As a former porter himself, Simon knows how hard porters work to make your climb successful and comfortable. That is why SENE respects and takes care of our crew.
They are not nameless workers, but unique individuals – each and every one of whom is crucial to your experience on the mountain and an important part of our success. They are the ones that make the Kilimanjaro climb experience fulfilling with their hard work and undiminished spirit expressed in song and with welcoming smiles on their faces.
Kpap mission
The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project is a Tanzania NGO registered in January 2003 as an initiative of the International Mountain Explorers Connection, a United States non-profit based in Boulder, Colorado. The mission of KPAP and IMEC is to improve the working conditions of the porters on Kilimanjaro. They do this by:
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- Lending donated clothing at no charge to the mountain crew for use while climbing.
- Educating the public on porter working conditions and climbing responsibly.
- Providing industry guidelines for proper porter treatment.
- Offering educational classes to porters.
KPAP guidelines
The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project sets the following minimum standards for fair porter treatment:
- Porters are paid the Porters’ Union wage of 20,000TZS/day.
- Loads do not exceed 25 kilos (including 5 kilos of the porter’s own gear).
- Porters receive the full amount of tip intended for them.
- Porters are outfitted with proper clothing and gear.
- Porters have proper shelter and sleeping equipment.
- Porters are provided with food and water.
- Number of crew is consistent throughout the trip.
- Sick or injured porters are properly cared for.