9TH ANNUAL NGORONGORO MARATHON TO SUPPORT EDUCATION AND THE FIGHT AGAINST MALARIA IN AFRICA

TANZANIA, AFRICA–This coming April is the 9th annual Ngorongoro marathon, an event held to raise money and awareness for the fight against Malaria, and to support the Maasai Pre-school. Hosted by Zara Tours together with its sister group Zara Charity, the Ngorongoro Run will welcome more than 1,200 runners from 20 different countries to compete in what has been the single largest educational undertaking in the district and the region.
This year’s run will be held on 16th April 2016, and is open to any and all runners looking to compete in one of the largest half marathons in Tanzania. This race has been recognized by the Tanzania Olympic Committee, and is a qualifying race for the national team.

To celebrate and offer opportunities for more people to support this cause, Zara Tours is presenting a special chance to attend the event. The world-renowned tour operating company will be giving away a trip for two to attend the Ngorongoro marathon in Tanzania. For more details, visit the Zara Tours Facebook page and Register here

In addition to the marathon, the event will also include other sponsored events in Ngorongoro, such as a visit to malaria projects and a dinner gala held after the run at the High View Hotel in Karatu. To receive more information about attending, competing in, or sponsoring this event, please contact Zara Charity.

Zara Tours and Zara Charity hope to bring together the public and the private sectors to raise national awareness for the fight against malaria, Education and significantly drive up the prevention and treatment of the disease.

For more information about Zara Charity and its endeavors, contact: zara@zaracharitytanzania.org and/or zara@zaratours.com

About ZARA TOURS; ZARA TOURS, founded in 1987, is currently the No. 1 Kilimanjaro outfitter in Tanzania and one of the largest safari operators in the country. Proud to be known as one of the best operators in the region with a reputation for providing an exceptional, unforgettable and safe experience, ZARA TOURS owns and operates two hotels and four tented camps, has 88 safari and climbing expert guides who speak English, German and Spanish, and a fleet of fully-equipped vehicles that take tourists on safari adventures or treks up Mt. Kilimanjaro. ZARA TOURS also runs ZARA Charity, which plays a vital role in the local community by supporting vulnerable groups such as orphans, maasai women group, and more.

For more information about the Season 8 of Ngorongoro marathon 2015.

For more information about Ngorongoro pre-school and how you could get involved.

Zara Tours perfect Safari/Zanzibar experience.

Day 1:  Arrive at KIA airport, met and transferred to Springlands Hotel or similar for overnight on bed& breakfast.

Day 2: After breakfast depart for Arusha National Park, after clearing with the park authorities enjoy a guided walking safari in the park which offers great view of Mt Meru. After enjoy the guided walk depart for lunch at The Arusha Hotel. In the afternoon drive to Highview Hotel or similar for dinner& overnight.

Day 3: After breakfast, drive to Serengeti National Park via Olduvai Gorge takes 3 to 4 hours. Olduvai Gorge is an archaeological site located in the eastern Serengeti plains, in which early human fossils were first discovered. It has an amazing landscape that resulted from the same tectonic forces that created the Great Rift Valley millions of years ago. Then in the late evening, drive to and overnight at either the Serengeti Wildebeest Camp or similar.

Day 4: After breakfast, venture into the Serengeti’s wilderness corners for a full day of game viewing in the park. With a picnic lunch beside you, take your leisure while exploring this world heritage site, where earth’s largest concentration of plain game still roams free! In the late evening, go to either the Serengeti Wildebeest Camp or similar for rest, dinner, and overnight.

Day 5: Enjoy an early morning balloon ride and later drive to Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive inside the crater. This is the best place in Tanzania to see black rhino as well as prides of lion that include the magnificent black-manned males. There are lots of colorful flamingoes and a variety of water birds. Other game that you can see includes leopard, cheetah, hyena, other members of the antelope family, and small mammals. In the late afternoon drive to Ngorongoro Wild Camp or similar for Dinner and overnight.

