Kilimanjaro & Ethical Trekking: Why Porter Welfare Matters

Kilimanjaro isn’t just another peak—it’s often the gateway to high-altitude climbing and, for many, the first step in tackling the Seven Summits. The experience you have on this mountain shapes the foundation of your mountaineering career, making ethics a crucial piece of the puzzle to consider. With nearly 300 Kilimanjaro operators to choose from, it’s essential for climbers to be aware of the realities of the tourism industry on the mountain.

Every expedition is only as strong as its team, and no one plays a more vital role on Kilimanjaro than the porters. They haul the gear, set up camp, prepare meals, and ensure climbers have the best possible chance of success. Yet, approximately 70% of operators on Kilimanjaro DO NOT meet ethical standards, meaning hardworking porters are often exploited and mistreated, receiving little to no wages, tips, food, or proper sleeping conditions.

This is where the Kilimanjaro Responsible Trekking Organization (KRTO), formerly known as the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), steps in—setting the gold standard for fair porter treatment and implementing accountability for climbing companies. 

As a certified KRTO partner, Climbing the Seven Summits (CTSS) is proud to be among the companies prioritizing ethical trekking. We believe that climbing in good style isn’t just about reaching the summit—it’s about how you get there and ensuring that every member of the team is treated with dignity and respect.

Porters are the backbone of all Kilimanjaro expeditions, making summit attempts possible for thousands of climbers each year. If you’ve climbed other high-altitude peaks, think of Kilimanjaro’s porters as the equivalent of Everest’s ice doctors or even the muleteers on Aconcagua. Their work goes beyond carrying loads—they create an environment that enables success.

Porters carry essential equipment, including tents, sleeping bags, food, and personal gear, allowing climbers to ascend with only a daypack. They also set up and dismantle camp, prepare meals, fetch and purify water, and provide encouragement and motivation along the way through their traditional songs and stories. 

For an expedition to be KRTO-approved, porters must not carry more than 44 lbs (20kg) and must have access to proper gear, food, and sleeping conditions. Unfortunately, many non-approved operators ignore these regulations, forcing porters to endure harsh conditions for minimal pay. If you come across a price point that is too good to be true, it probably is. discount operators often keep their prices low at the expense of their porters.

KRTO stands as a beacon of sustainable tourism and social responsibility on the Roof of Africa. Originally founded in 2003 by the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC), the organization was created to address poor working conditions on Kilimanjaro. Their mission is to ensure responsible trekking by advocating for fair treatment of porters, educating the public on porter welfare, and implementing accountability measures for climbing companies. Their focus includes:

• Free clothing lending programs to ensure porters have proper gear

• Education and empowerment through free English, First Aid, HIV/AIDS awareness, money management, and porter rights classes

• Public awareness and advocacy for proper porter treatment

KRTO continuously monitors its partner companies through:

• Porter questionnaires and interviews to gather direct feedback

• Examination of salary distribution methods to ensure fair wages are paid

• Review of tipping procedures for transparency

• Audit and reporting by investigative porters who document working conditions on expeditions

“The working conditions for porters changed when KRTO came on the scene. There’s a big difference between KRTO and non-KRTO-approved companies. I no longer have to pay bribes to get work, and I receive the salary I deserve.”

– Michael, Kilimanjaro Porter

KRTO also focuses on labor rights, with 5,000+ porters trained to understand and advocate for their rights in the workplace. Environmental responsibility is another priority, with more than 1,100 porters certified in Leave No Trace (LNT) principles, ensuring Kilimanjaro remains pristine for future generations. Additionally, 1,300+ guides and porters have received first aid certification, enhancing safety for both staff and climbers.

The positive impact of KRTO often extends into the broader lives of porters off the mountain, empowering them to support their families, invest in education, and create additional sources of income during the off-season.

“There is a big difference between now and [before joining] KRTO.  I have benefitted a lot and have made huge steps in life. My children are in school, I rent a farm for agriculture, and I also keep 3 goats and 2 sheep, all from my mountain wages. I have diversified my income sources when not working on the mountain. I sell shoes and clothes and do food vending, depending on the seasons and opportunity. May God bless KRTO because they have helped us a lot.” 

– Anna, Kilimanjaro Porter