SERENGETI VOTED AFRICA’S BEST SAFARI PARK BY INDUSTRY EXPERTS AND SAFARI-GOERS

A study of more than 3,000 reviews from safari adventurists and industry experts from Lonely Planet, Rough Guides and other guidebooks all agree: Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is the best in all of Africa.

SafariBookings.com, an online marketplace for African safaris, set out to put to rest the question of which park was best for African safaris. Serengeti National Park in Tanzania came out on top, which was no surprise to safari enthusiasts. The study reports, after analyzing 3,008 reviews by both safari travelers and top experts in the field, that Serengeti was the clear winner.

A total of 2,234 reviews were contributed by safari tourists from 63 countries. The remaining 774 park reviews were written by renowned experts, including guidebook authors associated with Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Frommer’s, Bradt and Footprint.

The study revealed the Serengeti received an overall rating of 4.91 out of 5 stars. This was the highest score amongst all parks, and thus the Serengeti was crowned Africa’s Best Safari Park.

To add weight to this outcome, safari tourists who visited multiple parks rated the Serengeti an astonishing 16% higher than any other park. The industry experts also rated Serengeti highest. Their reviews tend to be more critical, as they can compare Serengeti to a host of parks they’ve visited in various countries. Regardless, Serengeti came out on top, justifying its first place ranking all the more.

When asked why Serengeti is such a desired safari destination, several repetitive themes emerged: the annual Great Migration (hosting over 2.5 million wildebeest and zebra), top wildlife viewing year-round and endless grass plains that feel like authentic Africa. Also contributing to the choice was Serengeti’s distinction as one of the best places to see most predators including lions, and thousands of wildebeest cross crocodile infested rivers. In addition, visits to the park can be easily combined with other top-class parks of Tanzania.

I’d love for you to visit our website and get your offer…. and/or Email us: zara@zaratours.com | www.zaratours.com | www.zaraproperties.com

Source: https://www.safaribookings.com/blog/260/

MOUNT KILIMANJARO CHALLENGE WITH ZARA TOURS

TANZANIA, AFRICA – A group of 45 Embark on Mt Kilimanjaro Challenge with Zara Tours as part of their Research studies.

The group travelled 54 miles to the top over a period of 6 days, and they all make it to the top with great experience.

Climbers and Tourist from around the world are challenged to take this opportunity for a once in a lifetime experience while experiencing all climatic Zone of the Earth as they reach the Roof of Africa.

With Zara Tours you can easily make it to the Top with different causes, be it individual fitness, corporate, Fundraising, Charity, Wedding, sports, Research expedition. Etc.. etc….

I’d love for you to visit our website and choose your Challenge…. and/or Email us: zara@zaratours.com | www.zaratours.com | www.zaraproperties.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.

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

 

 

THE SEASON 8 OF NGORONGORO MARATHON 2015 WENT WITH GREAT SUCCESS..!!

Ngorongoro Marathon‬ is among unique community themed-multi-cultural series of events designed with entertainment packages including but not limited to ‪adventure safari‬’s (pre & post ‪‎marathon‬ tour packages), open festivals, overnight carnivals, football matches, stage performances and red carpet award ceremony; heavily concentrated in ‪Karatu town‬ for almost five days including pre-events.

Flagged off by Honorary Fredrick Sumaye (the former prime minister of Tanzania from 1995 – 2005), The Season 8th of Ngorongoro Marathon was a huge success. The African Charity Marathon attracts a spectrum of runners from professionals to amateur joggers. The course is a 21km loop from Loduare, the main gates to Ngorongoro Crater, back to Karatu Town.

The Ngorongoro Marathon was launched in 2008 to contribute to ongoing global and national efforts towards the fight against malaria. Community involvement and mobilization in the fight against malaria needs bold and innovative ideas, the marathon being one of them.

In 2015 adopted a new theme called “brick for life” – the aim being to create awareness and to fundraise for a pre-school for the Maasai kids residing in the Ngorongoro conservation area.

For more information Email; zara@zaracharitytanzania.org

ZARA’S IKOMA WILD CAMP IN SERENGETI RECEIVES 2015 GLOBAL CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE FROM TRIPADVISOR

The Director of Zara Tours & Zara Properties is Proud to announce that the Ikoma wild cam in Serengeti, Tanzania received a certificate of excellence from TripAdvisor recently. This prestigious award is given to businesses worldwide that consistently earn high ratings from TripAdvisor travelers. It places Ikoma wild camp in the top-performing of all tourist businesses around the world on TripAdvisor in 2015.

Ms. Leila Ansell, Zara Properties general manager said, “We are very honored to receive this recognition. It means a lot to us especially because Trip Advisor is one of the most reputable sources of tourism and hotel information for global travelers. This goes to show that Ikoma wild camp has earned its place among the leading wild camps in Serengeti. Our clients have always been at the core of our operations as we thrive to ensure that their experiences in Serengeti are beyond memorable.”

