Lemosho trek up Kilimanjaro

Planet and people

Rising from the plains, Mt Kilimanjaro dominates the surrounding countryside. It provides exciting physical and mental challenges for those who trek to the summit - and a vital source of income for many of the local communities within its shadows. In assisting thousands of our customers over more than 20 years on their Kilimanjaro treks, the local porters and mountain guides employed have secured a stable income. Their job is undoubtedly tough and so we strive to ensure that the conditions that they work in are as fair as possible. As a company we support the International Porters Protection Group - which safeguards the interests and welfare of porters against unscrupulous companies, and follow Tourism Concerns guidelines on porter welfare. Packs are carefully weighed before the mountain ascent to ensure that the porters are carrying a fair weight - a weight within the guidelines set by the national park.

A sleeping tent and sleeping bags are provided for all our staff on the mountain and clients are actively encouraged to interact with all staff generating a real feeling of teamwork and friendship as we strive towards the summit.

We operate our treks with the utmost respect for this fragile environment: all rubbish is carried out for recycling or proper disposal back in Moshi, cooking is done on kerosene stoves, water is boiled for drinking and refilling clients' own waterbottles and we erect private tented toilets - all human waste is properly disposed of. "

In addition to the above, we are continually looking for ways to improve and are proud to be ‘Responsible in everything we do’. Education is key and so all staff, Tour Leaders and partnering suppliers are trained in responsible and sustainable tourism. At our Head Office, we continually strive towards a sustainable and planet-friendly working environment, including having solar panels installed and a company commitment to reducing our plastic usage. As well as this, we have valuable and longstanding partnerships with UK charities Toilet Twinning and Send a Cow, plus many smaller initiatives and projects around the world. We’re members of UK travel industry bodies Tourism Concern and AITO because we believe it’s important to share our knowledge and experience, as well as learn from other operators.

As a company we support Cool Earth. Protecting rainforest is one of the most effective actions to tackle climate breakdown. CoolEarth work with indigenous communities empowering them to conserve their forest; keeping CO2 locked in.