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/

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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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.

ACACIA MINING MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMB TO RAISE FUNDS FOR EDUCATION IN TANZANIA.

A team of 21 acacia staff, friends and family led by chief Executive Officer, Brad Gordon, embarking on the journey of a lifetime to reach uhuru peak; the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, to raise funds for education.

Through it’s CanEducate, a charity that provides educational sponsorships to impoverished and at risk children in developing countries including Tanzania, the company targets to raise $ 200,000.

The targeted donation has the potential to help communities surrounding Acacia mine sites of Buzwagi, bulyanhulu and North Mara, who fail to attend schools due to income constraints.

Elaborating further, Brad said for less than a month, donations were going on so well hoping to attain the target, and that the company was set to match individual donations by a dollar for dollar.

“I am sure that the final figure is going to have an incredible and positive impact on the lives of children in Tanzania. If you haven’t done so yet, there is still time to give. We need those crucial dollars to get us to our target and to give the team 200,000 reasons to make it to the Top, “ he explained.

The CanEducate initiative started in 2010 covering 158 students at Bulyanhulu and by the end of 2014 the programme had grown to cover 1,800students across Bulyanhulu, buzwagi and North Mara and has delivered some of the best performers in various school in the National form 4 examinations.

Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, is the highest freestanding mountain in the World and Uhuru peak, at 5,895M is the highest point in Africa, Uhuru means freedom and Acacias believes education brings freedom through choice, which is why CanEducate is the perfect recipient of funds raised through the climb.

About Acacia,
Acacia is the leading gold producer in Tanzania with three producing mines, all located on Northwest Tanzania, together with several exploration projects at various stages of development, including exploration land holdings in the highly prospective greenstone belts in Western Kenya and Western Burkina Faso.

Acacia Mining plc is a UK public company with its headquarters in London, We are listed on the main market of the London stock exchange under the symbol of ACA and have a secondary listing on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exhange in Tanzania.

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. ‪ZARATOURS‬ also runs ZARA Charity, which plays a vital role.

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

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