A Kilimanjaro climb is supported by a whole team: the lead guide, assistant guides, a cook, camp staff and porters who carry gear, food and water. Wages in the tourism industry are modest, and tips are a customary part of a crew's income. Understanding how they work in advance avoids awkwardness on the last day.
Who is on the crew?
- Lead guide: responsible for safety, route and pace.
- Assistant guides: support the group, especially on summit night.
- Cook (and helper): prepares meals at every camp.
- Porters: carry the equipment, tents, food and your duffel bag.
Each role receives a different share, and the crew is usually larger than people expect.
General principles
- Ask your operator for guidance before you travel. They can tell you the usual range for your group size and itinerary, and what portion is for each role.
- Tip as a group. If you climb with others, agree on a total and pool it. Pooling is simpler and fairer.
- Tips are given at the end, usually at a short ceremony on the last day, after the descent. Your guide will organise it.
- Give cash. Bring small notes in a currency your operator recommends (often US dollars or Tanzanian shillings).
- Hand tips to the right people. It is usual to hand the total to the lead guide in front of the crew, or to give each role's share directly, as your operator advises.
Fairness for porters
Porters are the people who do the hardest physical work. Responsible operators pay fair wages, limit the weight porters carry and follow guidelines such as those set by the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP). When you choose an operator, ask how porters are paid, how much weight they carry and whether they are given proper clothing and food.
Other ways to say thank you
Good clothing in decent condition, such as gloves, jackets and boots you no longer need, is gratefully received by crew. Give it directly, or ask your guide how to share it fairly.
A note on amounts
Amounts change with the number of climbers, the length of the climb and the exchange rate, so we do not publish a fixed figure here. Ask us when you enquire and we will give you the current guidance for your group.
Updated 15 October 2026
