Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for free, for lack of a better word, is not possible logistically unless otherwise, it is a fully sponsored trip or an offer by a tour company. If you’re considering a trip to Kilimanjaro like I am, you’ve undoubtedly discovered that it’s rather expensive. I looked into my options after thinking about whether there was any possibility I could climb Kilimanjaro for free.
It is really difficult to climb Kilimanjaro without paying anything. This is so because you need porters to carry your gear and a licensed guide to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, both of whom cost money. In addition, Kilimanjaro charges climbers an additional fee for admittance that comes to around $800 per climber. Let’s examine special circumstances in which you can climb Kilimanjaro for nothing, as well as some other mountains you might want to think about if you wish to climb for nothing.
Why can’t you climb Kilimanjaro without paying any fees?
Without beating around the bush, it is not entirely possible to climb this mountain for free because there are some costs involved in arranging your trek like flights, visa fees, travel insurance, vaccination, accommodation, tipping the Kilimanjaro crew that will be made of mountain guides, porters and cooks plus paying their wages. All this and most importantly, not forgetting the Kilimanjaro park fees and government taxes, because you cannot begin climbing or gaining access to the park without proof of payment of the park fees.
Is it possible to climb Kilimanjaro for free?
As I’ve already explained at the beginning of this article, it’s very difficult to climb Kilimanjaro for free. It is practically impossible for you to climb the mountain for free because of the several necessary fees that you must pay just to have access to it.
Compulsory fees you must pay to climb Kilimanjaro
- Park entrance fees: These fees must be paid by you, your guide, and any porters before you can even begin your climb. You must submit this, which costs on average $900, before being authorized to climb the mountain.
- Porter & mountain guide fees: Before beginning your climb, you will pay the climbing company, the fees for your mountain guide, cook, and porters.
- Tipping for the Porters and Guides: These will be distributed after descending the mountain.
For more details and a breakdown of the cost of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, please click here to see how much Mount Kilimanjaro costs.
Factors influencing Mount Kilimanjaro trekking cost
Factors influencing Mount Kilimanjaro trekking costClimbing this mountain located in Tanzania will not only cost you some money but also time and effort. To save you some time below are some of the things that will cost you to climb Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.
Costs associated with climbing Mount Kilimanjaro range from US$1,000 to $4,000, not including airfare, clothes, and equipment are affected by a number of factors. For all these costs, you can pay an additional $1000 or $2000 depending on where you are leaving from. The estimated cost of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is influenced by a number of factors, including;
Flight Tickets
To get to Tanzania, assuming you are flying into the country’s airports like the Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will need to book air tickets from your home country or destination of departure. Flight fares depend on the airline you have chosen, the time of the season if it is the peak or off-peak season, and the country you are coming from plus the duration of the flight and class. Obviously economy class is cheaper than flying business class.
Tanzania Visa Cost
Most significantly, you need to get a Tanzanian visa in order to cross the border or enter Tanzania. Except for Americans, all nationals must pay $50 for a visa to Tanzania. For residents of the US, it is $100 and you can apply for a visa online.
Travel Insurance
The Kilimanjaro Travel Insurance, however, offers a variety of plans starting at $50. We advise purchasing travel insurance that includes cancellation and health coverage. It will run you about $100.
Vaccination
Before starting your Kilimanjaro journey, you must have had all the required vaccinations, including those for cholera, yellow fever, malaria, diphtheria, hepatitis, tetanus, rabies, measles, etc. Due to the full vaccination process, your cost to climb Mount Kilimanjaro will increase by roughly $100.
Time Of Travel
You can climb Mount Kilimanjaro at any time of the year and even though there are some times of the year that are the best for climbing, determining the cost of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro depends greatly on the time of year you visit. During the dry season, prices are high, whereas, during the wet season, costs are lower.
Duration
It would take you between 5 to 9 days to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, this depends on the route you choose and how much time you will need to acclimatize depending on your level of expertise. The more days you spend on the mountain, the higher the price of climbing Kilimanjaro. That being said, you should not compromise your safety for cost as you might end up paying the ultimate price. Make sure your itinerary accommodates enough time for acclimatization on the mountain.
