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