Day 6: The drive from the wild camp to Tarangire National Park takes three hours. Tarangire national park is a diverse and picturesque African wildlife sanctuary. Game drives in Tarangire features excellent landscapes views of beautiful riverine forests, acacia woodlands, ancient African baobab trees and endless rolling hills. Resident animals include elephant, mongoose, giraffe, bushbuck, rock hyrax, hartebeest, dik-dik, impala, waterbuck, warthog and reedbuck. Primates include olive baboon, vervet monkey and bush baby. Other migrant but very common animals include buffalo, wildebeest and zebra. With a little luck you may encounter some rare antelope species such as lesser kudu, eland and fringe-eared Oryx, African wild hunting dog. Carnivores include lion, leopard, hyena and jackal. Tarangire is also a haven for bird enthusiasts who can expect to see dozens of species even in the dry season. In the evening drive to the Arusha Hotel for dinner& overnight hotel.

Day 7: After breakfast enjoy time at leisure and later board a flight from Arusha to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, transfer to Dongwe Ocean View Hotel for dinner& overnight.

Day 8: Day at leisure. Dongwe Ocean View Hotel for dinner& overnight.

Day 9: Day at leisure. Dongwe Ocean View Hotel for dinner& overnight.

Day 10: After an early breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar airport for your flight to Moshi. Upon arrival transfer to Springlands Hotel or similar for overnight on bed& breakfast.

Day 11:  After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for your departure flight back home.

Cost breakdown

• Cost per person sharing if 2 pax travelling @US$3610
• Cost per person sharing if 4 pax travelling @US$3235
• Cost per person sharing if 8 pax travelling @US$3235
• Cost per person sharing if 10 pax travelling in 3 safari vehicles @US$3307
• Cost per person sharing if 12 pax travelling in 3 safari vehicles @US$3235

Price includes

• Accommodation as per the itinerary
• All meals as per the program
• National park entrance fees
• Services of an experienced English speaking driver guide
• Transport in 4X4 safari vehicles
• Flight to and from Zanzibar

Price excludes

• Tips
• Laundry services
• Drinks
• Expenses of personal Nature
• International airfare.

For more information about This package & Zara Tours please  Email us: zara@zaratours.com
www.zaratours.com | www.zaraproperties.com

GEITA GOLD MINE (GGM) 2015 MOUNT KILIMANJARO CHALLENGE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TANZANIA COMMISSION FOR AIDS (TACAIDS) AND ZARA TANZANIA ADVENTURES OFFICIATED THE 14TH YEAR OF KILIMANJARO CHALLENGE FLAG-OFF AT MACHAME GATE, IN MOSHI.

Geita Gold Mine (GGM) in partnership with Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS) and Zara Tanzania Adventures officiated the 14th year of Kilimanjaro Challenge Flag-Off at Machame Gate, in Moshi. The Kili Challenge Flag-Off ceremony was officiated by Hon. Severine Kahitwa the Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS) of Kilimanjaro

This year marks the 14th historic climb for this noble cause with over 500 individuals from across the world participating in Kilimanjaro Challenge flag off ceremony where by 39 climbers will take the flag to the Roof of Africa with Zara Tanzania Adventures and its impact is tangibly seen amongst our communities. The Kilimanjaro Challenge is an annual activity that aims to raise funds from different partners through sponsorship of climbers to Mount Kilimanjaro and to distribute the funds to relevant charities fighting HIV/AIDS in Tanzania.

During his flag-off speech at Machame in Moshi, the Hon. Severine Kahitwa said, “This year’s climb began in Dar es Salaam on 22nd May this year where former President Benjamin Mkapa, officially launched the beginning of this great journey of which today we are witnessing. The biggest message we take from this climb today is determination, zeal and hope. These three can take us to a higher elevation in this fight. With the zeal, hope and determination you have shown us that Tanzania without HIV/AIDS is possible. The government would like to applaud this initiative by Geita Gold Mine (GGM) and Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS) as the Kili HIV/AIDS Challenge has contributed towards raising awareness on the HIV/AIDS pandemic and is supporting the Tanzanian government’s national initiatives towards zero new infections, zero stigma incidences and zero mother to child infections so that as a country we meet the Millennium Development Goals.

