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Located in Tanzania, at an altitude of 5,895 m.a.s.l, Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and one of the world’s Seven Summits. Climbing this stunning peak is the dream of any mountaineer and outdoor adventurer. Furthermore, because it is a non-technical climb, it is a great challenge for mountaineering enthusiasts that haven’t yet gone pro. Additionally, with its unique wilderness, it is an unforgettable place to discover. Planning in advance is key to tackle the summit of Kili, and is best done with an experienced, professional guide. Read on to find out how to budget your Kilimanjaro summit experience!
The price of a guided tour to the top of Kilimanjaro will depend on the duration of the tour, the number of people that join the group and to a lesser extent, the route you choose. Tours to the top of Kili take around 5 to 9 days, depending on the route you choose. The average cost per day, per person for a tour of 8 people is US$245. For a 6-day trip, that’s an estimate of US$1470. It is approximately 40% higher for those who want to try a solo tour.
The cheapest and shortest route to the top of Kili is the Marangu route, it is one of the easiest and the only one with mountain huts on the way. Machame is the most popular route and Rongai the most remote, there is not much difference in cost or trip duration between the two, though Rongai is slightly cheaper on average. Finally, Lemosho is a newer route that takes a bit longer to climb which makes it of the four, the highest in overall cost.
Plane ticket prices to Kilimanjaro vary largely depending on where you are traveling from. If you are planning a trip from the USA, expect an average round way cost of approximately US$2000 from the West Coast, and a dramatically lower US$1100 from the East Coast. From Europe, averages range between €700 to €450. Of course, you can also find promotional airfare prices both from the USA and Europe. When booking flights, keep in mind that Kilimanjaro trekking seasons are the colder January to March and the warmer June to October.
Keep in mind that before you travel to Tanzania, you will need to get vaccinations and this should be factored into your budget. It is also suggested that you get an overall medical checkup a few weeks before traveling and that you talk to your doctor about anti-malarial medication. The vaccines you will need for your Kili trip are:
Tanzania requires a travel visa which is US$50 for most countries. For US citizens, the cost of the visa is US$100. For British citizens, the single-entry visa cost is £40. Keep in mind that you may be charged extra for same-day service, so make sure to apply for your visa in advance.
Furthermore, you will also need to show that you have a roundtrip ticket and demonstrate that you have sufficient funds for your stay.
Travel insurance is optional but recommended if you´re traveling to Tanzania to climb Kilimanjaro. Costs will depend on the type of insurance you decide on and on your personal requirements.
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