Why is Kilimanjaro so expensive

Why Is Kilimanjaro So Expensive?
Mount Kilimanjaro stands at an elevation of 5,895 meters above sea level, making it the highest mountain in Africa. It is located in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania, near the border of Kenya. Mount Kilimanjaro is considered the easiest of the seven summits to climb because it can be summited by both experienced and first-time climbers.
Despite being only 205 miles from the equator, the mountain is snow-capped throughout the year and has three volcanic cones: Kibo, Shira, and Mawenzi. The youngest, Kibo, formed 460,000 years ago, and the last major eruption occurred 150,000 to 200,000 years ago.
Trekkers usually spend about $80 to $150 per day while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, meaning that if you’re using a route of about 8 days, you will end up spending $640 to $1200 on services.
Mount Kilimanjaro is expensive because you need to pay for guides who will help you get to the summit. The park rules require that all travelers must hike the mountain with a registered guide. Hiring a guide is costly, but guides play a crucial role in making the trip successful. They are knowledgeable, experienced, informative, and helpful during the hike. Guides will point out various species of plants and birds during the climb, know the routes well, and ensure you don’t get lost in the mountain. Guides are also trained to handle altitude sickness, providing advice on whether to descend or continue the climb for your safety.
Mount Kilimanjaro is also expensive because you need to hire porters. Porters help you carry all your luggage, allowing you to carry only a day backpack with necessary items like water and snacks. Climbing with luggage can be tiresome, especially if you’re not used to it.
Hiring a cook or chef for all the days you will spend on the mountain is another expense. Food is prepared on top of the mountain daily with the help of cooks.
Apart from paying guides and porters per day, you will also need to pay park entry fees for you and the guides per day. There is also a conservation fee, separate from the entry fee.
Mount Kilimanjaro becomes expensive because you need hiking gear such as tents, sleeping bags, waterproof hiking boots, gloves, raincoats, and other necessary requirements. If you already have these items, it’s cost-effective, but buying everything and hiring tents and sleeping bags per day can be expensive. Except for one hiking route, all other routes in Kilimanjaro require daily camping.
Hikers to Mount Kilimanjaro will also have to pay a camping or hut fee per night spent on the mountain, typically $50 per night. The more nights you spend on the mountain, the more expensive it gets. There is also a rescue fee for the entire trip, costing $20.
Food expenses also contribute to the cost of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Hikers need to buy their own food, including guides and cooks, while hiking the mountain.
While climbing Mount Kilimanjaro might be expensive, it shouldn’t deter you from reaching the summit of Africa’s highest mountain. There are ways to reduce the cost:
Go in a group: Encourage friends and family to join you or book group trips to share costs, including food, guides, and porters.
Bring your own gear: Carrying your own gear can save you money compared to renting climbing gear.
Visit during the low season: Rates are lower during the low season, although weather conditions may not be ideal.
Choose a shorter route: Shorter routes are less expensive, but they may have a lower success rate due to altitude sickness.
Choose the right company: Carefully compare prices offered by different companies to find one that offers a cost-effective yet enjoyable experience.