On behalf of the Executive Director of TACAIDS, Dr. Jerome Kamwela said, “What our climbers will achieve in the next 7 days will be a monumental task in our national struggle to tame the deadly scourge. It is this kind of involvement to our society, youth in particular, and realization that HIV/AIDS can be mitigated that will take our country to an ultimate success of seeing Tanzania free of the HIV/AIDS Challenge. It can be done if each and every one of us plays our part. Approximately 1.6 million people in Tanzania are living with HIV/AIDS and about 75,000 new infections every year. This pandemic is mostly affecting the youth of Tanzania and the disease has orphaned 1.3 million children.

We need to change this therefore TACAIDs in collaboration with Geita Gold Mine (GGM) & Zara Tours and other various stakeholders through Kilimanjaro Challenge; we will continue to provide financial support in order to fight against this pandemic.” he continued to say, “We hope to build a national team spirit in the fight against this menace and I urge other stakeholders from local and international investors to come forward, join us and contribute to the Kilimanjaro Challenge fund so that we can meet our dream of having a zero free generation from HIV/AIDS.”

AngloGold Ashanti Sustainability Vice President Mr. Simon Shayo said “More than 600 people from different parts of the world have participated to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro for the Kilimanjaro Challenge initiative which has raised in excess of US$500,000 per annum.

For the 2015 we hope to raise TZS 1.5 Billion and we are happy to announce that we will reach this amount as we have already received pledges of about TZS 1.2Billion so far. Speaking in regard to the flag-off ceremony he said “GGM is proud to be part of this initiative where various companies which are working locally join forces and participate in this noble cause. GGM leads this initiative by establishing relationships and mobilizing key likeminded partners to raise funds, sponsor individual climbers, or donate through an auction for this cause. Currently in its 14th year, the difference in life changing in the communities is enormous and we are looking forward for an HIV/AIDS zero Tanzania in the near future.”

“For our heroic determined climbers we say bravo to you all! We highly commend you for deciding to undertake this challenge for a good cause and for fulfilling your dreams. You are set out to conquer the highest mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro, not for fun but as a way demonstrate your solidarity with the rest of Tanzania and the World in responding to the challenge of HIV/AIDS, and in particular your devotion sends a message of care and love for those affected in one way of another by HIV/AIDS as well as reaffirming our duty and commitment to fight HIV/AIDS in Tanzania. In reality HIV/AIDS affect us all; it affects humanity in its entirety.” He continued to say, “I would like to urge anyone who would like to join us to visit www.geitakilichallenge.com and see how they can be part of this great initiative.”

Geita Gold Mine and TACAIDS using the umbrella of Kilimanjaro Challenge is playing a pioneering role in the awareness on the HIV/AIDS pandemic and look forward for the day when Tanzania will be declared Zero HIV/AIDS infection as it is reported that Tanzania’s prevalence rate has gone down from over 13% in 2000 to 7.8% by 2007 and as low as 5.1% today. Let us all rise up to join the fight to get to Zero HIV/AIDS: Zero New Infections, Zero Stigma and Zero AIDS related deaths!

Speaking about this event, The Managing Director of the ZARA Tanzania Adventures Ms. Zainab Ansell said that, her company has become the guide of the ‘crucial’ expedition for more than a decade to join the government efforts in the battle against HIV/AIDS.

“As you know, HIV/AIDS has become one of the giant problems to our society that’s why I’m saying that, there is urgent need to join forces with the government to fight it; I appeal other institutions and Individuals to emulate Geita Gold Mine initiatives.

