Poters on mount Kilimanjaro

Porters on Mount Kilimanjaro
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is easier among the seven summits because disabled individuals, the elderly, and children have been able to climb Mount Kilimanjaro without any technical equipment or mountaineering experience. The success rate for reaching the summit depends on various factors, and porters significantly increase your chances of a successful climb by taking on the responsibility of carrying most of your equipment while you hike.
Mount Kilimanjaro is a massive mountain rising to an elevation of 5,895 meters above sea level, making it the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. The climb to Mount Kilimanjaro typically requires spending 5 to 9 days on the mountain, during which you trek long distances each day and mostly sleep in camps, unless you choose the Marangu route, which provides huts.
Porters on Mount Kilimanjaro
Porters are dedicated individuals who are willing to assist tourists on their journey up Mount Kilimanjaro. Since there is no accommodation at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, tourists need to carry tents, sleeping bags, personal items, utensils, and many other necessities for their time on the mountain.
Porters on Mount Kilimanjaro usually precede you with your luggage, leaving you with only light baggage, which makes your climb more manageable and comfortable. By the time you arrive at the camping grounds, they would have already finished setting up your tents and other essentials.
The life of a porter involves a continuous cycle of ascending and descending Mount Kilimanjaro annually, yet the compensation they receive is not substantial. The best way to show your gratitude is by tipping the porters at the end of the trip. Tipping a porter is not obligatory but is a way to express appreciation for the services provided. Tourists can tip according to their budget and preference.
Porters are typically locals from the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. All porters are usually advised to carry a maximum of 20 kilograms of luggage during the hike. Some porters endure poor working conditions depending on the company they work for. On the other hand, some porters work as freelancers with no access to health benefits or contracts from any company, relying on the hope of finding work from hikers at the starting points of hikes.
The roles of a porter include ensuring clean water, carrying items, occasionally assisting the chef in preparing and serving food, washing dishes after meals, and providing encouragement to climbers on the mountain to ensure their comfort and safety. They are always ready to help, even in case of emergencies.
Some companies mistreat porters, as evidenced by the worn-out clothes and shoes they wear during treks, which can sometimes lead to hypothermia. Additionally, some porters do not receive adequate food or proper shelter during the climb, despite their need to be strong enough to carry luggage.
Another challenge faced by porters is low income per day. The minimum daily wage for porters is only $8, and some companies still pay less than this amount. It is advisable to always provide porters with a tip after a climb.
An organization known as the Tanzania Porters Association (TPA) was established to improve the working conditions of porters on Mount Kilimanjaro. This organization has set rules and regulations regarding porters on Mount Kilimanjaro.
The vision of the Tanzania Porters Association is to promote the welfare and rights of porters climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru to ensure fair payment and working conditions for all porters.
The organization’s objectives include providing porters with knowledge about their rights and safety, as well as addressing their socio-economic well-being while on Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.