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Voluntary Monitoring & Scorecards

Six Step method

The partner company voluntarily participates with KRTO’s 6 step monitoring program. The monitoring is implemented via the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP). All KPAP monitoring activities are performed at no charge to the climbing company.

Step 1 Initial interview
An initial interview with the company to understand the company’s procedures related to the crew and the treatment practices on all Kilimanjaro climbs.

Step 2 Extensive review & Assessment
The company undergoes extensive review and assessment by placing a KPAP porter on every climb during the season.

Step 3 Climbing season scorecard
If the minimum number of climbs are examined during the initial climbing season, data from the monitoring activities is compiled at the end of the season generating a scorecard documenting the company’s treatment of the crew.

Step 4 Qualifying as a partner
A company qualifies as a Partner if attaining a minimum of an 85% performance level on the Porter Treatment Scorecard.

Step 5 Annual monitoring
The Partner company’s practices continue to be monitored every season to determine if the company continues to qualify the minimum 85% performance level.

Step 6 What if
Companies who fail to meet the 85% performance level in any season are suspended until they demonstrate an 85% performance level in the following climbing season.

The monitoring program advocates for the porter treatment standards.

Proper Porter Treatment Guidelines

The Partner for Responsible Travel Program is based on the Proper Porter Treatment Guidelines established by following our respected Kilimanjaro stakeholders:

  • Tanzanian Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism
  • Tanzania National Park Authority (TANAPA)
  • Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA)
  • Tour Operator Associations
  • Guide and Porter Associations

Partner for Responsible Travel Program

IMEC estimates that some 7,500 porters climbing Kilimanjaro with the Partner companies have benefited in the following ways.

Salary
Although the government has declared a minimum wage, the salary amounts paid are variable and can be as low as 10,000Tsh per day. Because it is mandatory for the Partner companies to pay at least 20,000Tsh per day, the average daily salary payment was 21,000Tsh.

Tipping
Companies have different tipping procedures and climbers may give the guide the tip money assuming s/he will distribute the tip fairly. It is a Partner requirement to have transparency in tipping. KPAP reviews the tipping procedure on every climb. 95.2% of the Partner companies’ climbs had transparent tipping procedures.

Meals
Porters may eat 1 or 2 meals per day on a climb. The Partner companies are committed to providing 3 meals per day with good portion quantity reported on 99% of the climbs.

Sleeping
Porters may have poor sleeping accommodations and be overcrowded. Partner company porters slept in good quality tents and had adequate sleeping space 97.4% of the time.

20 kg weight
Partner companies weigh the bags prior to going to the gate. This helps ensure the appropriate number of porters and they are carrying the 20kg weight regulation.

All legally licensed climbing companies are welcome to join the Partner for Responsible Travel Program. There is no fee or donation required. By choosing to climb with a Partner company, you can be assured that your porters are taken care of well.

For more information or to register your company, please contact us at [email protected]
Thank you!