Can You Climb Kilimanjaro Without a Guide?

In 1991, the Tanzanian government and Kilimanjaro National Park passed a regulation that all trekkers must be accompanied by a registered and licensed guide. Trekkers need to register with the Parks Authority before setting out, and sign in at each camp – they are forbidden from wild camping or using caves for shelter. Rangers on the mountains will ensure that these rules are enforced.

You’ll also need to pay park entrance fees to climb Kilimanjaro. These might seem hefty, but they include a conservation fee – to help cover the cost of maintenance – campsite fees, and even a rescue fee (just in case). You can expect to pay around $600-$800 in park fees, depending on the duration of your trek. This needs to be provided to the park authorities in advance through your tour operator, rather than independently.