Nduwa Tours is a KPAP Registered Operator

Nduwa Tours is proud to be a recognized member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP). This organization is part of the International Mountain Explorers Connection and it strives to protect one of the most underprivileged classes of the Tanzania society – porters. Most porters are from underprivileged backgrounds and come from remote rural areas in search of work. It is them who, quite literally, bear the heaviest burden on each Kilimanjaro expedition as they carry the equipment and gear up the mountain.

Not a single expedition on Mount Kilimanjaro could be organized without help of these exceptionally strong guys.Sadly, poor treatment and underpayment of porters are widespread concerns for climbing expeditions. High rates of unemployment mean that those with little education or experience are desperate for work, and employers exploit this vulnerability in the porter community. Managers often hire porters for little pay, inadequate meals and insufficient equipment that make them susceptible to the extreme weather on the mountain. Porters may feel that they have to put up with this maltreatment without complaint because they are unaware of their rights.

This is precisely why KPAP was founded: the project outlines acceptable working criteria and conducts independent evaluations of Kilimanjaro trekking outfitters, scrutinizing their hiring process, working conditions and compensation on behalf of porters. Only companies that meet the standards may become KPAP certified. Travelers who prioritize ethical treatment and good working conditions for local staff should look for KPAP certification when selecting a climbing operator.

A KPAP certification means the operator values their employees, treats climbing crews and porters fairly and ensures that their trekking experience contributes to the greater good of Tanzanian society, not just the company owners or office staff.Here at Nduwa Tours we are committed to our porters. Here are just a few of the ways we go above and beyond for our porters:

• On Nduwa Tours, each porter gets three nutritious meals per day and sleeps in a quality, well-insulated tent.
• As part of the climbing team, every porter attends a medical check-up twice a day to ensure their health and well-being throughout the climb.
• If a porter becomes sick, Nduwa Tours covers the costs of his treatment and other medical bills. This porter also receives full salary for the climb.
• Promising and motivated candidates are encouraged to become assistant guides and, in time (and subject to passing our training programs) may become full guides at Nduwa Tours.
• Each and every member of our porter crew has his equipment checked by our office team before starting an expedition. We make sure that everyone, including our porters, has everything necessary for a safe climb.
• We pay our porters at the top end of the current rate for compensation, and never expect them to rely on tips as their salary. We are proud when our porters are able to afford school fees for their children and set aside savings for their future retirement.

KPAP periodically evaluates our climbs, making sure that our standards meet their rigorous criteria. There is a KPAP representative in each climb, making sure that our teams follow the requirements. You may read more about this organization and its mission on their website here.