Kilimanjaro Porters and Guides
Caring for Kilimanjaro’s Unsung Heroes
Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak, provides a livelihood for thousands of men and women — many of whom work as porters, carrying food, tents, safety equipment, and personal belongings for trekking expeditions. But the mountain’s beauty hides its challenges, and porter welfare should never be overlooked.
Sadly, we’ve witnessed how poor treatment by budget operators has led to avoidable deaths on the mountain. Porters endure extreme conditions, and without fair pay, proper gear, food, and shelter, their safety and well-being are at serious risk.
At African Environments, we’ve been leading the way since the early ‘90s:
- ✅ First company to register and train porters
- ✅ Above-standard wages, well beyond the recommended amount
- ✅ Nutritious meals, sturdy sleeping tents, and transport to and from the trailhead
- ✅ Partner recognition from organizations like KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project)
We’ve also built systems to promote professionalism and pride within porter teams — requiring them to have their own equipment, fostering a sense of ownership and dedication to their role.
Our commitment to ethical practices extends to leadership too. While some companies still bring in international guides, we were the first to train and develop local Trip Leaders, paying them fair, internationally competitive wages. Our leaders undergo bi-annual testing, regular training, and were the first in Tanzania to receive Wilderness First Responder certification.
Our director, Wesley Krause, has even served on the board of the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC), advocating for better porter conditions not only on Kilimanjaro, but globally.
At African Environments, we don’t just climb mountains — we lift people up. 🌍
Thank you to our hardworking porters, guides, and Trip Leaders for making every expedition possible. 🙏
Community Partnerships & Empowerment
African Environments prides itself on its relationshipsAt African Environments, we are deeply committed to sustainable tourism and fostering meaningful relationships with the communities we work alongside. Through training and development opportunities, we empower individuals from remote areas, ensuring they gain valuable skills within the tourism industry while preserving their cultural heritage. with the community we work through providing training and development opportunities within the tourism industry for remote communities.
Maasai Trainee Program
Our Maasai Trainee Program, based in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, provides one-year placements at Mysigio Camp for young Maasai warriors, or Morani. Selected by their village elders for their interest in tourism, these trainees receive hands-on experience under the guidance of our Camp Supervisor, learning essential skills in hospitality, guest engagement, and camp operations.
During the low season, when the camp returns to Arusha, trainees participate in English classes, solar energy education, environmental conservation, customer service training, and food preparation workshops—broadening their knowledge and employability in sustainable tourism.
For the Maasai, a traditionally pastoralist community, diversifying into tourism is crucial. This program allows them to preserve their rich cultural heritage while gaining practical skills to support their families and communities.
The Maasai Trainee Program has successfully trained young Maasai from neighboring villages, strengthening our long-standing partnership with Chief Ole Dorop and his community. Ngorongoro Conservation Area sees one young warrior or “Morani” gain a one year placement at Mysigio Camp. The young man, from a nearby Maasai Village is chosen by his group of elders as someone showing interest in the tourism industry. While at the camp, under instruction of our Camp Supervisor the trainee is given practical lessons and experience working with our guests.
Experience the Maasai Trainee Program Firsthand
Visit Mysigio Camp in Ngorongoro to witness this impactful program in action. For a deeper cultural connection, join our Maasai-led Walking Safaris, where you’ll explore Tanzania’s breathtaking landscapes alongside the very people who have called it home for generations.
🌍 Discover responsible travel with African Environments – where conservation, culture, and community come together.
Hadzabe Leadership and Capacity Building
Nestled along the shores of Lake Eyasi, the Hadzabe are one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes in East Africa. As a predominantly nomadic and primitive community, their way of life has been increasingly threatened by expanding agriculture and deforestation, which continue to shrink their ancestral lands.
At African Environments, we have cultivated a long-standing partnership with a Hadzabe sub-tribe, working together to promote cultural preservation, empowerment, and sustainable tourism through cultural walks, camping safaris, and training programs.
Empowering the Hadzabe Through Land Rights & Education
To protect their future, African Environments is actively assisting the Hadzabe in legally securing land rights, similar to how the Maasai have preserved their cultural heritage in Ngorongoro. This initiative ensures that the Hadzabe can continue to practice their ancient traditions in a protected environment.
Through capacity building and tourism opportunities, the Hadzabe have been able to:
✅ Earn an income by authentically sharing their culture with visitors
✅ Receive training in English, customer service, and environmental conservation
✅ Form community committees to advocate for their needs
✅ Obtain official identification documents and access banking services
Additionally, African Environments is facilitating cultural research and international recognition efforts to help secure funding and conservation initiatives that support both the Hadzabe people and their environment.
Supporting Local: Our Commitment to Ethical & Sustainable Sourcing
At African Environments, we believe in responsible tourism that directly benefits the local economy. We prioritize partnerships with Tanzanian farmers, artisans, and manufacturers, ensuring that our procurement choices support small-scale businesses and sustainable practices in Arusha, Tanzania, and across Africa.
Locally Sourced & Sustainably Made
✅ Raw, Local Honey – Sourced from a small-scale farmer on the slopes of Mount Meru, our honey is 100% natural and sustainably harvested.
✅ Handcrafted Mozzarella – Our delicious, homemade pizzas feature locally made mozzarella from Lucas, a West Kilimanjaro farmer with over 20 years of expertise in cheesemaking.
✅ Farm-Fresh Meats – Our breakfast sausages, chicken, pork, beef, and bacon are all sourced from high-quality, small-scale Tanzanian butchers, ensuring freshness and ethical sourcing.
✅ Seasonal, Tanzanian-Grown Produce – We source all our fruits and vegetables locally, selecting seasonal ingredients for peak freshness and best quality.
✅ Handicrafts & Local Artisans – We actively support Tanzanian craftspeople, purchasing from local markets to celebrate traditional artistry.
✅ Eco-Friendly Glass & Aluminium Products – Many of our serving trays and recycled aluminium pieces are handcrafted at Shanga, an inspiring project that empowers physically and intellectually disabled Tanzanians.
✅ Sustainably Made Briquettes – Our safari camps use eco-friendly, recycled briquettes from Mkaa Bora, a Tanzanian company dedicated to sustainable cooking solutions.
By choosing African Environments, you’re not just experiencing the beauty of Tanzania—you’re supporting communities, preserving traditions, and promoting sustainability.
🌍 Travel responsibly. Support local. Make a difference.
The African Environments team
At African Environments, we believe that our greatest strength is our people. We are committed to fostering a supportive, ethical, and growth-focused workplace, where every team member—whether full-time or contracted—has a voice, opportunities for development, and a sense of belonging.
We don’t just offer jobs; we offer careers with purpose. Our team works together to create exceptional experiences while upholding our core values of ethical employment, sustainability, and professional growth.
Our Commitment to Ethical Employment
✔️ Hiring Locally – We prioritize Tanzanian talent, providing meaningful employment and career advancement opportunities.
✔️ Comprehensive Health Insurance – Ensuring the well-being of our team with reliable healthcare coverage.
✔️ Employee Co-op Access – Supporting financial stability through cooperative savings and investment programs.
✔️ Training & Development – We offer twice-yearly training sessions, equipping our employees with new skills and knowledge.
✔️ Language Training – Expanding opportunities through language education to enhance communication and career growth.
✔️ Global Exposure – Select employees have the chance to travel overseas, attending conferences and leadership summits for professional enrichment.
At African Environments, we invest in our people because their success is our success. Join us and be part of a team where you can learn, grow, and thrive.
🌍 Building careers. Empowering communities. Creating impact.