Environmental Focus: Mount Kilimanjaro

Protected Areas

Kilimanjaro National Park is an UNESCO World Heritage Site with strict rules to preserve its unique ecosystems, including glaciers, flora, and fauna.

Waste Management

"Leave No Trace" principles are a must on Kilimanjaro; pack out all waste. Tanzania has limited recycling infrastructure, so minimizing plastic use and bringing a Reusable water bottle is advised.

Water Conservation

Water is a precious resource. On the mountain, operators manage water use. Be mindful of your consumption, for example, limit excessive washing.

Ethical Practices

Your travel choices influence local communities and the environment.

Carbon Offset Choices

Consider purchasing carbon offsets for your international flights.

Options

Purchasing carbon offsets lessens your environmental footprint.
Services like Terrapass offer various offset programs.
Support projects that capture greenhouse gases.
Offset the emissions from your air travel.

Eco-Friendly Travel

Choose operators and accommodations committed to sustainability.

What to Look For

Inquire about waste disposal and energy efficiency practices.
Look for commitment to water conservation. Consider Ecobnb for stays.
Support for local communities. Ethical tour operators like G Adventures are a choice.
Ask operators about their sustainability efforts.

Cultural Preservation

Support community-based tourism initiatives.

Direct Benefits

Directly benefit local communities.
Cultural tours like Chagga cultural programs are good options.
These efforts safeguard traditional cultures.
Promote the continuation of local heritage.

Respectful Interaction

Mindful interactions with locals contribute to positive experiences.

Guidelines

Always greet locals politely.
Always ask for permission before taking photos of people.
Dress modestly in towns and villages.
Bargain respectfully in markets, with a smile.

Photography Ethics

Recommended Practices

Seek permission before taking photos of people, especially children or Maasai. Be mindful of individual privacy and dignity. Focus on natural landscapes and authorized areas.

Practices to Avoid

Avoid "poverty tourism" photography. Do not photograph sensitive areas like government buildings or military installations. Respect any refusal to be photographed.

Responsible Travel

Thoughtful choices lessen your footprint and build positive connections.

Economic Contributions

Your spending plays a part in supporting the local economy.

Community-Based Tourism

Activities that directly benefit local communities.

Participation

Participate in tours operated by local communities.
Chagga cultural tours or village visits are good choices.
Direct economic benefits stay local.
This approach fosters local development.

Fair Trade & Ethical Shopping

Support local artisans and ethical practices.

Purchasing

Purchase souvenirs directly from local artisans.
Choose reputable shops stating fair trade practices.
For Tanzanite, buy from licensed dealers with certification. Support conservation efforts with purchases from The Rainforest Site.

Supporting Local Businesses

Directly contribute to the local economy by patronizing local establishments.

Your Choices

Eat at local restaurants ("hoteli").
Use local taxis after negotiating fair prices.
Purchase goods from local shops.
Your spending circulates within the community.

Avoiding Harmful Practices

Be aware of potential exploitation and make responsible decisions.

Ethical Conduct

Avoid giving money or gifts directly to children.
Direct handouts can encourage begging and deter school attendance.
Be wary of exploitative practices, especially concerning porters.
Do not support operators who underpay or mistreat staff.

Appropriate Charitable Giving

If you wish to contribute, do so through established organizations.

Support NGOs

Donate through reputable non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for local development.

Community Projects

Consider giving to community projects rather than direct handouts.

Sustainable Gear

Consider purchasing outdoor gear from companies with strong sustainability commitments like Patagonia.

Porter Welfare Notice

Support tour operators who are members of and adhere to the guidelines of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP). KPAP ensures fair pay, proper clothing, food, and good treatment for porters. Always inquire about your operator's KPAP status.

Local Economy

Your economic decisions contribute to local communities and ethical tourism practices.

Environmental Focus