KPAP KILIMANJARO PORTER ASSISTANCE PROJECT

KPAP Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project is one the Kilimanjaro Responsible Trekking Organization (KRTO) projects. KRTO is a registered Non-Governmental Organization in Tanzania. They focus on improving the welfare and lives of porters in Moshi. Their efforts focus on improving working conditions for crew through programs such as:

• Providing free gear and clothing through a lending program.
• Raising awareness about the fair treatment of porters and responsible travel.
• Establishing guidelines for ethical crew management.
• Offering training programs to support crew development.

Porter treatment is a major problem. Many porters face challenges with unfair wages, working conditions, and overall treatment. Common issues include:

• Operators often pay porters low wages, making it hard for them to cover their living expenses.
• Porters are given too heavy loads, which can lead to fatigue, injury, and exhaustion.
• Operators sometimes do not provide porters with proper equipment, leaving them vulnerable to harsh weather.
• In some cases, porters are mistreated by tour operators.

We are proud to partner with KPAP and KRTO. We support their goal to ensure ethical and fair treatment for porters. When you hike with us, you can be sure that we treat our porters fairly. We take part in the monitoring activities to ensure fair treatment of porters on all our hikes.

Support KPAP’s mission by making a donation. Your contribution helps sustain the Partner for Responsible Travel Program. It also help to provide free services for mountain crews. To donate, visit:

https://kiliporters.org/support-our-work-donate/

Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project partner basis:

• Fair treatment monitoring is provided at no cost to the operator.
• KPAP assigns an “undercover” porter on each hike to ensure fair treatment standards are followed.
• After every hike, KPAP assess the crew’s conditions and give us a score.
• To remain a partner, operators must keep a score of 85% or higher, for the entire season.

KPAP fair treatment standards:

• Pay all mountain crews fairly. Pay wages to crew within two days after completing the hike.
• Use a tipping system to ensure crews receive their full tips. Provide hikers with guidelines to ensure a fair wage through salary and tips.
• Porters may carry a maximum of 20kg of company gear.
• Provide three meals a day, proper tents, ground sheets, and adequate sleeping space for the crew. Crew members should not sleep in the mess tent.
• Ensure crew members have the proper gear before the hike and provide medical assistance if needed.
• Offer crew transportation to park gates.
• Meet annually with mountain teams and KPAP. Discuss crew welfare in the general meeting.
• Follow all local and government rules.