Posts filed under ‘ZARA Tanzania Adventures’
ZARA TOURS OFFERS EASTER EVE SPECIAL AND CONTINUES TO SUPPORT MOUNT KILIMANJARO PORTERS SOCIETY
TANZANIA, AFRICA–This April and May, Zara Tours will once again take time during the slow season to help support the Mount Kilimanjaro Porters Society (MKPS) by investing in and training new porters.
MKPS was founded by Edson Matauna, who had himself been guiding travelers up the mountain for many years. Recognizing the lack of support that porters faced, from insufficient salaries to dealing with tips, Matauna set out to advocate for the rights and recognition of hardworking porters. The vision mission for the program was designed to build the capacity of porters in managing tour operations more professionally, while also improving the living and working conditions of the porters the education and acquiring special skills.
Zara Tours was one of the first to support MKPS, and has always looked for ways as a company to support the nearby people of Tanzania. By providing much of the gear needed by the porters and advocating for the values of MKPS, Zara continues to recognize the value of the services that the porters offer.
This season, as the porter’s society welcomes new additions and new skills, Zara Tours is offering a special Easter Eve discount, with $200 USD off when travelers book a trip for two anytime before May 1 for travel anytime in 2016. For more details, check out the Zara Tours website. Zara Charity receives a portion of the proceeds from every trip scheduled, so when you book your trip, you are also supporting the same porters who will help you to the top of the mountain.
Mountain porters pride themselves on enhancing the experience for climbers, befriending them and taking care of their needs in the highly unfamiliar slopes of Kilimanjaro. With the flexibility and independence made possible by the MKPS, the porters can actually own homes and run businesses on the side. Learn from the porters who have spent decades traveling up and down the storied slopes of Kilimanjaro as you make your own historic climb.
For more information about Zara Charity and its endeavors, contact:
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.
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…..
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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
Jobs, Growth, Opportunity: What Tourism Brings to Tanzania
Along with agricultural processing and mining, tourism is one of Tanzania’s largest industries. It directly employs nearly half a million people in the country and supplies close to twenty percent of total exports. In 2013 alone, tourism contributed to 12.7% of the country’s GDP and employed 11% of the population.
The industry has long been a reliable source of income for struggling countries, inviting those around the world to visit and observe their landscapes and natural features, and Tanzania is no exception. The industry also has a long standing reputation of offering job opportunities to large percentages of the population who would otherwise struggle to find work, including those social groups that are commonly disadvantaged like women and younger generations. Additionally, tourism encourages land and wildlife preservation, providing entertainment for its guests and a healthier, more diverse planet.
Despite its continued aid to these areas, there are still several aspects of Tanzanian tourism that have room for growth and improvement. The Tanzania Economic Update published by the World Bank indicates that tourism could be an even greater source of income and aid to the country and its people a three-part strategy to help boost the already growing industry. These components can be simplified as: diversifying its tourist locations; integrating more of the country’s population in its employment; and improving the governance of taxes, fees, and revenues directly related to the industry.
The Diversification Pillar of Growth
Tourism is booming in the more northern areas of Tanzania including the Serengeti, and not for nothing—the parks are outstanding, activities abound, and there are many beautiful landscapes to behold. However, the southern and western areas of the country, which are often overlooked by tourists in favor of experiencing the more famous areas, are just as beautiful and wondrous. In addition, because of their lesser recognition, tours of these areas are more accessible to visitors on a budget.
Parks of these areas include the Ruaha National Park and the Katavi National Park, both of which contain astounding wildlife and game, and are ideal for those who want to see the wilder side of Tanzania with opportunities for camping and hiking. There are also beautiful and luxurious accommodations in most of these areas, such as Greystoke Camp in Mahale Mountains National Park, where visitors have described the location as “magical” and a “do not miss” area of Tanzania.
If these areas were given the same amount of international recognition as the northern areas, Tanzania’s economy could continue to grow and expand, providing even more income and job opportunities for its citizens, and improve their quality of life. To find out how you might see these and other areas of Tanzania and help support a growing economy, visit www.zaratours.com.
Tanzania Beyond Kilimanjaro: Visit the Unique Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area shines as the jewel of Tanzania’s tourism and travel industry. It spans a vast landscape, from the Serengeti National Park to the north to the eastern arm of the Great Rift Valley and contains three awe inspiring volcanic craters, the Olduvai Gorge and limitless expanses of savannah and forest. Visiting Ngorongoro allows you to travel to Tanzania, but escape the crowds of Kilimanjaro. Imagine immersing yourself in one of the most beautiful places on earth! (more…)
FAQ’s for First-Time Climbers from a Kilimanjaro Climbing Company
The selection of a Kilimanjaro climbing company is one of the biggest decisions you will make when planning a trekking trip in Tanzania. Several of these companies do not treat their porters well and work within a dishonorable barter system. Zara Tours is a marked exception, using a portion of all proceeds to support porter services.
If you are unsure of a climbing company’s rating, be sure to check with the Mount Kilimanjaro Porters Society (MKPS) to ensure the well-being of everyone involved in the trek. This is only one example of the pre-trip resources available to you.
Climbers often have preparatory questions before they actually take this once-in-a-lifetime trip. We will try to answer some of those questions for you now. (more…)
Why do People Mountain Climb?
Why do people climb mountains? This is a question that we have been asked ever since we started offering Kilimanjaro tours. While the question itself may seem straightforward, the answer certainly proves less so.
The fact of the matter is people climb mountains for several different reasons. There isn’t one all-encompassing explanation that will fit every climber. True, some people may think those who do are: courageous, thrill seekers, daredevils, risk takers, or conquerors, but does that really tell you why someone would take on a mountain? Let’s look at the question from a different angle. (more…)
Mt. Kilimanjaro Treks – It’s All About Timing
Mt. Kilimanjaro treks are held all year long, but there are better times and worse times over a 12 month span to climb the mountain’s summit. A lot of tourists plan their trips around the migratory patterns of the animals on the plains below.
This is acceptable, but going by that determination alone might cause you to miss something spectacular. Mt. Kilimanjaro treks can show you Africa from a different vantage point. (more…)
ZARA Tanzania Adventures Blog 