Zara Tours

Zara Tours
Unnamed Road, Tanzania
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 5.0 - Excellent
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Email AddressVerified
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No of Employees237
Founded Year1987
Number of Tours4

Certificate of

Superior Service

About Zara Tours

Zara Tours is a local company based in Moshi, Tanzania. Established in 1987, it has been certified by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism as an A-class travel agency. Our head office is in Moshi, Tanzania with branch offices in Ontario, Canada and Colorado USA.

Zara Tours has evolved into Tanzania's largest Kilimanjaro outfitter and one of the country's largest safari operator in the region, with daily departures. We put more people on the Kilimanjaro summit than any other company.

Besides running tours, we currently also operate two hotels and four tented camps in the northern circuit of Tanzania; provide airport transfer, city to city transfer, and VIP and regular tour services, to groups and corporations from all over the world. We also arrange bookings in quality 3-4-5 star hotels and boutique hotels, holiday resorts, spa & thermal hotels, within the northern and southern circuit and in all regions of Tanzania.

Zara Tours is also accountable to humanitarian assistance, under ZARA Charity, a non-government organization established since 15/06/2009. The organization's aim is to support vulnerable groups in the community. Out of every trip you buy with Zara Tours, 15% goes to our charity projects. Zara charity is now implementing a new project called "Maasai pre-school project" in Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Zara Tours shows further commitment to sustainable tourism in and around Tanzania by hosting programs and volunteer activities, including Mt. Kilimanjaro clean-up event to preserve this
national treasure.

Overall, we are a very professional operator and will sure make that your trip to Mt. Kilimanjaro becomes a safe adventure of a lifetime.