“Winning the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence is a true source of pride for the entire team at Zara Properties and we’d like to thank all of our past guests who took the time to complete a review on Trip Advisor,” said by Zainab Ansell, The Director of Zara Tours and Zara Properties. She then adds “There is no greater seal of approval than being recognized by one’s customers. With the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence based on customer reviews, the accolade is a remarkable vote of confidence to our business and our continued commitment to excellence.”

Trip Advisor is the world’s largest online travel site that enables travelers to plan and have perfect trips. It offers trusted advice from real travellers about a variety of travel choices, itineraries, accommodations and travel experiences. Trip Advisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 200 million unique monthly visitors, and over 100 million reviews and opinions. The site operates worldwide.

Opened in 2009 Ikoma wild camp is located in the migration corridor, within the WMA area of Grumeti and Ikorongo Game Reserve, northwest of the famous Serengeti National park. It gives visitors an opportunity to witness the Serengeti migration, while enjoying the stunning view over the surrounding savannah, which is full of wildlife throughout the year.

The Camp is owned and operated by ZARA Tanzania Adventures, a travel agency and tour operator based in Moshi Tanzania.
Mrs. Zainab Ansell, a sustainable tourism advocate from Moshi/Tanzania, founded the business in 1987. They now boast not only a successful tour operation and travel agency but also 6 properties in the Northern circuit including Springland Hotel in Moshi, High View Hotel in Karatu, Serengeti Wild Camp (in Serengeti national park – Seronera area), Serengeti wildebeest camp (in central Serengeti), Ikoma Wild Camp (in Serengeti National park) and Ngorongoro Wild Camp (in Ngorongoro Crater).

ZARA Tanzania Adventures has won a couple of awards in recent years including the 2012 global World Trade Market (WTM) Humanitarian Award in ‪London‬ for practicing sustainable tourism under its foundation Zara Charity, and Mrs. Ansell was awarded the business entrepreneur award under Tanzania Women of Achievement for running a successful Tour Operating Company in 2012; Zara Charity received the Ngorongoro Marathon Award for organizing a successful race to fight ‪Malaria‬ in 2012.

Others include:
2015 – Zara Tours Awarded a certificate of appreciation by Africa travel Association ( ATA) for outstanding contribution in promotion of travel to Africa.
2014 – Zara’s Ikoma Wildcamp awarded Certificate of Excellence by ‪TripAdvisor‬.
2013/2014 – Zara’s Highview Hotel awarded Certificate of Excellence by Trip Advisor.
2013 – Zara Tours winner of Canadian Certificate of Excellence in Commerce.
2011 – Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) presents Zara with Sustainable Tourism Award.

Something For Everyone: Tanzanian Special Interest & Combination Packs

Whether you have dreamed of visiting Tanzania your entire life or have only recently become intrigued by its wonders, there is something to pique the interest of everyone in this fascinating and diverse country.

Zara Tours has customized each of their many Tanzania adventure tours to offer a wide range of possible activities, bringing many experiences to a few travelers or something for everyone in a group.

Many visit Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, while others come for the incredible safari sights. What trek or experience calls to you? With the rich array of possibilities, you don’t have to choose just one.

Perfect Packages

Made a difference on your vacation with one of Zara Tours’ Sustainable Tourism packages. Spend two days helping at Kilimanjaro Orphanage Center before climbing the mountain that supports so much of Tanzania, or taking off on safari to see the many others who call this land home.

The Skysafari by Zara Tours is eight days of the ultimate African adventure, including a full day spent exploring the Serengeti. Take in a little piece of everything that makes Tanzania special, from coffee farms to night and day game drives, visiting Lake Manyara one day and the Ngorongoro Crater the next.

For the adventure of a lifetime, choose a Combo Package that takes you to the top of Kilimanjaro and then out to the vast expanses of the African plains on safari.

Day Trips

Are you already in Tanzania and looking for a slice of excitement? Zara Tours’ day trips pack a full adventure into a few short hours.

Walk past rice paddies and through lush tropics on a Forest Walk, where you will see much birdlife and many small animals.

Drive through banana plantations and join the hustle and bustle of everyday village life before enjoying lunch at the foot of tranquil Marangu Waterfall.

At the traditional Maasai homestead you will meet native Maasai and learn about their culture while watching traditional dances of their people.

Special Activities

Add several special experiences to enrich your time in Tanzania.

• Dive down deep to the brilliant coral reefs of Zanzibar and Pemba Island
• Spend a day and night with the Maasai people and learn more about their fascinating tribe
• Safari on mountain bike, camel, or horseback for a nuanced trek
• Volunteer at a charitable organization for a more fulfilling experience
• Study the history of the tribal people and learn the skills of their ancestors
• Lounge on the exquisite beaches of Zanzibar

Whatever draws you to the land of Tanzania, more waits for you than you can imagine. Experience one life-changing aspect of the country after another and have a story or two to share at home.

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.