The tipping for Mountain Guides and porters is different between Kenya and Tanzania. When you review the tip, remember the difference and find two FAQ answers here. There is one FAQ for Tanzania and one for Kenya, and the same when it comes to safari tipping.

While we realise that tipping may not be a common practice in all countries and cultures. There’s always been a tradition of tipping, and it plays a part in the financial compensation for the crew on the climbs. Remember, you can use similar guidelines for Mount Longonot and other mountains. For other activities and safaris, use the guidelines for safaris, service staff, and activities.
The crew’s daily wages are a basic amount, and we give the minimum of:

• 1.400 KES for Porters
• 1.800 KES for cooks
• 3.800 KES for assistant guides and
• 5.800 KES for Guides

Tips complement these to provide a living wage. Recommending tip amounts is challenging because the minimum wage is not enforced, so there are varying salary amounts being paid. We are following the guidelines of  Naromoru Guides and Porters Association, and hopefully a little better. We hope to be able to be part of setting an acceptable industry standard for salaries and Tips for guides and porters on Mount Kenya.

You will get to know the size of your crew the day you are climbing Mount Kenya. There is a standard number of guides, cooks, and porters depending on how many are climbing.  

We like the tipping to take place the last night on the mountain when the crew is gathered to celebrate with you. A representative from your group should say a few words of thanks, which will be translated by the lead guide into Kiswahili.

We will supply your group with envelopes for the distribution of tips on the last day of your climb. There will be one envelope for each of the porters and separate envelopes that you can use to tip your lead guide, assistant guides and cook.

For trekking in Kenya, a common tipping guideline is to tip 10-12% of the trek cost or per person, per day for the entire crew (guide, assistant guide, cook, porter), depending on the trek type and your satisfaction. See the guide hereunder.

Daily Rate Guidelines (Tip given to each guide, Asst. Guide, Porter, etc.)

• Lead Guide: ~ $15-20 per day
• Assistant Guide: ~ $15-20 per day
• Cook: ~ $10-15 per day
• Porter: ~ $8-10 per day

Example: 6 Days / 6 climbers / 16 Crew Members (number of porters depend on total luggage)

• 1 Main Guide: 120$
• 2 Assistant Guides: each 120$ = 240$
• 1 Cook: 90$
• 12 Porters: each 60$ = 720$
• Total:  6 clients: 195$ per client (for an 6-day hike with 6 hikers)

PLEASE NOTE: There is a clear “No-negotiation-on-the-mountain” policy
It is against our policy for guides or porters to discuss tipping during or after your climb. The tipping procedure, the number of porters, as well as the recommended tipping amount will be clarified before your hike on the 1st day.

Notice as well. when you as a group put the tip together for the guides, porters, cooks, etc. each individual climber can chose to add extra tips to any guide, port er, cook of their choice.

The total tips per climber depends on the size of your group, but it will usually be between 100 to 250$ per climber, the more climbers the lower tips per climber.

1 climber: 1 guide, 3 porters, 1 cook
2 climbers: 1 guide, 6 porters, 1 extra assistance guide, 1 cook
3 climbers: 1 guide, 9 porters, 1 extra assistance guide, 1 cook
4 climbers: 2 guides, 9 porters, 1 extra assistance guide, 1 cook.
5 climbers: 2 guides, 10 porters, 1 extra assistance guide, 1 cook
6 climbers: 2 guides, 12 porters, 1 extra assistance guide, 1 cook.

You may also find on your summit attempt that some of the porters accompany the group to provide additional assistance. It’s an additional task that they carry out to support you in having the best chance of reaching the summit.
Please show your appreciation for any help you receive by tipping these porters directly. We would suggest an extra tip of $20.
Tips are typically given in U.S. dollars at the end of the trek, with new, crisp bills in appropriate denominations.

• Currency:
  • Tips can be made in US Dollars (USD) or Kenyan Shillings (KES).
  • It is very important that US bills are not older than 2009, as they are not accepted in the country.
    • So it is important to bring USD Dollars bills from 2010 and onwards. Remember worn out or damaged Bills might not be accepted.
  • It is very helpful to organise a well-estimated amount of USD before arrival, as exchange rates and bank charges may vary and differ a lot.

• Quality of Service:
  • Tips should be based on the quality of service received, regardless of whether the summit was reached.
    • Service-Based:
      • The total tip amount for each staff member should be a reflection of the service they provided.
    • It is okay to give Different amount of tips to each member of the crew, according to their performance.

Things to avoid while tipping

• When you give Tips, do not show generosity. Just keep it natural and friendly, being thankful for their caring services if you are highly satisfied.
• If you are thinking of leaving any of your trek gear with the trek staff. Simply ask them to advise how you can dispose of such goods if you are willing to get rid of such damaged gear.
  • In this way, you avoid giving torn and old clothes or boots to the staff. This might turn out to be a humiliating prize for the receiving person.

In conclusion

• Many people have strong views about tipping. Some consider it an optional act of kindness to express appreciation for good service. For some its an additional expense over what they have already paid.

• Not Mandatory:
  • While tipping is a strong custom, it’s not strictly mandatory, and if the service was unsatisfactory, a tip is not expected.
• Alternatives:
  • You can also express your gratitude by inviting your guides to drinks or dinner at the hotel on you, in addition to their monetary tip.