About ZARA TOURS; ZARA TOURS, founded in 1987, is currently the No. 1 Kilimanjaro outfitter in Tanzania and one of the largest safari operators in the country. Proud to be known as one of the best operators in the region with a reputation for providing an exceptional, unforgettable and safe experience, ZARA TOURS owns and operates two hotels and four tented camps, has 88 safari and climbing expert guides who speak English, German and Spanish, and a fleet of fully-equipped vehicles that take tourists on safari adventures or treks up Mt. Kilimanjaro. ZARA TOURS also runs ZARA Charity, which plays a vital role.

For more information please visit our website and/or Email us: zara@zaratours.com | www.zaratours.com | www.zaraproperties.com

About Geita Gold Mine: Geita Gold Mine, a wholly owned subsidiary of the AngloGold Ashanti Group, is the largest producer of gold in AngloGold Ashanti. The mine is located in Geita Town in northwestern Tanzania. Geita Gold Mine employs about 3,500 people, 96% are Tanzanian citizens. For more information visit: www.anglogoldashanti.com.

GGM MOUNT KILIMANJARO CHALLENGE UPDATE DAY 2….!!

The Second Day start from Machame camp (2980m) to Shira camp (3840m), Hiking time was about 6 hours. Distance: About 9 km’s – Habitat: Moorland.

Captain with the Two Kids from Moyo wa Huruma Orphanage center who participated to this Year challenge…

The Group rises early at Machame camp and after breakfast they walked about an hour to the top of the forest and then for 2 hours at a gentler gradient through the moorland zone…. After a short lunch and rest, they continued up a rocky ridge onto the Shira plateau. By now they will be able to see in an easterly direction, the Western Breach with its stunning glaciers… and after a short hike they reached Shira campsite at 3840m. The night at this exposed camp will even be colder than the previous night, with temperatures dropping to well below freezing.

GGM MOUNT KILIMANJARO CHALLENGE  UPDATE DAY 3….!!

While the team was on constant challenge with acclimatization, a heavy chilling rain poured along after passing through Lava tower. The magnitude of the rain affected the visibility of the Climbers… However, the team had strong determination which made them push forward for the Noble Cause…

Captain Quote of the Day: “It was tough… looking at everyone’s eyes…however all 39 Climbers are safe and sound, the spirits are high and we look forward yet for another challenge tomorrow”

GEITA GOLD MINE (GGM) MOUNT KILIMANJARO CHALLENGE DAY 4 UPDATE ……….

With Full of Energy the Group is excited with great and Positive attitude for the Cause….!!!

Captain Quote of the Day..!!, “Since the launch of the Kili Challenge in 2001, there has never been an incident where we had all the climbers reaching the summit, this year will be different, the team is eagerly to make it, The spirit is high, the attitude are positive, This is what we all want…. As a captain, I will do all I can to ensure everyone makes it to the top, WE ARE HERE TO MAKE THE HISTORY!”  ‪

Photo; The group of 39 GGM Kili Climber (GGM Mount Kilimanjaro Challenge 2015), who began kili climb July 4th, 2015…

GGM 2015 MOUNT KILIMANJARO CHALLENGE DAY 5… UPDATE
The most Challenge awaits the team tonight. Right now the team is on the final zone which houses the upper reaches of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks and consists of high altitude artic conditions. At night temperature plummet to below freezing. Large glaciers are now visible from Kilimanjaro’s crater rim.

Captain Quote of the Day: “The fate will be decided tonight. My team is strong and focused. The 39, 2015 Heroes will reach the Uhuru Peak early tomorrow at sunrise…”

Breaking News!! Geita Gold Mine Mount Kilimanjaro 2015 challenge, 38 out of 39 Heroes make it to Uhuru Peak Early this morning… (July 9th 2015)  It was indeed a tiresome and psychologically demanding task yet the cause is well achieved.…!!

