Kilimanjaro is an invaluable source of life for the local Chagga people and others who have live around the mountain, providing rich volcanic soils for agriculture and an endless supply of pure spring waters. Travelers can help keep Kilimanjaro clean and beautiful by following a few simple rules:

Properly Dispose of Litter

The Kilimanjaro National Park has placed strict guidelines on porters and guides regarding the disposal of litter.  Porters/guides found in breach of those guidelines are subject to stiff fines and possible revocation of their licenses. 

In spite of this measure the amount of rubbish on the mountain is increasing.  One of the simplest and easiest thing a traveler can do is contribute to keeping Mount Kilimanjaro a clean and healthy environment is to ensure that he/she properly disposes of trash.  Keep an eye out for designated litter disposal areas, and if you are in doubt ask your guide/porter.

Do Not Start Fires

Mount Kilimanjaro has been subject to a number of damaging fires that due to the negligence of climbers. There is absolutely no need for a climber to light a fire on the mountain.  Kerosene is used by the guides and porters for cooking.  They are trained in the proper use and handling of kerosene on the mountain.  Layering of clothing is recommended as an alternative for providing addition heat. 

Boil, filter or purify your drinking water

Purifying your water on the mountain significantly reduces the number of non-returnable, non-reusable, non-biodegradable and plastic water bottles used on the mountain.

Use The Latrines

Each camp site is equipped with purpose built latrines. It is recommended that climbers reserve their bathroom duties to those designated areas.  However it the situation is urgent firstly, make sure you’re at least 20m away from both the hiking path and any streams or rivers to avoid polluting location water sources.  Dig a fairly deep hole to squat over, and when you are done dispose of the toilet paper in the hole.  Cover the hole with of dirt when you’ve finished.

Do Not Disturb Plant Life

It is illegal to take the flora or fauna out of the park, so leave do not break, snap or remove any kind of plants from the mountain.  The ecosystem on the mountain is very delicate and frequent disturbances to it could lead to plant degradation and possible eradication

Stay On The Main Trails

One of the major threats to Mount Kilimanjaro is soil erosion due to the high volumes of climbers trekking the mountain.  Using shortcuts, particularly steep ones, contribute significantly to erosion of the slopes. Travelers are advised to descent the mountain using the main path designated by your guide and the park.

Shower/Bathe Away from Streams and Rivers

Bathing, shaving, washing hair, and doing laundry  in the streams on the mountain contaminates the water supply of the local villagers living at the base of the mountain.  The villlages depend on the water from the mountain for drinking, cooking, bathing, and other household chores.  Any waters used to for hygienic purposes should be disposed of it at least 20m away from any streams or rivers.