When I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, I quickly realized that I couldn’t do it alone. The real heroes of the climb were the guides and porters. Without them, reaching the top would have been almost impossible. They carried heavy loads, set up our camps, cooked our meals, and made sure we were safe. I was amazed by their strength, kindness, and knowledge of the mountain.
The porters are even more incredible. They carry everything climbers need—tents, food, water, and even our extra bags. They move faster than us, even with all that weight on their backs. By the time we reached our next camp, they had already set everything up and started cooking.
A porter usually earns around $10–$15 per day, while guides make a bit more. This may not seem like a lot, but for many porters, it is their main way to support their families. That’s why it’s important for climbers to choose responsible tour companies that treat their workers well.
Here’s how climbers can help:
Would you ever climb Kilimanjaro? If you do, remember to thank your guides and porters—they are the true heroes of the mountain!
Who Are the Guides and Porters?
The guides are experienced climbers who lead people up Kilimanjaro. They know the safest paths, help with altitude sickness, and encourage climbers when the journey gets tough. My guide was Chagga, and he had climbed Kilimanjaro more than 100 times! He told me stories about the mountain and always reminded me to walk "pole pole" (which means "slowly" in Swahili) to save my energy.The porters are even more incredible. They carry everything climbers need—tents, food, water, and even our extra bags. They move faster than us, even with all that weight on their backs. By the time we reached our next camp, they had already set everything up and started cooking.
How Much Do They Earn?
Even though the guides and porters work very hard, they don’t always earn enough money. Some companies pay them poorly, and they have to carry heavy loads for little pay. A good company pays fair wages, provides warm clothes, and gives them enough food.A porter usually earns around $10–$15 per day, while guides make a bit more. This may not seem like a lot, but for many porters, it is their main way to support their families. That’s why it’s important for climbers to choose responsible tour companies that treat their workers well.
Ethical Considerations – Treating Guides and Porters Fairly
Before my climb, I learned that some porters are overworked and underpaid. That made me sad because they are the ones who make the climb possible. Luckily, there are organizations like the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) that help make sure porters are treated fairly.Here’s how climbers can help:
- Choose an ethical tour company that follows fair pay and weight limits.
- Give tips to the guides and porters. This is one of the best ways to show appreciation for their hard work.
- Respect them—they are experts on the mountain and deserve kindness.
The Heart and Soul of Kilimanjaro
By the end of my climb, I had a new respect for the guides and porters. They don’t just carry bags; they carry the dreams of climbers who want to reach the top. Thanks to their hard work, I was able to stand on Uhuru Peak and see the world from the highest point in Africa.Would you ever climb Kilimanjaro? If you do, remember to thank your guides and porters—they are the true heroes of the mountain!