US per day (the huts on the Marangu route I think are a bit more expensive). Tips are always a difficult issue - generally depends upon the number of trekkers. But I would suggest $60 US for the head guide, $40-45 for assistant guides (and cook if you are camping). Porters around $20-25 for your personal porter and around $20 for other porters. You should always hand the tips directly to the individual concerned - DO NOT TRUST THE GUIDE TO DELVE OUT THE FUNDS AS YOU HAVE STATED. The personal contact between you and the guides and porters deserves the respect of handing over the tip directly - with a smile, a handshake and hug. The number of porters will depend upon the number of trekkers and whether you are camping or using the huts. Hotel Marangu has a ratio of twice the number of trekkers plus 1 for the huts and 3 times the number of trekkers plus 1 for camping. Other organisations may have their own methods of determining the numbers. If you are considering the Marangu route - opt for 6 days (similarly on the Rongai - maybe even 7), if you are trying the Machame - then definitely 7 days minimum.

Go and enjoy. Regards Orion_Mike

$10 per day for the guide (from the whole group)
$8 per day for the cook (from the whole group)
$5 per day for each porter (from the whole group)

I did not need any porter for my stuff, since I was carrying it by myself (I have seen how they treat that stuff and how wet it gets when they fail to cover it and I prefer to have my stuff with myself at all times). There will be the need of porters for the food they are going to use to cook everybody's meal. I guess 2-3porters (including the cook) if you're going solo.

which route are you going?

climbing mt. meru, next to kili with great views of it, is supposed to be just as good a climb and a little cheaper. also it is the route less traveled so there will not be herds of people on the mountain. what we heard while we were in moshi (we did not climb kili!) was to have tips for guides ready; some will demand them at the top of the mountain with threats to leave you there if you don't fork over the cash. hopefully this is few and far between. good luck!

Dear friends, I am Hilary and likes hosting foreigners on matters regarding tourism, volunteering etc. If organising with me about climbing Kilimanjaro and finding out what to do extra would not be a problem with you, please contact me. Having a tour companion (local) is always good. from here, we can do a lot with friendship and discover much more for your memories. Please contact me through: bridge9wood@yahoo.com or call +255753900004.

Regards, Hilary.