To enhance the safety and enjoyment of mountain climbing on Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru, Tanzania’s Goodwill Ambassador for Tourism in the US, Macon Dunnagan, has initiated a special acclimatization program via the Mweka route.

Before his 51st Mount Kilimanjaro climb in July this year, Dunnagan emphasized the importance of acclimatization in mitigating risks like hypothermia and Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

“I began this acclimatization program with professional mountain guide Edwin Kilawe from ZARA tours last year to prepare for our expeditions. It has proven beneficial,” Dunnagan explained. 

He stressed the need for acclimatization to reduce high-altitude sickness risks.

Tourists, including American Kent Kysar (68) from Atlanta, Georgia, Macon Dunnagan’s nephew Willy Dunnagan, and friend Spencer Cathey, shared their experiences. 

Kysar, on his first visit to Tanzania, expressed his goal to reach Mount Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru Peak (5,895m ASL). 

He planned the climb since meeting Dunnagan in April 2022 at a travel show in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Both Willy Dunnagan and Spencer Cathey appreciated the Tanzanians' kindness, good food, language, and natural environment.

KILIMEDAIR Aviation Company, a Tanzanian-owned firm, offers helicopter search and rescue services to ensure climbers' safety on Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru. 

Sales and Marketing Officer Abel Casmir Shoki detailed their services, including high-altitude evacuation and medical treatment at KiliMedair Wilderness Medicine Clinic in Moshi. 

They also provide scenic flights to various destinations like Lake Natron, Mount Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar beaches, and the Serengeti Wildebeest migration.

Dr. Hussein Abradha, Director of Medical Services at KILIMEDAIR, highlighted their medical evacuation services using EMS 138-configured helicopters. 

They also offer helicopter charters for VIP transfers, aerial surveys, crew transfers, filming, photography, precious cargo transfer, anti-poaching, hunting, personal events, and marketing promotions.

Shoki emphasized their specialization in mountain medicine, diving medicine, emergency medicine, traveler and tropical medicine. 

KILIMEDAIR provides doctor en-route services, pre and post-climb consultations, and general medical consultations, ensuring reliable and effective helicopter services from their base in Moshi, Tanzania. 

The growing need for private air taxi services in tourism, entertainment, and various sectors underscores KILIMEDAIR's commitment to convenient, affordable, and professional services.