Quote of the Day: The thrill is indescribable when the team make it to the Roof of Africa”….. And Shout…

“The biggest message we take from this climb today is determination, zeal and hope. These three can take us to a higher elevation in this fight. With the zeal, hope and determination you have shown us that Tanzania without HIV/AIDS is possible…. We would like to applaud this initiative by Geita Gold Mine (GGM), Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS) Zara Tanzania Adventures and other stakeholders as the Kili HIV/AIDS Challenge has contributed towards raising awareness on the HIV/AIDS pandemic and is supporting the Tanzanian government’s national initiatives towards zero new infections.., zero stigma incidences and zero mother to child infections so that as a country we meet the ‪‎Millennium Development Goals‬.

Spending some moments on the Roof of Africa the Heroes start their hike down to the final camp this afternoon…..

For more about GGM mount kilimanjaro challenge 2015 please  Follow us on Facebook 

OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NGORONGORO PRE-SCHOOL IN NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA – TANZANIA

The founder of the Zara Charity and Zainab Ansel, the director of Zara Tours, are pleased to announce the official opening of the Ngorongoro pre-school in Enduleni Village in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

 

As a developing country, Tanzania struggles to provide a high quality of infrastructure and education, and the Maasai community has one of the highest illiteracy and lowest school enrolment rates in East Africa. This is primarily due to a lack of schools and their pastoral way of life. Maasai children have been known to walk barefoot for up to 20km to a primary school within parks where there is a danger of an animal attack.

The cost of education remains a large obstacle. Most families live on less than US$0.80 per day and it’s not rare for a family to have around eight children, while some Maasai warriors have up to 60 wives. Research shows that nearly 60% of Maasai children under five years old are physically stunted, which is an indicator of chronic malnutrition. Studies also show that only 5% of elementary school students continue to high school, and that girls are the most disadvantaged as they are expected to stay at home to help their mother take care of the house and family.

With an average ratio of 72 students to one teacher, four million new primary school teachers were needed in East Africa to reach the goal of offering primary education to all children by 2015. Crowded and dilapidated classrooms, coupled with insufficient teaching resources and instruction time, reflect a far below average standard of educational institutions.

As part of Zara Tours’ sustainable tourism plan, Zara Charity strongly believes that education is the key to a better future that will break the cycle of impoverished communities. That is why we decided to promote education in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area by building a pre-school at which 43 children are currently registered. We focus on building a support system for children by constructing better facilities in which to learn, ensuring access to safe and healthy learning environments, strengthening teaching quality, and providing scholarships.

Student sponsorship covers the cost of enrolment fees, school materials and uniforms, as well as regular monitoring and support from the Zara Charity. It also provides students with access to medical services.

One of the most rewarding aspects of sponsorship is getting to know a student personally and seeing the positive effect on their life. We provide various ways for sponsors to form this personal bond, including sending regular updates of the student’s report cards and living situation, and giving the option to send letters directly. Sponsors can also meet the student and their family in Tanzania, and they can combine their trip with an affordable safari package or trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro.

To sponsor a student through pre-school, the cost of one full year is US$850, which works out at just US$2.30 per day. Co-sponsorship and paying in monthly instalments are also options. For more information on our Student Sponsorship Programme, please contact: zara@zaracharitytanzania.org and/or zainab@zaratours.com or Donate to our fund rising page here

 

 

Mount Kilimanjaro and 6 Interesting Facts to Know

You can see it rising in the distance as soon as you get off the plane and can’t wait to join the Mount Kilimanjaro tour to climb to the top. But how much do you know about Mount Kilimanjaro and the elusive challenge that it is?

5 Unique Ecosystems

While many picture just a steep rock, Kilimanjaro is actually a much more complex mountain. Farmland and villages make up the first level, followed by jungles and forests, both thriving in the torrential rainfalls. Next come the heath zone and then the alpine desert zones, reached as the altitude climbs, where vegetation fades and temperatures fluctuate. Almost all plant and animal life has disappeared at the summit zone, and surface water is nearly non-existent at this the second closest point on earth to the sun.

