Altezza Travel, a leading tour operator in northern Tanzania, has released a new ethical trekking guide aimed at improving standards across Mount Kilimanjaro’s climbing sector.

The guide, launched on April 1, is designed to address growing concerns about environmental damage and labour practices on Africa’s highest peak, which receives over 60 000 climbers annually. It outlines key criteria for ethical mountain operations including fair wages, appropriate equipment for porters and partnerships with accountability organisations such as the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP).

Altezza is one of several Kilimanjaro operators certified by Travelife and its guide is positioned as a reference for domestic and international companies working in the sector. The company says the framework is intended to help tourists and tour operators identify responsible partners.

Agnes Mkumbo, Altezza representative, said the guide aims to break down “sustainability” into practical terms: maintaining clean trekking routes, ensuring crew welfare and supporting local businesses. “Many climbers are looking for ethical experiences but lack the tools to evaluate operators,” she said.

The guide also encourages travellers and agents to book directly with Tanzanian-owned businesses, citing concerns about revenue loss when bookings are processed via international intermediaries. Altezza, the largest taxpayer in the Kilimanjaro region, has pointed to the economic importance of retaining tourism income within local communities.

Despite the lack of enforceable regulation across the sector, the guide outlines voluntary recommendations including KPAP membership, which verifies a company’s adherence to ethical standards such as providing hot meals, medical support and adequate shelter for porters.

Tour operators globally are being urged to review supply chain transparency and certification when offering Kilimanjaro climbs. Mkumbo stated that Altezza hopes others will adopt the standards outlined in the guide and contribute to setting consistent norms across the mountain.

The document may serve as a model for other high-impact trekking destinations, particularly those relying on porter-supported tourism such as Machu Picchu and Everest Base Camp.