The Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) is working with local tour companies to take over 500 Tanzanians to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
This is part of the "Twenzetu Kileleni 2024" campaign, now in its fourth year launched on Friday (September 6) and will run until December 4, 2024 with the theme “Restore Tanzania’s Natural Vegetation, Save Kilimanjaro’s Glaciers.”
Assistant Commissioner for Conservation and Business Development, Jully Lyimo, said the campaign is meant to celebrate 63 years of independence, which is observed every year on December 9.
“TANAPA uses this opportunity to encourage Tanzanians to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and promote the park’s attractions through the ‘Twenzetu Kileleni’ campaign. The goal is to inspire Tanzanians to climb the mountain as part of the Independence Day celebrations,” said Lyimo.
She urged Tanzanians to participate, saying it shows patriotism and appreciation for Tanzania’s natural attractions.
“This year marks the fourth season of the campaign, and we encourage individuals, Tanzanians at home and abroad, diplomats, and government and private institutions to support these efforts,” she added
Lyimo added that three companies are participating in this year’s campaign: ZARA Tours, African Zoom, and African Scenic.
ZARA Tours will use the Marangu route, African Zoom will take the Machame route, and African Scenic will use the Lemosho route.
The Marangu route takes six days, Machame takes seven days, and Lemosho takes eight days. Costs range from TZS 1,550,000 to TZS 2,000,000, depending on the route.
Mapinduzi Mdesa, a Senior Conservation Officer from Kilimanjaro National Park, invited all Tanzanians to join the Independence Day celebrations at Africa’s highest peak and to support efforts to save Kilimanjaro’s glaciers.
“I invite Tanzanians to join us in these Independence Day celebrations at the Roof of Africa. We also have a responsibility to save Kilimanjaro’s glaciers by restoring native vegetation,” said Mdesa.
Mdesa noted that studies show Kilimanjaro’s glaciers are melting due to dry winds from the ocean and other areas. He urged people to plant native trees to help maintain moisture and protect the glaciers.
The Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) has been commemorating Independence Day since 1961 by raising the national flag at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
In recent years, thanks to ZARA Tours, the event has grown to include the public under the name "Twenzetu Kileleni," now in its fourth year.