The World’s Tallest Free-Standing Mountain

The tallest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world, Kilimanjaro stands at 19,341 feet or 5,895 meters. Most freestanding mountains are volcanic, but don’t worry, Kilimanjaro hasn’t erupted in at least 360,000 years.

Home to the Chagga People

The third largest ethnic group in Tanzania, the one million Chagga people are also one of the richest, living in close harmony with the mountain and all it has to offer. They grow bananas, coffee, maize, beans, sugarcane, and maletta. Many of the Chagga offer their services as porters, carrying large sacks of personal equipment on top of their heads for those scaling the mountain. Climbers will often begin their journey by visiting with the Chagga in their villages at the foothills.

Hans Meyer Was the First

In 1889, German geographer Hans Meyer reached the peak of Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s main summit. It was Meyer’s third attempt that was finally successful, and with him climbed Swiss alpinist Ludwig Purtscheller and their Chagga guide Yohani Kinyala Lauwo.

Over 20,000 People Climb Each Year

Of the 20,000 climbers who traverse its slopes each year, only two-thirds make it all the way to the peak. Decreasing oxygen causes altitude sickness, leading to headaches, nausea, exhaustion, and swelling beginning when climbers get less than halfway up. At the peak there is only about half as much oxygen as is found at sea level. Some 1,000 people have to be evacuated and around 10 die, confirming the danger of climbing this mountain as much as the thrill.

A Place for Determination and Inspiration

Climbing to any point of Mount Kilimanjaro is an accomplishment for anyone bold enough to try, but it isn’t just an item on a bucket list to many of the people who risk the feat. Many disabled climbers will use the challenge of the mountain to overcome their handicaps while showing others what they are capable of, often summiting triumphantly after much hard work.

Mount Kilimanjaro holds an inescapable allure for so many who seek to reach its summit, and offering a life-changing adventure and captivating challenge for those who dare to take it.

‘Iceman’ Runs Up Kilimanjaro, Shatters Record for Fastest Ascent

Wim Hof is not really made of ice, but he might as well be. The fifty-five year old extreme sports enthusiast has shattered the record for the quickest ascent up Mt. Kilimanjaro on January 15, 2015.

In a mere 31 hours and 25 minutes, Hof and a group of eighteen other climbers reached the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, which sits at a cool 19,340 feet above sea level.

For the Iceman, it’s just another world record that he’s broken, (#26 in fact) but to us, it’s a feat that’s so impossible we’re still not sure how he accomplished it.

Even scientists aren’t quite sure how his body was able to overcome the strain of the ascent. But they’ll soon have a better idea because Wim is going to run up the mountain again and blood samples will be taken by researchers at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre.

Wim Hof says his ability all stems from his special breathing technique, which he rightly calls The Wim Hof Method. He claims that he can control his body’s thermostat through deep meditation, which allows him to withstand temperatures that would be fatal to nearly everyone else.

Although nobody knows for sure how Wim accomplishes his superhuman feats – he surely keeps proving that nearly anything is possible. He once ran a marathon in the Namibian desert without drinking water and managed to climb Mt. Everest with only a pair of shorts on.

Mt. Kilimanjaro may just be another checkmark on Wim Hof’s list of accomplishments, but for you it could be the beginning of the greatest adventure of your life.

We offer guided tours that will take you to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, but don’t worry; we will not force you to run up the mountain. We would actually advise against it – your safety is paramount to us.

A guided ascent up the mountain can take anywhere from 5-9 days depending on your fitness and experience. Be aware that when you climb faster your chances of reaching the summit decrease – unless you’re the Iceman, of course. Longer ascents are less strenuous, and therefore, the chances of summiting increase.

If you’re feeling up to the challenge of scaling Mt. Kilimanjaro be sure to contact us soon. The dry season is here, which will allow the best conditions for climbing.

