This season has seen a few improvements on Kilimanjaro. In addition to the new, sturdy sign at the summit, we became the first—and only company—on the mountain to outfit our porters with professional all-weather uniforms.
We tested quite a few prototype fabrics and uniforms until we finally found the right all-weather blend to provide protection from rain, wind and cold, while still maintaining comfort. Plus, you can’t miss the bright orange color! Our porters are excited about the new gear and often comment that this great improvement has made severe weather conditions much more tolerable.
If you’ve trekked before you know that porters are a hard-working lot. Our guests are always astounded as porters pass them on the trail at a rapid clip with 20-30 pounds of supplies, food and gear on their backs or atop their heads. Neither weather nor fatigue seems to slow them down!
Our Kilimanjaro guests return home with a great amount of respect and gratitude for porters, as displayed above.
Outfitting our porters with uniforms is just one example of the many innovations and policies Thomson employs to take great care of its hard working guides and porters. Read more about our porter ethics and how you can help support Kilimanjaro porters.
