The Ethical Climber
Committed to responsible treks on Kilimanjaro and Meru, Duma Explorer is a founding partner of Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project and a Travelife certified tourism operator.
As a founding partner with the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), an initiative led by the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC), we pride ourselves on responsible trekking and employment practices.
Our energy is solar. Our refuse is recycled. We offset our fuel consumption with Carbon Tanzania, a locally-based NGO protecting virgin forest in Tanzania. Our management team is actively involved in efforts to offset the camp’s carbon footprint by planting indigenous trees - more than 2,000 since 2015! In recognition of our sustainable practices, Duma has been a Travelife certified operator since 2018. The highest level in sustainability, Duma earned this via an on-site assessment from an independent auditor, and is one of only six total eco-tourism companies in Tanzania to earn this distinction.
Moreover, Duma Explorer regularly meets or exceeds all requirements of fair treatment of porters. KPAP monitors our treatment of porters by sending their staff on each and every single one of our climbs, conducting porter interviews, and holding meetings with Duma's porters and management to discuss feedback.
Specifically, in order to qualify as a partner, Duma must adhere to the following porter treatment guidelines on Kilimanjaro:
Offer a minimum base wage of TZS 20,000/day.
Porter loads never exceed 20 kilograms.
Porters receive the full amount of tip intended for them – we employ a transparent tipping procedure in which each crew member receives their tip directly.
Porters receive three adequate meals per day.
Porters have proper shelter and sleeping equipment.
Sick or injured porters are properly cared for; we ensure that an ailing porter receives the same treatment provided for a sick climber.
KPAP sends their own investigative porter on each and every one of our climbs, ensuring that we follow the above guidelines; we are happy to share the latest monitoring report. As a climber, you can assist the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project in the following ways:
Complete IMEC's Post-Climb Survey, at mountainexplorers.org.
Donate to IMEC here. Bring a duffel bag of donated clothing with you to Tanzania. IMEC can send a bag to you before your trip.
Educate others about KPAP's work in Tanzania and promote sustainable travel practices.
When you climb with Duma, you can be confident you’re working with a community-based, ethical and responsible company with long-term staff, all earning a living wage.
