Kilimanjaro Porters: The Heroes Behind Africa's Highest Peak Experience
The Kilimanjaro porters who accompany you on your trek and carry all the gear up and down the mountain are often the unsung heroes of the climb. They do all the heavy lifting that makes this trek possible, taking up your kit, camping gear, food supplies, and camping equipment.
In this article, we'll uncover the vital role porters play, fair practices, and why your Kilimanjaro adventure would be impossible without them.
So, Who Exactly Are Kilimanjaro Porters?
Kilimanjaro porters are dedicated individuals who usually come from the nearby communities surrounding the iconic Tanzanian peak.
They form the backbone of your trek, carrying not only the physical weight of your gear but also the aspirations of a successful climb.
Porters' roles also extend into motivation and encouragement. Their dedication is boundless, and their camaraderie fosters a sense of unity among the trekking team.
What Role Do Porters Take on For a Kilimanjaro Trek?
Because the average time to hike Kilimanjaro is five to nine days, and you camp on the route (unless you book Marangu), you need porters to support the expedition. Here's what our porters help with:
Carrying Equipment Up and Down the Mountain
Porters carry essential equipment and supplies, including tents, sleeping bags, cooking utensils, and food up and down the mountain. They also carry your main pack, so you can focus on trekking with just your daypack.
Setting Up Camp
When you get to your camp for the night, the porters set up and take down the tents, including the mess tent and portable toilet (if you’ve opted for that).
Their job includes pitching tents, arranging sleeping accommodations, and creating a comfortable environment for hikers to rest.
Cooking and Meal Preparation
The porters also help prepare delicious and nourishing meals under challenging high-altitude conditions.
In addition, they sanitize the cooking and drinking water at all Kilimanjaro camps, and help clean the dishes after meals - before packing them up for the next camp.
Logistics Management
Porters manage the logistical aspects of the expedition. They ensure supplies are distributed efficiently, waste is carried down and responsibly disposed of, and the team remains well-organised throughout the journey.
Safety and First Aid
Some Kilimanjaro porters have first-aid training and assist with any medical incidents that may arise during the trek.
Their presence provides an added layer of safety to the expedition.
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Essential Facts About Kilimanjaro Porters Welfare
The weight that a porter carries on Kilimanjaro is an essential aspect of their role, as it directly impacts their comfort, safety, and overall health.
According to regulations and fair labour practices, porters should only carry up to 20 kilograms of equipment and supplies. This weight includes their personal gear and the necessary equipment for the expedition.
Unfortunately over the years, this hasn’t always been regulated. Unscrupulous companies overloaded porters and had them work in terrible conditions without the correct clothing and gear. If a person signed up for a trek that seemed to be unbelievably cheap, it was almost certainly at the expense of the porters.
Things have come a long way since then, although they’re still not perfect. Today, the Tanzanian government has put regulations in place that all trekking companies have to meet. Tour operators can also undergo seasonal assessments to receive fair practice certification for registered fair practice partners in Tanzania.
The tour operator that Skyhook works with has always exceeded the basic porter welfare standards. It’s a locally owned business that has been leading Kilimanjaro treks and other adventure tours in Tanzania for over 20 years. They have a stellar reputation for fair treatment, providing porters with proper gear, accommodation, medical assistance, and meals on the mountain.
How Many Porters Do You Need For Your Trip?
The number of porters required for your Kilimanjaro trek may vary depending on the trip duration, the number of hikers in your group, and the specific route you're hiking. This isn’t something you’ll need to organise, though - the tour operator will take care of properly staffing the trek.
As a general guideline, here's a rough estimate of the porter-to-hiker ratio for different trekking routes:
Marangu route: For this popular route, you might need around 2 or 3 porters to help you with the trail logistics. It's considered the "easier" route due to the availability of huts for accommodation.
Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, and Shira routes: These routes are known for their longer durations and wilderness camping. You might have around 3 to 4 porters per hiker on these routes.
Umbwe Kilimanjaro route: As one of the more challenging routes, you may have a slightly higher porter-to-hiker ratio, 4 to 5 porters per hiker.
Northern Circuit route: This is one of the longest routes and may require more porters, with a ratio of around 5 to 6 porters per hiker.
Porters' Compensation: Whose Responsibility is it?
Our local Kilimanjaro operators are responsible for hiring, compensating, and managing the porters. When you book through Skyhook, your Kilimanjaro climbing cost includes fees for hiring porters, Kilimanjaro guides, cooks, and other support staff.
The operator pays their Kilimanjaro porters and guides daily wages, which vary based on their roles and experience. Cooks, for example, may receive higher compensation due to the training they receive for preparing hearty meals for the trekking group.
Regular compensation aside, it’s customary to tip your porters after a climb. These heroic gents (and ladies) are integral to your trek and rely on tips as part of their income. Tipping shows that you appreciate their hard work, dedication, and support.
A good guideline is to tip at least $200 per hiker. You are, of course, welcome to tip more if you feel it’s due.
How to Have a Great Team Experience on the Mountain
Pack Light
As much as possible, keep the amount of gear you take with you to a minimum. Kilimanjaro isn’t a technical climb, so you don’t typically need too much extra mountaineering equipment.
Do pack smart, though - take a look at our Kilimanjaro packing list to see what’s necessary to take.
Carry Your Essentials
Keep vital items like water, snacks, and personal medications in your daypack to reduce the need for constantly having to access your main luggage, which porters carry.
Communicate Your Needs
If you have any dietary requirements, medical conditions, or other needs, communicate these to your tour operator in advance. Communication helps ensure that porters can cater to your requirements effectively.
Be Part of the Vibe
You’ll find that the porters are quick to burst into song or dance to keep up the spirits in camp. Their actions are a true source of motivation for what’s still ahead. As much as possible, join the team in these moments - you’ll be surprised at how uplifted you feel afterwards.
