Climb Responsibly: Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP)
Mount Kilimanjaro is more than Africa's tallest peak—it's a symbol of perseverance, adventure, and natural beauty. But behind every successful summit is a team of unsung heroes: the Kilimanjaro porters. At Hazzes Adventure, we are proud to support the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), a leading initiative that promotes ethical treatment of porters and sustainable mountain tourism in Tanzania.
What is KPAP?
The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) is a non-profit organization that advocates for the fair and ethical treatment of porters on Mount Kilimanjaro. Since 2003, KPAP has worked to improve porter working conditions through:
- Fair wages
- Proper gear and clothing
- Adequate meals and shelter
- Access to education and training
KPAP partners only with Certified Partner companies that follow strict ethical climbing standards—ensuring the welfare of porters while offering tourists a transparent, responsible trekking experience.
Why Ethical Climbing Matters
Unfortunately, not all Kilimanjaro operators treat their porters fairly. Many porters face:
- Underpayment or delayed wages
- Lack of proper mountain gear
- Sleeping in unsheltered conditions
- Heavy loads beyond legal limits
By choosing a KPAP-partnered tour company like Hazzes Adventure, you're helping break that cycle—and making a real difference in porters' lives.
How Hazzes Adventure Upholds KPAP Standards
At Hazzes Adventure, we don't just offer epic climbs—we climb with conscience. Here's how we align with KPAP values:
✅ Porters are paid fair wages
✅ Proper meals and safe accommodation are guaranteed
✅ Gear checks are conducted before every trek
✅ We follow the 20kg weight limit rule
✅ Porters receive medical assistance and rest days when needed
We believe that happy porters make happy climbers—and we go the extra mile to create a safe, fair environment for everyone involved.
Meet the Porters: The Heart of Your Kilimanjaro Climb
Porters are more than load-carriers—they're guides, motivators, and friends on the trail. Many of them are aspiring guides, students, or farmers supporting their families. By choosing a responsible trekking company, you're helping them build a better future.
💬 “The porters were incredible. They cheered us on, carried our gear with smiles, and made the whole experience unforgettable.” – A Hazzes Adventure climber
How You Can Support KPAP
- Climb with a KPAP-partnered operator (like us!)
- Tip fairly and directly to porters after your climb
- Donate to KPAP to support ongoing programs
- Share your experience to raise awareness of porter welfare
Book a Responsible Kilimanjaro Trek with Hazzes Adventure
When you climb Kilimanjaro with Hazzes Adventure, you're not just conquering a mountain—you're contributing to a movement for ethical tourism and social impact.