Initiatives and Impacts

Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project

SENE mountain crew set up the camp on Kilimanjaro. Photo by Martin Schaefer

As a former porter himself, Simon knows how hard porters work to make your climb successful and comfortable. That is why SENE respects and takes care of our crew.

They are not nameless workers, but unique individuals – each and every one of whom is crucial to your experience on the mountain and an important part of our success. They are the ones that make the Kilimanjaro climb experience fulfilling with their hard work and undiminished spirit expressed in song and with welcoming smiles on their faces.

Kpap mission

The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project is a Tanzania NGO registered in January 2003 as an initiative of the International Mountain Explorers Connection, a United States non-profit based in Boulder, Colorado.  The mission of KPAP and IMEC is to improve the working conditions of the porters on Kilimanjaro. They do this by:

    • Lending donated clothing at no charge to the mountain crew for use while climbing.
    • Educating the public on porter working conditions and climbing responsibly.
    • Providing industry guidelines for proper porter treatment.
    • Offering educational classes to porters.

KPAP guidelines

The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project sets the following minimum standards for fair porter treatment:

  • Porters are paid the Porters’ Union wage of 20,000TZS/day.
  • Loads do not exceed 25 kilos (including 5 kilos of the porter’s own gear).
  • Porters receive the full amount of tip intended for them.
  • Porters are outfitted with proper clothing and gear.
  • Porters have proper shelter and sleeping equipment.
  • Porters are provided with food and water.
  • Number of crew is consistent throughout the trip.
  • Sick or injured porters are properly cared for.

KPAP documents

SENE supports the work of KPAP and follows their policies for porter treatment, wages, and tips.


We voluntarily participate in KPAP’s monitoring activities and allow KPAP to evaluate the treatment of our porters on all of our climbs. We are an approved Partner Company of KPAP and IMEC's Partnership for Responsible Travel Program.


Partnership for responsible travel

This program recognizes climb companies with fair labor practices and ethical operations.

As a Partner Company, SENE:

  • Adheres to KPAP’s recommended guidelines for proper porter treatment.
  • Allows the company to be monitored for observance of these guidelines.
  • Allows KPAP’s volunteers to speak with SENE climbers at the gates.
  • Encourages clients to visit the KPAP office in Moshi.

Support KPAP

If you would like to support this important work, please visit the KPAP donation page. We at SENE and all the Kilimanjaro porters thank you!