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- Kiliclimb Africa Safari
The Unsung Heroes of Your Kilimanjaro Journey
Reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is a monumental achievement, but it’s one that would be nearly impossible without the unwavering support of our porters. As you take each step toward the peak, feeling the challenge in your legs, our porters are already ahead, navigating the mountain with heavy loads to ensure that your camp is ready by the time you arrive.
While you’re celebrating your success at the summit, reflecting on the incredible journey you’ve made, our porters are already preparing for the next ascent, demonstrating an extraordinary dedication to their craft.
Who Are Kilimanjaro /Mountain Meru Porters?
At Kiliclimb Africa Safaris, our porters are the heart of every expedition. These men and women, primarily local Tanzanians aged between 18 and 40, are more than just laborers; they are essential team members who contribute to the overall success and safety of every climb. Their knowledge of the mountain, combined with their physical strength, makes them indispensable to our operations.
A Day in the Life of a Kiliclimb Africa Safaris Porter
The responsibilities of a porter go far beyond just carrying gear. Our porters handle all the logistical elements that ensure your climb is smooth and enjoyable. This includes carrying your personal equipment along with the essential group supplies like tents, food, oxygen, medical kits, and even sanitation facilities. Upon reaching each camp, they set everything up, ensuring that your arrival is met with comfort and readiness.
Porters are also involved in purifying water, assisting in meal preparation, and maintaining cleanliness throughout the trek. As you ascend higher, they offer words of encouragement and assist with tasks that become challenging in the thin air, from adjusting your gear to offering a helping hand.
Empowering Our Porters: Fair Wages and Safe Working Conditions.
Being a porter is a tough and demanding job, and at Kiliclimb Africa Safaris, we are committed to ensuring that our porters are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. Unfortunately, many porters on Kilimanjaro face exploitation, forced to carry excessive loads, provided with inadequate gear, and paid far below the fair wage. At Kiliclimb Africa Safaris, we stand firmly against these practices.
We adhere to strict guidelines that prioritize the well-being of our porters. We ensure that no porter carries more than the regulated 20kg load, and we provide them with proper clothing, footwear, and shelter to protect against the harsh mountain conditions. Each porter on our team earns a fair wage that reflects their hard work, and they are paid promptly after every expedition.
Championing Gender Equality: Female Porters on Kilimanjaro
While the majority of porters on Kilimanjaro are male, Kiliclimb Africa Safaris proudly supports and employs female porters. We understand the unique challenges they face in this traditionally male-dominated role, from the difficulty of securing work to dealing with issues like harassment. Our commitment to gender equality means that female porters at Kiliclimb Africa Safaris receive the same respect, protection, and opportunities as their male counterparts.
We are also working with local organizations to improve the conditions for female porters, providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive in this demanding profession.
The Tanzania Porters Association (TPA): Advocating for Fair Treatment.
Kiliclimb Africa Safaris is proud to align with the Tanzania Porters Association (TPA) in advocating for the rights and welfare of porters. The TPA sets the standards for fair wages, carrying limits, and the overall treatment of porters. We ensure that every climb we organize meets or exceeds these standards, providing enough porters per hiker so that no one is overburdened.
We also prioritize the health and well-being of our porters, conducting regular health checks and ensuring that they have adequate rest and recovery time during and after each trek. In the rare event of an emergency, we follow the same rigorous evacuation procedures for our porters as we do for our clients.
The Tanzania Porters Association (TPA): Advocating for Fair Treatment.
Kiliclimb Africa Safaris is proud to align with the Tanzania Porters Association (TPA) in advocating for the rights and welfare of porters. The TPA sets the standards for fair wages, carrying limits, and the overall treatment of porters. We ensure that every climb we organize meets or exceeds these standards, providing enough porters per hiker so that no one is overburdened.
We also prioritize the health and well-being of our porters, conducting regular health checks and ensuring that they have adequate rest and recovery time during and after each trek. In the rare event of an emergency, we follow the same rigorous evacuation procedures for our porters as we do for our clients.
How You Can Support Our Local Heros “Kilimanjaro Porters”
Supporting ethical porter treatment starts with choosing a responsible local tour operator like Kiliclimb Africa Safaris. We encourage our clients to engage with our porters, understand their vital role in your journey, and show appreciation through direct tipping/Gratitudes. While pooling tips can be convenient, we recommend giving tips directly to the porters to ensure they receive their fair share.
Additionally, if you have extra gear or clothing that you no longer need, consider giving it to a porter. These items can make a significant difference in their comfort and safety on future climbs.
Finally, remember that the lighter your pack, the less burden on your porter. We set a 15kg limit for your duffel bag, but by packing thoughtfully, you can help ease their load while still being well-prepared for the adventure ahead.
Join A local Crew for an Ethical Kilimanjaro Climb
At Kiliclimb Africa Safaris, we believe that every climb should be a celebration of teamwork, respect, and shared success. Our porters are integral to this philosophy, and we are committed to ensuring that their contributions are recognized and rewarded fairly. If you have any questions about our porter policies or would like to learn more about our climbing itineraries, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team. Let’s embark on this incredible journey together, knowing that every step is supported by a team that cares deeply about the mountain and the people who climb it.
Kilimanjaro - Useful Information
None of us is as good as all of us.” By booking a safari, climb, or any trip with the Kiliclimb Africa Safaris team, you not only get an unforgettable holiday in Tanzania but also contribute to making the world a better place. We are proud to be a part of the communities we serve, dedicating 3% of our profits per trip to community support.
