Tour company backs Kili AIDS fight

KILIMANJARO: AHSANTE Tours, a renowned tourism company based in Kilimanjaro, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Kilimanjaro Challenge Against AIDS (Kili Challenge), citing the campaign’s tangible contributions to the fight against HIV/AIDS in Tanzania.

The company’s Senior Officer, Mr Daniel James, made the remarks during the flagging-off ceremony of the 2025 Kili Challenge climbers and cyclists, held at the Machame Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA) over the weekend.

Mr James explained that Ahsante Tours has actively participated in the campaign for more than a decade and remains encouraged by the notable impact achieved over the years.

“This campaign has produced significant results over its 22 seasons. We’ve been part of it for more than ten years and its successes give us strength and motivation to remain engaged,” he said.

He elaborated that the positive results seen in reducing HIV infections and raising awareness have broader implications for national development.

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“A healthy population is the backbone of any economy. For us as investors, especially in the tourism sector, we depend on a productive and youthful workforce. That’s why our involvement in this initiative is not just about corporate social responsibility, but also a long-term investment in the health and well-being of our people.” Mr James also noted that their participation is a contribution towards the government’s national strategy to eliminate HIV/ AIDS.

“Joining hands with key partners like Geita Gold Mine (GGM) and Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS) is part of our broader responsibility to support national goals,” he added.

He further revealed that this year, Ahsante Tours is again leading the coordination of the cycling category of the Kili Challenge, which involves 17 participants who will ride around the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro for seven consecutive days. These cyclists will accompany 47 other participants who will summit the mountain on foot.

“In addition to this signature event, we are also introducing a new initiative called Kili Summiteers. This event will further promote domestic and international tourism, attract more adventure travellers and elevate the profile of Mount Kilimanjaro globally,” he explained.

Kilimanjaro Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS), Mr Kiseo Nzowa, applauded the involvement of stakeholders in the national campaign against HIV/AIDS, saying that their contributions significantly strengthen government efforts.

Mr Nzowa pointed out that recent statistics indicate that approximately 1.7 million people in Tanzania are living with HIV. He stressed that this data underscores the importance of ongoing collaborations like the Kili Challenge in raising awareness and mobilising resources for prevention and care.

During the flagging-off ceremony, Engineer Jackson Masaka, representing Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner Mr Nurdin Babu, handed over three symbolic flags to the team leaders — Mr Andrew Mazula (Climbers Captain) and Mr Innocent Lyamuya (Bikers Captain).

These include the National Flag, the cycling team’s flag and the Geita Gold Mine flag, which will be hoisted at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.