The usual ratio is three local staff for each climber, although small groups may have four staff per climber. These usually consist of an English-speaking local guide or guides, a professional cook and gear-carrying porters. We encourage you to interact with your staff, though some will have limited English. They are all trustworthy local people who have grown up in the shadow of the mountain. This is because we are Kilimanjaro local Tour company.  Many of them have climbed the peak 50 or more times.