Embarking on a Mount Kilimanjaro expedition involves costs, with a significant portion attributed to fees payable to the Kilimanjaro National Parks Authority (KINAPA), the overseeing body of the park. These fees contribute to around 75% of the overall trek expenses, making them a crucial aspect to understand. In this article, we’ll delve into these fees, explain their components, offer insights on fee calculation, highlight discounts available, and provide valuable information about the payment process.

A Quick Glance at Fees for Different Routes

The following outlines the fees inclusive of both charges and taxes for different routes:

– Machame 6 days: $814.20 per person

– Machame 7 days: $955.80 per person

– Lemosho 7 days: $955.80 per person

– Lemosho 8 days: $1097.40 per person

– Marangu 5 days: $719.80 per person

– Marangu 6 days: $873.20 per person

– Rongai 6 days: $814.20 per person

– Rongai 7 days: $955.80 per person

– Umbwe 6 days: $814.20 per person

– Umbwe 7 days: $955.80 per person

– Northern Circuit 8 days: $1097.40 per person

– Northern Circuit 9 days: $1239.00 per person

Understanding the Fee Components

The fees comprise different elements, with their calculations dependent on the number of days and nights spent within the park. Let’s delve into the main constituents:

Conservation Fees – These fees contribute to the preservation of the national park. Each day in the park incurs a fee of $70. To illustrate, a 7-day Lemosho route would involve conservation fees amounting to $490 ($70 x 7 days).

Camping Fees – Most routes entail camping at designated sites, complete with restroom facilities. A nightly camping fee of $50 is applicable. For instance, camping over 6 nights on a 7-day Lemosho trek would equate to $300 ($50 x 6 nights).

Hut Fees – The Marangu route involves hut accommodations instead of tents. You’ll be charged $60 for each night spent in a hut. On a 5-day Marangu route, the total hut fees would sum up to $240 ($60 x 4 nights).

Rescue Fees – In case rescue services are necessary, these fees cover associated expenses. The rescue fee amounts to $20 per trekker for each trek.

Crater Camping Fees – Opting to camp within the crater incurs an additional cost of $100 per trekker per night.

Guide and Porter Entrance Fees – Entrance fees for guides, cooks, and porters must also be covered. The fee stands at $2 per person in the group.

Value Added Tax (VAT) – A government-imposed Value Added Tax (VAT) of 18% is applicable to all mentioned fees.

Calculating the Fees

Now, equipped with an understanding of the fee components, you can perform fee calculations with ease. Consider two examples:

Example 1: 6-day Machame route

  • Conservation fees: $70 x 6 days = $420
  • Camping fees: $50 x 5 nights = $250
  • Rescue fees: $20
  • Total (before taxes): $420 + $250 + $20 = $690
  • VAT (18%): $124.20
  • Total (including taxes): $690 + $124.20 = $814.20

Example 2: 5-day Marangu route

  • Conservation fees: $70 x 5 days = $350
  • Hut fees: $60 x 4 nights = $240
  • Rescue fees: $20
  • Total (before taxes): $350 + $240 + $20 = $610
  • VAT (18%): $109.80
  • Total (including taxes): $610 + $109.80 = $719.80

Payment of Fees

The prices presented upon inquiry encompass all fees and taxes, ensuring a transparent cost structure. Rest assured, we handle fee payment to the park and acquisition of the required permits on your behalf.

Available Discounts

Specific groups can benefit from park fee discounts, including children, Tanzanian residents, and citizens of East African countries.

  • Children aged 5-15: Reduced fees for conservation and camping. Hut and rescue fees remain standard.
  • Children under 5: No conservation or camping fees. Hut and rescue fees apply.
  • Residents/Expatriates: Tanzanian residents receive discounted conservation fees; other fees remain unchanged.
  • East African Citizens: Discounts available for citizens of Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and South Sudan. Proof of citizenship via passport is required.

In Summary

Our prices align with the park’s stipulated fees, without any hidden extras. When exploring our website, the displayed prices include all fees and taxes, ensuring complete transparency about the overall cost.

Important Update

As of October 2018, direct payment of fees at the park gate on the trek’s first day is no longer feasible. Only authorized tour operators can make payments via the online system.