Why Book With Zara Tours

The owner and the employees are part of the communities. Not only do they work there, they raise their families there. They help shape and improve their own environment, so they're uniquely sensitive to their guests' interaction. - Zara is positioned as the best value for climbs and safari, offering what is expected by world travelers, no more, no less. - Zara is well established, having long term connections with the national parks and government. - Zara is a full-service organization which assures honest financial transactions, and they will always be there for you. - Zara is committed to your safety, satisfaction, and achieving goals. - Proven Expertise With over 27 years of experience, Zara Tours has proven expertise with Kilimanjaro and safari, adventures expeditions. Guiding visitors successfully to various destinations in Tanzania, from the roof of Africa the legendary Mt. Kilimanjaro, to the endless plains of Serengeti, over to the spice island of Zanzibar, literally thousands of travelers have experienced their best adventure with us. Our clients have included celebrities, photographers, film makers, exhibitors, senators, ambassadors, presidents, travel writers, and journalists. Annually, we guide 5,000 climbers on Kilimanjaro with a 98% success rate, and guide 3,000 safaris with our unique, unrivaled access into Tanzania’s parks. - Passionate We live here. This is our land and our heritage. We love the wildlife, people, and natural wonders of our country, and we are proud to share our knowledge and passion. - Professional Guides Zara Tours has 88 safari and climbing experts who speak English, German, and Spanish. Our skilled professionals were selected by us from a pool of the very best local guides. They receive extensive training in Travel and Tourism, first aid, mountain rescue, beach and water safety, and wild animal behavior. They are among the most talented and respected professionals in the industry, with years of experience and successful trips with the destinations we operate. - Value Zara Tours offers the optimal value for African Adventures and Charity Tours in Tanzania. We do not cut corners, nor do we focus on luxury, rather we provide what most visitors want; a safe and successful journey. Lodging and vehicles are owned by Zara Tours, and our guides are employees not contractors. Flexibility is a major feature when building your tour with us, putting your money where you want it to count. Want better lodging? We can provide. Want additional trips? We can coordinate. Prefer tents? Yes. Adjust the days for the budget you seek. - Safety Zara Tours is very attentive to safety measures and takes responsibility for our client very seriously. Our professional guides are trained and skilled specifically for their adventure. They explain to you the precautions and measures, be it for mountain climbing, safari exploration, or beach excursions. They are prepared to prevent, detect, and treat altitude sickness and other expedition situations, and employ modern rescue measures and evacuation plans in case of any emergencies. - Caring We are accountable and take responsibility for our guest, our environment, and the communities in which we operate. Zara Tour depends upon, respects and cares for our staff, whether they are in lodging or guiding. Our policy is very open and transparent about our operation. If you have a question, just ask! When you buy a trip directly with Zara Tours the funds are distributed within the community as follows. - 70% goes specifically to Tanzania National Park fees - 15%goes to community and projects we support under Zara Charity - 15% goes to operational cost Thus, 85% of the money we receive flows into communities to boost local economy and protect nature. Our involvement to humanitarian support and environmental contribution is achieved under a registered charity organization, where again 15% of every trip you buy with Zara Tours is channeled back to support projects under Zara Charity. - Quality Equipment and Gear We use modern, high quality camping equipment and clean, highly rated lodging and facilities to keep our clients as comfortable and safe as possible while on adventures with us. Our mountain gear is warm, waterproof, spacious, and perfectly suited for the rigors of Adventures. We provide thick foam sleeping pads. Mountain gear is comprehensive and known name brands. We rent rucksacks, day packs, Mount Bell sleeping bags rated to -25 degrees, balaclavas, heavy and light ponchos, socks, duffel bags, hiking poles, ankle gaiters, sweaters, torch/headlamps, flashlights, gloves, sunglasses, long underwear, raincoats, rain pants, hiking boots, water bottles, fleece pants, warm down jackets, hats, and neck scarfs. - Our Vehicles We have fleet of modern, fully-equipped vehicles that take tourists on safari adventures, tours of the Island of Zanzibar, and shuttles to the trail heads of Kilimanjaro. Zara Tours is proud to be known as one of the best operators in the region with a reputation for providing an exceptional, unforgettable, and safe experience. - Individual and Groups Individuals who want the company of others can be join a schedule group. Those who simply want to travel alone can do so. We offer all destinations for any size party on any dates. - We are Local We are a locally owned Tanzanian company. We began the company here in 1987; we built our properties, and own our vehicles. We developed our networks which help us get things done in our communities, and are proud of being led by a successful entrepreneur woman. - Meals All food and drink provided on expeditions such as safari and mountain are fresh. Our chefs prepare delicious meals with fresh, local ingredients. These meals are nutritious and calorie dense, specifically designed to sustain the pleasure of our clients while on adventures. We also cater to all special dietary requirements. - Porters and Guide Welfare We take porter welfare very seriously and do our best to ensure our staff is treated well. As a founder company of the Mount Kilimanjaro Porters Society (MKPS), we comply with all established guidelines on porter wages and welfare by respective National authority. We pay our porters more than the set standard compensation. Our porters have proper food and shelter, and their loads are restricted to reasonable weight limits, which we measure in our hotel and confirm with park authority when we reach respective gate/entry point. - Honest We believe in being honest with our partners, our staff, and our guests. We do not over promise. We are transparent about for what our customers pay. We do not tolerate stealing from our guests or each other in any shape or form. - Trusted Experts We have over 27 years of experience in the Tanzanian tour and hotel business. We continually develop our expertise by learning from our guides, our partners such as TANAPA, TTB, NCAA, IATA, TALA, HATS, and TATO, our guests, and our retailers. We have worked with many of our retailers and communities for years. We have clients which use us a trusted partner for their trips and charitable expeditions. We do what we say we are going to do. - Accommodations Our business is hospitality, and we currently operate two hotels and five wild camps. Springlands Hotel is located in Moshi and used as a base for Kilimanjaro treks. Highview Hotel is located in Arusha in neighboring Ngorongoro Crater — the cradle of mankind and one of the 7 natural wonders of Africa. - Recognition Today, in terms of guest numbers, Zara Tours is Tanzania’s Number 1 Kilimanjaro outfitter and one of Tanzania’s biggest safari operators. Client testimonials are supported by a number of national and international awards, and the owner, Zainab Ansell, is invited to speak around the world at major forums regarding travel and women-owned business. 2013 - Zara Tours winner of Canadian Certificate of Excellence in Commerce 2012 - Zara's owner, Zainab Ansell, received Business Entrepreneur of the Year Award for running a successful Tour Operating Company 2012 - Zara presented with Humanitarian Award in London at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2012 - Zara Charity received the Ngorongoro Marathon Award for organizing a successful race to fight Malaria 2012 - Zara won Tours Football Bonanza Cup 2011 - Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) presents Zara with Sustainable Tourism Award

Tours and Trips by Zara Tours

Explore our most popular and top-rated tours from Zara Tours

Climbing Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route in 10 Days trip - alternative tour available

