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Strengthening Communities Through Responsible Tourism: Zara Tanzania Adventures and MKPS Collaboration

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  Strengthening Communities Through Responsible Tourism: Zara Tanzania Adventures and MKPS Collaboration   In Tanzania, all non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including associations representing porters and guides, are registered with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and must adhere to regulations, including submitting annual returns. Each organization operates with its own independent registration and constitution, ensuring they function autonomously within the legal framework. Tour operators like Zara Tanzania Adventures are not permitted to establish their own porter organizations, as porters work as freelancers, choosing to trek with various companies based on their own preferences.   Zara Tanzania Adventures ’ Commitment to Responsible Tourism   Zara Tanzania Adventures is recognized as a premier tour operator in Tanzania, known for its expertise in mountain climbing and award-winning service. To ensure porter welfare and strengthen the tourism ecosystem, Zara T Ta

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONG ABOUT CLIMBING MOUNT KILIMANJARO

 Where is Kilimanjaro?  - What are important details about Kilimanjaro?  - How high is Mount Kilimanjaro? -  What experience do I need to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?  - What gear do I need to climb Mount Kilimanjaro??  - Can I shower when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?  - How long does it take to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?  - What will I eat when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro? I am vegetarian.  - Where does the water come from on Mount Kilimanjaro?  - Do we sleep in hotels when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?  - What dangers are there on Mount Kilimanjaro?  - Do we tip the crew hiking with us on Mount Kilimanjaro?  - How old should I be to make it to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro?  - Will I make it to the top of Uhuru peak?  - How hard is climbing Kilimanjaro?  - What is the hardest part of climbing Kilimanjaro?  - Which route is easier to climb Kilimanjaro?  - Which route is the hardest to climb Kilimanjaro?  - Which is the best month to climb Kilimanjaro?  - What is the best age to climb Kilimanjaro

READY TO SHOW OFF OUR FRESH SEASON ENERGY!

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Here's how we spent the low season and how we prepared for this season: Recharging and resting We took the low season as our well-deserved time off to recharge our bodies and minds. We returned to our families, reconnecting with our loved ones and enjoying some quality time. This period of rest allows us to recover from the physical demands of previous climbs and rejuvenate our spirits.   Training and skill enhancement To further enhance our capabilities, we utilized the low season to undergo specialized training programs. We focused on improving our mountaineering skills, first aid knowledge, English language proficiency, and environmental conservation practices. By attending the training, organized by our sponsors, we strive to provide exceptional service and ensure the safety of climbers during the coming season.   Gear inspection and maintenance we meticulously inspect and maintain our equipment during the low season. This includes checking the condition of backpacks, shoes, te

Ever wondered what it feels like to be in the porter's shoes?

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  Here's a hint from experience:  Weight of Luggage:  The government of Tanzania has established guidelines on the weight of luggage that porters are allowed to carry on Mount Kilimanjaro. The guidelines stipulate that porters should not carry more than 20kg of luggage. The MKPS works with tour operators to ensure that they comply with these guidelines and that porters are not overloaded. The MKPS monitors tour operators to ensure that they are adhering to the weight guidelines. The organization also provides training and education to tour operators on the importance of adhering to these guidelines and the impact that carrying excessive weight can have on porters' health and safety. Food and shelter The MKPS team also ensure that porters are provided with adequate food and shelter during their journey up and down the mountain. The organization requires all tour operators to provide porters with three meals a day that are nutritious and sufficient in quantity. The MKPS also req

WE WERE WITH KINAPA ON THEIR 50th ANNIVERSARY!

  We planted trees! Recently, we planted over 500 trees on Mount Kilimanjaro to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA). Our aim is to promote sustainable tourism practices and protect the natural environment of the mountain. The tree planting initiative is part of the society's ongoing efforts towards environmental conservation and was attended by MPKS members, KINAPA officials, and tourism company representatives. The society hopes to mitigate the environmental impact of tourism on the mountain and promote biodiversity through reforestation Let us share with you what we discussed in an exciting debate prior to KINAPA's anniversary We recently debated the topic of tourism in relation to climate change. The discussion focused on the need for sustainable tourism practices to reduce the negative impact of tourism on the environment. We expressed our concern about the increasing number of tourists visiting Mount Kilimanjaro and

MKPS TRAINING

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  We are beyond excited to inform you that MKPS has been regularly training and educating the member porters on crucial things to adhere to in their careers. Porters are the backbone of the trekking world as they aid the clients to clear their bucket lists by summiting the mountain. It cannot be stressed enough how important it is for your porter to be well trained. It ensures that porters have the right level of skills through training, continued assessment and evaluation. Skills can be developed and honed by giving the porters confidence in their work and reminding them how important they are in the mountain trekking industry WHAT THE TRAINING IS ABOUT -Communication skills Porters are trained on proper communication skills, appropriate and polite responses to the client’s questions and enquiries.   -TeamworK Porters are also taught the importance of cooperation among themselves and the benefits of maintaining peaceful team work to them and their clients. This makes

Leading the Way in Environmental Sustainability Through Community Clean-Up Project

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  Together, We Can Do It On January, 29th Mount Kilimanjaro porters society (MKPS) porters in collaboration with Zara Charity are taking a lead in environmental sustainability through community clean-up project around Kilimanjaro region with the aim of supporting this year environmental theme “ Protect Earth, Restore our future”. This clean-up project is not just about picking up trash and debris from the streets, it's also about educating the community on the importance of environmental conservation and encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their actions. The MKPS porters have been working on cleaning and preserving the natural beauty of the Mount Kilimanjaro area, as the mountain serves their source of income. The MKPS Porters are the backbone of the trekking world as they are great contributor for clients to achieve the impossible and clear their bucket lists of summiting the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. Through their hardworking motivation, cr