Our story
It started with one guide walking clients up Kilimanjaro. Twenty-five years later the same family runs the company, from the same town, at the foot of the same mountain.
First Kilimanjaro trek guided by Cuthbert
Organising trips across Tanzania
Founded by Cuthbert and Stella Swai
Office and crew at the foot of the mountain
An award-winning, family-owned company based in Moshi
Ahsante Tours is an adventure travel company at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, founded by husband-and-wife team Cuthbert and Stella Swai. What began in 1999 with Cuthbert guiding mountain treks has grown into one of Tanzania’s most trusted travel companies, with over 25 years of experience organising unforgettable trips across the country.
We specialise in Mount Kilimanjaro climbs, wildlife safaris, cultural tours, cycling adventures, beach holidays and walking expeditions. Whether you are planning a honeymoon, a family getaway, a charity challenge or a corporate retreat, we create a tailor-made experience just for you.
1999 — One guide, one mountain
Cuthbert Swai starts guiding mountain treks out of Moshi. The company is him, a kit list and word of mouth.
2000s — Safaris and the Northern Circuit
Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire join the mountain, and the office grows to handle multi-week itineraries.
2016 — Cycling and the stage race
Guided mountain bike tours begin, and Ahsante becomes a co-organiser of the Kilimanjaro 2 Natron stage race.
Today — Eight kinds of trip, still family-run
Climbs, safaris, cycling, walking, beaches, school trips and corporate travel, planned by the same team in Moshi.
Best Tour Operator for Mawenzi Peak Technical Climbs, 2020.
Tanzania’s Leading Tour Operator. Nominee four years in a row, 2019 to 2023.
Life-changing trips that leave something behind
Our mission is to create life-changing adventure experiences across Tanzania while making a lasting, positive impact on the people, communities and environments we touch. From the peaks of Kilimanjaro to the plains of the Serengeti, every journey with us should be authentic, meaningful and responsibly managed.
Affordable, high-quality tours
Tailor-made adventures at the best value we can honestly offer, with the price broken down before you pay.
Sustainable tourism
Protecting nature and supporting local communities on every route we run.
Community empowerment
Giving back through education, healthcare and conservation projects in the Kilimanjaro region.
Authentic experiences
Connecting travellers with Tanzania’s culture, its people and its beauty, not a sanitised version of it.
Eight kinds of trip, one operations team
Kilimanjaro, Meru and Ol Doinyo Lengai
From scenic routes to technical climbs, we guide adventurers safely to the top of Africa’s most iconic mountains.
Wildlife safaris
Explore all of Tanzania’s national parks and game reserves, combining rich wildlife with cultural encounters.
Cycling tours
Single or multi-day rides, or join the famous K2N MTB Stage Race, one of Africa’s top mountain biking events.
Walking tours
Discover the Northern Circuit on foot with guided nature walks and cultural interactions.
Beach holidays
Relax on the shores of Zanzibar, Mafia Island or Pemba, with options for water sports, snorkelling and cultural excursions.
Corporate and CSR travel
Team-building adventures, wellness retreats, CSR projects and brand awareness events in nature.
School trips and youth expeditions
Student programmes that build confidence, resilience and global awareness through meaningful travel.
Global partnerships
We work with tour operators in Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America to deliver memorable adventures for their clients.
Responsible tourism is the heart of what we do
For over two decades we have actively supported education, healthcare and environmental conservation in the Kilimanjaro region. Our clients help give back too, by shopping at local markets, staying in community-run lodges and hiring local guides. Tourism income goes directly to the people who need it most.
- Education, healthcare and conservation projects in the Kilimanjaro region
- Community-run lodges and local markets built into our itineraries
- Local guides, porters and drivers, hired and trained in Moshi
Six reasons people book with us twice
Over 25 years of experience
Running trips across Tanzania since 1999, from first-time trekkers to technical summit climbs.
Locally owned and operated
A Tanzanian company with Tanzanian staff. Your money stays in the country you came to see.
Certified mountain and safari guides
Licensed, first-aid trained, and on our payroll rather than hired in for the week.
Custom itineraries
Built for individuals, families, schools and companies, and revised as many times as it takes.
Sustainable and ethical tourism
A strong commitment to fair porter treatment, low-impact camps and community projects.
Reviews and partnerships
Excellent guest reviews and trusted international partnerships behind every booking.
Meet the experts behind your journey
Friendly, encouraging and knowledgeable about the mountain’s history and routes.
Management
Cuthbert Swai
Founder & Managing Director
Stella Swai
Managing Director
Gilbert Shangali
General Manager
Office and sales
Holyfield Edwin
Sales & Travel Consultant
Nelly Richard
Head of Sales & Travel Consultant
Mountain and cycling guides
Julius Mkongwe
Mountain & Cycling Guide
James Tarimo
Mountain & Cycling Guide
Bruno Mkerenga
Mountain & Cycling Guide
Join us for the adventure of a lifetime
Whether you are a solo traveller, a couple, a family or a group of friends, we will craft the trip for you. From the peaks of Kilimanjaro to the white sands of Zanzibar, Tanzania is calling.
