In order to qualify as a KRTO Partner for Responsible Travel the company has to follow a set of rules/regulations. Watch here for a quick 90 second overview of our Partnership for Responsible Tourism Program.
KRTO’s 6 step monitoring program
We collect seasonal data on porter treatment including porter wages, tipping, bag weight, food provision and tent accommodation. This data is reported annually to Tanzanian government authorities and tour operator associations as well as companies participating with the Partner for Responsible Travel Program.
Please refer to the Our Impact page for a summary of this information.
The 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.
What are the criteria on the scorecard?
What is the company’s treatment of the crew? What are the criteria on the scorecard? The company must implement the following actions.
Wages
Pay the minimum wages for the crew agreed upon by the government and Kilimanjaro stakeholders.
Ontime payment
Provide salary payments within 2 days after the descent of a climb as per KINAPA regulations.
Tipping procedure
Implement a transparent tipping procedure to ensure that the porters receive the full amount of tip intended for them.
Tipping recommendations
Provide tipping recommendations to climbers so that porters receive a proper living wage from the combined salary and tip.
Number of porters
Provide the appropriate number of porters per climb so that each porter carries only 20kg of company gear. The minimum number of porters per climber on the camping routes is at least 3 porters per climber and 2 porters per climber on the Marangu route.
Meals
Provide 3 meals a day of adequate portion and cover all costs for food while on the mountain.
Tents
Provide proper tents, ground sheet, and appropriate sleeping space for crew. Regular porters are not to sleep in the mess tent.
Work opportunities
Offer equal opportunities for work to all porters registered with the company.
Gear&Equipment
Inform the crew of the company’s requirements regarding gear and equipment and ensure proper kit prior to the climb.
Medical help
Assist with the descent of an ill porter and provide for medical treatment as necessary.
Transportation gates
Provide transportation to Londorossi and Rongai gates.
Participate in meetings
Participate in a biannual review of Guidelines for Proper Porter Treatment Scorecards with KPAP.
Meet with porters, company Director/s and KRTO once per year to review and discuss crew welfare.
Attend annual Partner Company general meeting.
Standards
Adhere to all local and National Government standards and regulations.
