Thomson set the standard for the treatment of porters on Kilimanjaro
Porters are the heart and soul of every Kilimanjaro trek, carrying the gear, setting up camp, and ensuring climbers have the support they need to reach the summit. Their dedication and strength make every ascent possible, yet not all porters in the industry receive fair treatment. At Thomson, we are committed to setting the gold standard for ethical employment. As founding members of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), we help establish and uphold porter welfare standards to improve working conditions across the industry.
Thomson set the standard for the treatment of porters on Kilimanjaro.
The porters Thomson works with receive some of the highest compensation packages in Tanzania, reflecting our deep respect for their hard work and essential role in the trekking experience.
Thomson is an Ethical Employer
Exceptional Compensation
With Thomson, porters earn top wages, bonuses, comprehensive benefits, advanced training, additional educational opportunities, and medical care for injuries that occur while climbing.
Proper Equipment
Porters are provided with professional-grade all-weather uniforms, and Thomson ensures every porter has a hat, gloves, proper footwear, warm layers, and mountaineering glasses.
Comfortable Amenities
Porters are provided with custom-designed tents and closed-cell foam sleeping pads, as well as all meals on the mountain.
Guaranteed Payment & Financial incentives
Full wages are guaranteed, even if porters must descend early. Thomson porters receive financial incentives and move into leadership roles when they provide exceptional service.
Trek REsponsibly
Putting people first: Thomson’s dedication to porter rights and KPAP partnership
Porters set up camp
Watch porters set up a campsite – sleeping tents, dining tent, and toilet tent go up in an instant in this timelapse!
Porter Appreciation Week
Porters do so much more than carry equipment—they lift our spirits and help us reach new heights. To honor their work, we celebrate them and the incredible work they do.
Related Posts
Jan 23, 2019
What do Kilimanjaro’s Porters Do?
Imagine waking up at 13,200 feet on Kilimanjaro on the sixth day of your trek. A friendly face might hand you a cup of coffee as you tie your boots.
Mar 08, 2025
Should You Hire a Personal Porter on Kilimanjaro?
Thomson trekkers have access to an incredible ally on their trek: the personal porter. Strong, friendly, encouraging, and kind, personal porters can lighten your load as you trek to…
Jun 03, 2025
From Porters to Head Guides: The Journey of Thomson’s Kilimanjaro Leaders
For the dedicated Kilimanjaro guides leading Thomson treks, becoming a head guide is the result of years of hard work, training, and genuine passion. We sat down with several team…