14 Dec Understanding Kilimanjaro Trek Park Fees
Embarking on a journey to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro comes with a price, and a significant portion of that cost is allocated to the fees required by the Kilimanjaro National Parks Authority (KINAPA), the organization responsible for overseeing the park. These fees constitute about 75% of the total trek cost, and itโs important to grasp the breakdown of these fees to better comprehend their structure. Weโll also shed light on calculating fees independently and highlight available discounts.
A Quick Glance at Fees for Different Routes
The following outlines the fees inclusive of both charges and taxes for different routes:
โ Machame 6 days: $814.20 per person
โ Machame 7 days: $955.80 per person
โ Lemosho 7 days: $955.80 per person
โ Lemosho 8 days: $1097.40 per person
โ Marangu 5 days: $719.80 per person
โ Marangu 6 days: $873.20 per person
โ Rongai 6 days: $814.20 per person
โ Rongai 7 days: $955.80 per person
โ Umbwe 6 days: $814.20 per person
โ Umbwe 7 days: $955.80 per person
โ Northern Circuit 8 days: $1097.40 per person
โ Northern Circuit 9 days: $1239.00 per person
Understanding the Fee Components
Understanding the Fee Components The fees comprise distinct elements that hinge on the duration of your stay in the park. Letโs delve into the key components.
- Conservation Feesย โ These fees contribute to the preservation of the national park and amount to $70 for each day spent within the park. For instance, if you embark on a 7-day Lemosho route, the conservation fees total $490 ($70 multiplied by 7 days).
- Camping Feesย โ Most routes involve camping in tents at designated campsites, which the park maintains, including restroom facilities. A fee of $50 is levied for each night of camping. Consequently, if you camp for 6 nights during a 7-day Lemosho trek, the camping fees sum up to $300 ($50 multiplied by 6 nights).
- Hut Feesย โ For trekkers on the Marangu route, overnight stays occur in huts instead of tents. The park oversees these huts and charges $60 for each hut night. For a 5-day Marangu route, the hut fees tally at $240 ($60 multiplied by 4 nights).
- Rescue Feesย โ To cover potential rescue costs, a fee of $20 per trekker is instituted for each trek.
- Crater Camping Feesย โ Opting to camp on the crater incurs an additional cost of $100 per trekker per night.
- Guide and Porter Entrance Feesย โ In addition to your own park entrance fee, youโre responsible for the park entrance fees of your guides, cooks, and porters, which stands at $2 per person.
- VATย โ Value Added Tax (VAT) is a government tax applied to all fees mentioned above, totaling 18%.
Calculating Your Fees
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
Fee Payment Processย โ The provided prices, available upon your inquiry, encompass all fees and taxes. We handle the fee payment process on your behalf, ensuring the necessary permits are obtained.
Available Discountsย โ Kilimanjaro National Park extends discounts to specific groups, including children, Tanzanian residents, and citizens of East African countries.
- Children Aged 5-15: Reduced conservation and camping fees. Hut and rescue fees remain unchanged.
- Children Under 5: No conservation or camping fees. Hut and rescue fees still apply. Residents/Expatriates: Tanzanian residents receive lower conservation fees, with other fees remaining consistent.
- East African Citizens: Citizens of Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, or South Sudan qualify for discounts by presenting their passports as proof of citizenship.
In conclusion, we adhere to the parkโs fee structure without additional charges. Our website prices encompass all fees and taxes, providing you with a transparent understanding of the overall cost.
Note: Beginning October 2018, park gate fee payments on the first trek day are no longer accepted. Only tour operators can facilitate online fee payments.