In the world of mountain trekking, there exists a noble tradition - tipping the dedicated crew who have accompanied you on your journey. The measure of this gesture, however, should not be influenced by the elusive summit but rather by the quality of service from your guides, cooks, and porters. Follow the Kilimanjaro tipping guide below to ensure proper etiquette.
Kilimanjaro Crew Tipping Guide
Guidelines from the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), an esteemed organization advocating for equitable treatment of porters and responsible for notable enhancements in their working conditions, have shared these suggestions:
Lead guides, the captains of your adventure, typically receive approximately $20-$30 per day.
Assistant guides provide valuable support throughout the journey and are usually honored with around $15-$20 per day.
Our skilled cooks who keep your energy and spirits high, are traditionally recognized with $10-$15 per day.
Lastly, the resilient porters, the backbone of your expedition, are often rewarded with an appreciative sum of $6-$10 per day.
It's worth noting that some porters, such as those who serve as waiters, attend to the essential task of maintaining the mountain's restrooms or play vital roles in summit attempts, bear additional responsibilities. In such cases, the extent of the tip is at your discretion, reflecting the exceptional services rendered.
The Importance of Tipping
Tips significantly support the mountain crew, consisting of guides, cooks, and porters. These tips are separate from their wages and are crucial to their income. Tipping is a reward for their services and a necessary contribution to their livelihoods.
As you journey up Mount Kilimanjaro, let your generosity mirror the heights you aim to conquer. Your appreciation fosters a culture of fairness and recognizes the incredible efforts of those who make your adventure possible.
When planning to summit Kilimanjaro, climbers should consider tipping a vital part of their budget. Understanding and appreciating the role of tips underscores the respect for the crew's effort and dedication.
Tipping Beyond Mount Kilimanjaro
Tipping carries its etiquette on safari adventures, a gracious acknowledgment of the service received.
On Safari
When venturing into the wild, it's a common practice to offer gratuities to your safari guide, often the person behind the wheel navigating the savannah's wonders. The recommended range here typically spans from $15 to $30 daily.
On a five-day safari, your guide, who wears multiple hats as your driver and storyteller of the wilderness, should be honored with a collective tip of approximately $75 to $150, a gesture from the entire group rather than individual contributions.
At Hotels
While hotel and accommodation tipping are not mandatory, a modest token of appreciation, say around $1, can be extended to the diligent staff or the dedicated drivers for their efforts. Alternatively, some establishments offer a communal tip box in the lobby where you can contribute towards the collective appreciation for the entire staff.
Regarding dining experiences at restaurants, it's worth noting that the tradition of leaving tips is not customary in these settings; however, it is always appreciated.
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