Price
The price to climb Kilimanjaro varies tremendously. At the top of the price spectrum are the international companies. Most international companies charge $4,000 to $6,000 per climber. They send western guides to accompany the clients on the climb. They typically have the best equipment and most luxurious of amenities before, during and after the climb. Companies such as Mount Travel Sobek, Kiliwarriors, Thomson Treks, Tusker and Mountain Madness run excellent treks and have hefty price tags to go along with it.
At the lower end of the price spectrum are the local Tanzanian companies. Most are poorly outfitted and unprofessionally run. To obtain customers, they promise everything but usually fail to deliver. Low budget companies can cost less than $1,000 per climber, but it is best to avoid the low priced local companies.
In the middle of this range are higher end local companies and international companies who act as agents for these pre-screened companies. These outfitters provide the basics necessary for climbing, but do not offer the luxury services of the high end companies. These mid-range companies charge between $2,000 to $3,000 per climber. Companies such as Ultimate Kilimanjaro, MEM Tours and the African Walking Company seek to provide a true backpacking experience without sacrificing safety and professionalism.