Climbing Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route in 10 Days

The Lemosho route on Mount Kilimanjaro goes parallel to the lower part of the Shira Route. The trail on the Lemosho Route is unspoiled, secluded and a very beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau. Above the plateau, you approach Kilimanjaro's great western Breach, then follow the south circuit to reach the easier Barafu Route. This is one of the few routes where an armed ranger will accompany us as there are still animals in the forest around the Lemosho Glades. The Lemosho route will take 9 days in total. The route is the most scenic on the lower part as it goes directly through a rainforest area with wildlife. Later on, this route merges with the popular Machame route. You can bring around 15 kgs of luggage for the trip. The porters will carry most of the 15 kgs, and you will yourself carry a small day-pack. As soon as you book with us, we will brief you further on luggage and trekking clothes. At Zara Tours, we look forward to take you on a climb of a lifetime to Mount Kilimanjaro.
10 days
Kilimanjaro Climbing Marangu Route 7 Days trip - alternative tour available

Kilimanjaro Climbing Marangu Route 7 Days

Zara Tours guides treks up the Marangu Route, which is the easiest and shortest route to Kilimanjaro's summit and is known as the "Coca Cola" or "tourist" route. This is the only route on Kilimanjaro with the comforts of solar-powered sleeping huts and comfortable beds at every camp. The huts are communal, and each bunk has a sponge mattress and pillow. There are 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts. Basic men's and ladies' latrines are available at the last camp. All climbing groups, often from several countries around the world, share meals in dining huts providing a jovial and energetic atmosphere. Soft drinks, bottled water, and beer may be for sale at the huts. Bring Tanzanian money to purchase these items (prices increase with elevation). This route can be done in 6 days if you're fast, but in order to do it safely, we will spend 7 days as 6 days is sometimes not enough for proper acclimatization.
7 days
Kilimanjaro Climb Rongai Route 8 Days trip - alternative tour available

Kilimanjaro Climb Rongai Route 8 Days

Zara Tours leads treks up the unique Rongai Route known to be more scenic than the Marangu Route, easier than the Machame Route, and the success rate on the Rongai is very high. Unlike the Marangu Route where you sleep in huts, on the Rongai you sleep in tents (tents are included), and our porters will pitch your tent for you. Meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside. The Kilimanjaro Rongai route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border, and is one of the least traveled routes. The Rongai route joins the Marangu route before the summit climb, then you descend the Marangu Route on the mountain's southeast side.
8 days
Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit 11 Days trip - alternative tour available

Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit 11 Days

The Kilimanjaro Machame route is by a wide margin the least-used route on Kilimanjaro, getting you far away from other hikers. The trailhead is at high elevation, and thus we start slow and easy on this route. The trail begins on the Shira Plateau, and the hike across the plateau is said to be one of the most stunningly beautiful hikes in Africa. Once you reach the park gate, climbers are requested to make their final preparations for the climb and sign the national park registration book. Porters will be seen arranging their packs containing the food, water, and other equipment. Make sure that you have all your day pack items with you as the porters travel very quickly. Your guide will be pleased to assist with any additional information. The terrain lower down is absolutely gorgeous and fascinating. Higher up, the views are vast. There is little to do at the camps themselves, so take advantage of the slow pace to absorb the scenery and take every photo opportunity. When arriving at the Horombo Huts (3,690 m/12,100 ft), if needed, we will take an extra day here for acclimatizaton. At Horombo, you can either rest at the huts or take a stroll up to the Mawenzi basecamp and then return to the Horombo Huts. This extra day will help your acclimatization, and further your understanding of the mountain’s weather and altitude. After your pause, you will continue up to the Kibo Huts on your fourth day for your midnight start to the summit. The hike to the summit starts around midnight depending on your route and speed of your group. You will go as high as you feel fit. Some people stop at the crater rim, and others continue to the very highest point on the mountain. Your guides will then take you down as quickly as possible to minimize any altitude problems. You will continue past your last campsite to the next one for overnight. Climbing Kilimanjaro requires no technical climbing experience, and any moderately fit person can summit the mountain. EXTRA INFORMATION The average hiking day begins between 8-9am and is about 5 to 6 hours, walking very, very slowly. The distances you will hike each day are very moderate so as to acclimatize a little at a time. Your guides will repeat over and over, "pole pole" (po-ly, po-ly), which means "go slowly" in Swahili. If you arrive at the Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. We recommend at least one rest day before starting your trek. If you are transferring from Nairobi, this can act as your rest day. If you have time, enjoy a guided walk through the local rice fields and rainforest, do a little shopping in the town of Moshi, relax at the swimming pool, or get a massage. Your guide will provide a briefing the evening before your trek, and you must separate one bag for the trek from your other luggage. Extra luggage can be stored in a locked storage room at your Moshi hotel at no charge. The next morning, enjoy a hearty breakfast before last-minute trip preparations at the trekking office. Depending on the route you take, the drive to the trailhead can take up to one hour and can be very bumpy.
11 days
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