Accommodation
There is a wide variety of hotels and lodges around Moshi, the town that is closest to Mount Kilimanjaro. From shoestring, budget guest houses to medium-priced hotels to luxury hotels like the Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel in Moshi town, to ultra-luxury lodges in the outskirts of the town where it is all quiet and serene. Depending on your budget you will find anything that suits you, of course, this will also reflect on your trip cost. Most climbers opt for 2 nights, one before climbing Kilimanjaro and the other night after climbing and descending the mountain. Also on the mountain, depending on which route you will choose, your trekking cost will include camping fees on Kilimanjaro’s campgrounds.
Tipping Of The Kilimanjaro Guides & Porters
On Mount Kilimanjaro, tipping the guides is customary even if it is not required as a sign of appreciation. Depending on the caliber of the services you receive, you may tip. Your Kilimanjaro Climb Cost will increase by $300, roughly speaking, to account for tipping the Kilimanjaro staff members.
In conclusion, if you have any questions on How To Climb Kilimanjaro For Free, please let us know.
then you are probably mistaken. It is necessary to be escorted by the Kilimanjaro staff because of the norms and restrictions set forth by the park government, who put your safety first. On the Kilimanjaro Climb Packages, Tranquil Kilimanjaro is now offering some incredible deals.
How can you climb Mount Kilimanjaro for free with Tranquil Kilimanjaro?
With Tranquil Kilimanjaro, you can climb Kilimanjaro for absolutely free! Yes, you read that right. You can climb Kilimanjaro for free with your friends if you want to! Here is how you can do it. When you organize a group of 10 people, we can offer you a free spot to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for free.
Climb Kilimanjaro for FREE and Choose your own route
We can advise you on the best course of action, or you may choose the way that works best for you and your group. The 10 persons would pay for their ascent of Kilimanjaro, and we would provide the entire range of Kilimanjaro services at no cost to you.
You can select, for instance, the seven-day Machame route which is popular amongst climbers by virtue of being one of the oldest routes on Kilimanjaro, or our personal best route on the mountain, the eight-day Lemosho route, or the six-day Marangu route, all of which include overnight stays in campsites on the mountain except for the Marangu Route which includes staying in A-shaped huts that are dormitory styled.
We have a fantastic offer for free Kilimanjaro climbing!
Kilimanjaro climbing is something that you’ve always wanted to do, but you don’t have the money to make the trip.
Do you have any friends, family members, hiking clubs, hill walking groups, or other potential climbing partners? If so, we may have an offer for you! Kilimanjaro’s Best Guide is at your disposal. For further information, GET IN TOUCH WITH US.
Get out there and get ten companions to help you conquer Kilimanjaro. Your space is FREE if you can round up 10 individuals to join you on the trip. Alternatively, you might share the costs across your team.
Why you can’t climb Kilimanjaro on Your own
As was already said, the expenses you pay to the guiding service to take you up the mountain are what makes climbing Kilimanjaro so expensive.
Therefore, you might be wondering why you need mountain guides if you can climb the mountain by yourself.
The Tanzanian government mandates that all climbers must be accompanied by licensed and experienced guides when ascending the peak. Additionally, each climber must have at least three porters to help them with their baggage.
You will not be permitted to climb the mountain until these requirements have been met, as these are not suggestions.
Can you climb Mount Kilimanjaro on your own?
How to get a discount when climbing Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro climbing has a lot of accompanying costs, and it might be difficult to get any discounts from businesses that are already charging fairly to do so.
You should pick a company whose prices are reasonable and acceptable, if not the cheapest, as the majority of readers might not be able to take advantage of this discount to climb Kilimanjaro.
Which time of the year will you get the best discounts
Climbing in the off-season, when there are fewer climbers on the mountain, will gain you a discount.
The rainy months on Kilimanjaro are from March to June, and while these are not the greatest seasons to climb, you might be able to obtain a bargain because fewer people climb during this period.
Conclusion
Although it is not possible to climb Kilimanjaro for free, there are several top-notch, mid-range hiking organizations that are fully prepared to provide you with a memorable and safe ascent.
And remember, you should not go looking for cheap climbs, cheap is expensive. Also, the shorter routes on Kilimanjaro are cheaper, if you are not an experienced climber, avoid them.
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