Tipping on Mountain Adventures

KIlimanjaro crew receiving new gear.

Tipping on Mountain Adventures

There are always questions about how much people should tip the porters, staff and guides? First of all practical help is the first step any old gear or trekking equipment you don’t want is always welcome to the porters on Kilimanjaro, Everest base camp, Inca trail and every area porters are used to aid people looking to reach their own goals in the mountains. We have our own full time staff in all these areas and hold onto the gear, brand it and make sure it doesn’t get sold on.

Tipping on Mountain Adventures

We would prefer to handle all clothing donations so we can give out to local staff and get them back for future use. Lots of people wonder why porters and helpers on treks and climbs don’t have proper gear. You give them gear and they sell it. Money is more valuable. We prefer to give out gear and receive it back so we can make sure your gifts are managed correctly and used on the mountain and say on the mountain and equip our mountain support teams.

Tipping on Mountain Adventures

Depending on the trip we recommend different amounts.  Here are a few examples and accepted norms when tipping on mountain adventures per person.
Kilimanjaro: $225 to $275
Everest base camp $150 to $200
Inca Trail $125 – $175 
Island peak $250 – $300
Mera peak $250 – $300
Toubkal $50 – $80

Tipping on Mountain Adventures

We think this is a personal decision.  You should access the service and support the porters, cooks and guides in a way that you think is appropriate. Our guides will allocate the appropriate tips to the staff and time allowing there is a ceremony to present the your tips and celebrate with everyone and thank them for their hard work.

Tipping on Mountain Adventures

The picture above was a group we brought on the Lemosho Route on Kilimanjaro, they brought bags and bags of gear from Canada for the mountain porters to use. We never saw this kit again. Contact us and find out the best ways to help in the local communities that we visit. You can also DONATE to the Goli Village Trust in Nepal which was badly affected by recent earthquakes. Or support the Mt. Everest Primary school we built with Fields of Life in Uganda.