By choosing one of our IMEC Partner companies for your Mount Kilimanjaro climb, you can be confident that the company upholds the highest standards for ethical treatment of mountain crew. All partners participate in our rigorous monitoring program and demonstrate ongoing compliance with the Guidelines for Proper Porter Treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does it mean to be an IMEC Partner?
IMEC Partners support ethical climbing by ensuring porters are paid fairly, treated with dignity, and equipped with appropriate gear and working conditions. Our partnership model encourages transparency and accountability across the trekking industry. All partners—regardless of their country of registration—demonstrate a shared commitment to ethical and responsible tourism.
Do companies pay to be listed as IMEC Partners?
No. Participation is voluntary, and no fees are charged. Companies must meet or exceed the minimum standards for ethical porter treatment. IMEC’s programme is funded by grants, donations, and climber contributions.
What if a company claims to be a KPAP Partner but isn’t listed?
Only companies listed on this page are officially recognized IMEC Partners. If you are unsure, please refer to the current list or contact us directly at [email protected].
Some companies falsely claim affiliation. If you notice such a case, we welcome your report. IMEC contacts these companies, invites them to join, and may publicly list persistent violators for transparency. Our records are updated regularly to prevent misuse of our name.
What if a company says it follows our guidelines but isn’t a listed Partner?
Again, only the companies listed here are officially recognized. Some companies may claim to operate ethically without undergoing independent verification. While park fees, food, and transport are unavoidable costs, cutting corners often affects porter welfare. We believe truly ethical companies should welcome free third-party certification like ours.
What if a Partner company is no longer listed?
Occasionally, a company may be suspended if they no longer meet the required standards. If you’ve booked with a former Partner, we encourage you to contact them and emphasize that ethical crew treatment remains a priority for you. In many cases, this type of feedback helps drive corrective action and reinstatement.
Does IMEC recommend specific Kilimanjaro companies?
No. As an independent third-party organization, IMEC does not promote or endorse individual companies. However, IMEC Partners have demonstrated responsible practices through independent evaluation, and every Partner-led climb is monitored by a investigative porter.
Proud to present – Partner Companies 2025
We congratulate all our IMEC Partner companies for conducting operations and forming partnerships that promote ethical climbing practices and meet all legal licensing requirements.
The following is a list of our current Partners for Responsible Travel. These companies actively collaborate in an ongoing monitoring program, with seasonal oversight to ensure compliance with the Guidelines for Proper Porter Treatment.