Summary
Held under the theme “Experience the Difference, Explore Life in Nature,” this year’s two-day challenge featured a variety of outdoor sporting activities, including forest hiking, 5km, 10km and 21.1km races, as well as cycling and motorcycling competitions.
KILIMANJARO: OVER 350 athletes and eco-tourism enthusiasts from Tanzania and abroad gathered over the weekend at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Siha District, Kilimanjaro Region, for the sixth edition of the West Kili Forest Tour Challenge 2026.
Organised by the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS), the annual event aims to promote forest conservation, sports development and green economic growth through a unique blend of athletics and nature-based tourism.
Held under the theme “Experience the Difference, Explore Life in Nature,” this year’s two-day challenge featured a variety of outdoor sporting activities, including forest hiking, 5km, 10km and 21.1km races, as well as cycling and motorcycling competitions.
Opening the event, Siha District Commissioner (DC) Dr. Christopher Timbuka said the West Kili Forest Tour Challenge has become an important platform for promoting eco-tourism, healthy lifestyles and local economic development.
“The West Kili Tour Challenge is among the major events that stimulate economic activities for residents of Siha District and surrounding areas. It continues to create opportunities for local businesses while showcasing our natural heritage,” he said.
Dr Timbuka hailed TFS for consistently organising the event and pledged the district government’s continued support to make it even more professional and internationally competitive.
“The steadily increasing number of participants each year is a clear indication of the event’s growing popularity and significance,” he added.
Siha District Council Director, Ms Hellen Mwambeta also praised TFS for hosting the marathon, describing it as one of the district’s flagship sporting and tourism events.
She said besides encouraging people to adopt healthier lifestyles and reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases, the marathon makes a significant contribution to the district’s economy through tourism and related business activities.
Mwambeta urged residents of Siha and neighbouring regions to embrace a culture of participating in the annual event.
“This is my first time taking part in the West Kili Forest Tour Challenge, and I have been thoroughly impressed by its organisation and the breathtaking natural environment,”she said after completing the 5km race.
The event coordinator, Mr. Mensieur Elly, said the challenge continues to gain momentum every year, attracting more participants and visitors.
He explained that the event combines athletics with adventure tourism, providing participants with an opportunity to experience the rich biodiversity and scenic beauty of the West Kilimanjaro ecosystem.
According to Elly, this year’s edition attracted foreign athletes from neighbouring Kenya and Uganda, as well as international visitors from Germany and Scotland.
Speaking on the significance of the event, the Principal Conservation Officer of the West Kilimanjaro Forest Plantation, Mr. Robert Faida, said the primary objective is to raise public awareness about the importance of protecting the Kilimanjaro ecosystem while promoting sustainable tourism.
“The West Kili Forest Tour Challenge was introduced to strengthen community participation in environmental conservation through sports and eco-tourism activities. It is a platform that connects people with nature while encouraging responsible use of our forest resources,”he said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Fredrick Joseph, a rider from the Arusha-based Mount Meru Motocross Sport Club, appealed to the government to support young local motorcyclists by providing specialised motocross bikes.
“Most of us compete using ordinary motorcycles, which limits our performance and competitiveness. Access to purpose-built motocross bikes would greatly improve our ability to compete at higher levels,” he said.
At the end of the competition, all participants were awarded high-quality commemorative medals in recognition of their participation and commitment to promoting sports, conservation and eco-tourism.
