The Expense

So - What does it cost to Climb Kilimajaro?

A small fortune to some - an effing large sum to the rest of us! There is a balance in life between earning, saving, investing, building nest eggs and LIVING. 

So on this occassion we've decided to do the latter, and we're trying REALLY hard not to pay too much attention to the ever increasing cost. 

I'm not going to publish a list of actual prices as they will vary quite a lot and will end up being misleading. What I am going to do is list everything that we've bought and paid for, as it's the EXTRA's that add up!

Everything below is multiplied by 2:

Rate Of Exchange

Everything is quoted in USD and is therefore subjected to fluctuations. In recent times the $ has litterally been all over the place playing havoc with our invoices, deposits and final payments 

ROE is currently at R10.23 = $1 but for an update, I'd reccommend you check here

Gym membership

To get fit!

Cattery

Someone's got to look after & feed Gizmo for 16 days

Plus food

Visas

Tanzania visa

Flights

Cape Town -> JHB -> Tanzania -> Zanzibar

Zanzibar  -> Tanzania -> JHB -> Cape Town

(These flights are included in The Package, below, the others are additional cost items)

Expect the UNEXPECTED

In our case after flights were confirmed, Air Tanzania were grounded which has resulted in a rather large itinerary adjustment, which has incurred further transport costs in Tanzania.

Accommodation

1 night prior to the climb (we've requested this)

The Package

9 day Standard package includes 1 night's accommodation after the climb:

Machame - 7 Day route (we've taken an extra day for acclimatisation)

Porters Tips

These are complusory and I believe you're looking at around $150 per climber, to be paid in cash after the climb

Gear - Bought

Clothes:

• 3 Main Layers = thermals, fleeces, outershell
  
• Shorts, longs, t-shirts
  
• Hiking, innner & summit socks
  
• Scarf & Hat / balaclava
  

Other:

• Clear goggles for summit attempt
  
• Polarised PLASTIC sunglasses (you dont want them freezing to your face!) The temperature ranges between 30+ to -20 so you have to cater for all conditions
• Boots = Waterproof, gortex (we went for Salomons)
  
• Inflatable thermal mattress (small luxury, but with insomnia setting in on the mountain, we'd like as much assistance with getting some rest as possible!)
  
• Backpacks (day packs 30- 40 ltrs for first aid kit, food, cameras, water etc)
  
• Duffel bags (for the gear out porters will carry - no more than 15kg in total)
  
• Comprehensive (and appropriate) first aid kit including Diamox for altitude, water purification tables, insect repelent (mosquitoes) etc
  
• Wide-brimmed sun hat & sun block
  
• Head lamp + spare batteries
  
• Insulated water bottles
  
• Hikers towel (space & weight is at a premium so the focus is on small & light)
  
• Ear plugs
  
• Various snacks & energy drinks for all 7 days
  

Gear - Rented

Gaiters

Sleeping bag

Trekking poles

Vaccinations

Yellow Fever

Menangitus

Heptitus A

Anti-Malaria tablets

Medical & Travel Insurance

Compulsory extra charge for climbing Kili

Scuba diving in Zanzibar (we need something to look forward to!)

1 Week accommodation

6 x dives included

Spending Money

Who knows?