But the season won’t last long, so reserve your spot on our guided tours today!

The Peak Time to Reach the Peak: Climbing Kilimanjaro

Timing your trip to Mt. Kilimanjaro is important if you want the best chance to reach the summit in the safest and most pleasant conditions. Because of its geographic position near the equator, Mt. Kilimanjaro doesn’t experience the seasonal shifts in weather that coincide with winter and summer. Rather, there are dry and wet seasons. It’s possible to climb year-round, so you have to choose a time wisely if you’d like the best experience possible.

Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Crowds
January	Warm	Medium	Low	High
February	Warm	Medium	Low	High
March	Moderate	High	Medium	Low
April	Moderate	High	High	Low
May	Moderate	High	High	Low
June	Cold	Medium	Medium	Medium
July	Cold	Medium	Low	High
August	Cold	Low	Low	High
September	Moderate	Low	Low	High
October	Moderate	Low	Medium	Medium
November	Moderate	High	Medium	Low
December	Moderate	Medium	Medium	Medium

The best times to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro are during the warmer, drier months (January through mid-March and June to October are the best times). These conditions make it easier and safer to climb to the summit, and your safety is always our number one concern. During the wet months it’s often cold, rainy and snowy, which make for very strenuous and potentially dangerous conditions to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro.

With better weather comes better conditions, but in those periods of time you’ll also experience more foot traffic on the mountain. If you’d like a more intimate ascent you could choose to go in non-peak periods like March through May.

Summiting in the Moonlight

Some climbers choose to summit at night under the illumination of a full moon. This is considered by many people to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as the scenery of Kilimanjaro under a full moon is other-worldly.

Full Moon Dates

Month	2014	2015	2016	2017
January	15	4	23	12
February	14	3	22	10
March	16	5	23	12
April	15	4	21	11
May	14	3	21	10
June	12	2	20	9
July	12	1, 31	19	8
August	10	29	18	7
September	8	27	16	6
October	8	27	15	5
November	6	25	14	3
December	6	25	13	3

To summit during a full moon, a 7-day climb should start 5 days prior to the full moon. It’s not necessary to summit on the exact full moon date to take advantage of moonlight. A summit on the day before or day after will also lend the same amazing experience to you.

It should be noted that climbs during full moons are often very crowded. If you wish to avoid crowds you may want to begin your climb on an ‘off’ day. For the most part, people begin the 6-7 day hike on Saturdays, Sundays, or Mondays. Avoid these days if you want a more solitary experience.

We’re currently in the dry season, so if you’re thinking of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, we suggest you get in touch with us as soon as possible to take advantage of these great conditions. Spots fill up quickly at Zara Tours, so be sure to reserve yours now.

We’ll see you at the top!

Climbing for a Cause: Woman Climbs Kilimanjaro for Cancer Research

As an avid climber with more than 20 years of experience, Melanie Levesque has always dreamed of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. This month, she will not only make this dream a reality, but will also help cancer patients in the process.

On December 8, 2014, Levesque, 44, will begin a week-long, 19,341-foot climb of the highest mountain in Africa—Mt. Kilimanjaro. She is using the expedition to raise money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (through the Jimmy Fund) as part of the “Climb For Life” fundraiser.

8 Reasons to Safari in Africa

If you are looking for an unforgettable, life-changing experience on your next vacation, look no further than the multi-faceted value of embarking on an African safari. From rare wildlife sightings, incredible local cuisine and unique cultural encounters, to the exploration of yourself and the natural beauty that surrounds you, we can only think of reasons to go!

Exploring the Parallels Between Climbing Kilimanjaro and Entrepreneurship

On the surface, entrepreneurship and mountain climbing may not seem directly related. But with further investigation, the traits and choices needed to be successful in each of these tremendous endeavors naturally go hand-in-hand. To illustrate the similarities, let’s review some commonalities shared between the two.