Tel. +44 (0)1273 600030 (UK)
Community
For this trip our most obvious and visible responsible tourism action is the porter treatment;
- We ensure they have proper shelter, clothing and food on the mountain
- They have access to the same medical kit as clients, and in case of illness and they have to descend they will still be paid for the trips. In case of illness incurred directly as a result of their work, we also assist with hospital treatment
- We pay the recommended wages, and we pay it directly after the trip (A BIG ISSUE with budget operators)
- We run the Porter education project, which is mainly English, but this year also included HIV awareness classes, and a money management module as well
- We are members of Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project
This trip supports the Porter Education Project, which aims to teach Porters English, there is also plans to educate the porters on AIDS/HIV awareness and money management. The project aims to train the porters to eventually become guides on Kili or work as teaching assistants in local schools. As is mandatory we pay the Kilimanjaro Tax, which goes towards preserving the parks and other local smaller parks in the area.
All leaders are local leaders, which have been extensively trained by us in several areas; language, briefing, client handling, flora and fauna, geology and first aid. Especially the First Aid is regularly refreshed. In our briefing we include information re. porters’ treatment, the sensitive topic of tipping, behaviour on the mountain (no litter, careful with soap in the few streams, no use of firewood, etc)
The accommodation is locally owned employing local staff. Local produce is also bought and used extensively. The maximum group size is 12, so as a small group we limit the strain on natural resources and on the porters and guides
Environment
We have at our offices worked to reduce our carbon footprint through a reduction of energy use and energy conservation measures. We also actively reduce the waste produced by having active reduction and recycling policies in place. We run annual staff workshops on Responsible Tourism.
Global warming is a reality and to help you make a difference by reducing the carbon dioxide that is produced when you travel we offer a chance to carbon balance your flights. We encourage all our clients to do this and do so for all our staff travel. Go on do your bit!
The three founders of this adventure company drove from London to Kathmandu in 1974 on an itinerary they made up as they went along, ending with a hike up to Everest Base Camp. Believing activity holidays offer you greater insight into a country, they set up as trekking tour operators. The staff all come from adventurous backgrounds, have led dozens of trips all over the world and have collectively climbed Kilimanjaro over 100 times. Whether you want a hardcore trek or a softer experience, rest assured your guide will have the expertise to take you firmly out of your comfort zone.
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