Tipping is an awkward subject that few people explain clearly. On the mountain, though, it is part of the journey and a matter of respect for the people without whom you would never reach the top.
How much
On the way to Everest Base Camp and on Kilimanjaro, the recommended amount is €150 per person for the whole local crew.
For Island Peak there is also the tip for the climbing Sherpa who goes with you to the summit: ideally €100 per person.
On safari, a tip is recommended for the driver-guide and, optionally, for the staff who look after you at the camps and lodges.
How it is given
Not individually, but as a group. At the end we collect the amount from everyone and share it among the crew accordingly: guides, porters and, on Kilimanjaro, cooks. It is given in euros or dollars.
Why it matters
For a porter in Nepal or Tanzania, the tip is very often worth more than the wages themselves for the same period. It is not a token bonus but an important part of what they earn in a season.
Donating gear
At the end you can also donate gear. The most useful items are footwear and clothes, for people who climb the mountain every day with loads on their backs.
Saying goodbye to the crew
On Kilimanjaro, saying goodbye to the crew is a special moment: there is a lot of singing, on the trail and at the end. Many participants say it is one of the moments that stays with them most.
So far I have never come across an unpleasant situation over tips. When it is clear from the start how much, to whom and how, everything goes naturally.
