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

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.

MACON LEADS CLIMB OF MOUNT KILIMANJARO TO HELP END POLIO NOW

TANZANIA, AFRICA – Members and climbers from around the world will climb Mount Kilimanjaro with skilled guide Macon Dunnagan in June and August to raise funds for End Polio Now.

Tanzanian Honorary Tourism Ambassador Macon has climbed to the top of ‪Mount Kilimanjaro 36 times and holds the record of 4 climbs in 28 days. He has often helped organizations and clubs like Rotary’s End Polio Now and Ovarian Cancer Canada plan Kilimanjaro fundraising climbs, lending his expertise to help climbers make a difference.

June 22-27 and August 2-7 of 2015, Macon will be returning to climb Kilimanjaro for the 37th and 38th time. The two groups will travel 54 miles to the top over a period of 6 days, and will raise money for the fight against polio around the world.

Climbers and Rotarians around the world are challenged to take this opportunity for a once in a lifetime experience while helping to eradicate a globally devastating disease. Funds raised will be given to the World Health Organization for polio immunization, surveillance, and research.

When he’s not scaling mountains to save lives, Macon is a safari guide for the Serengeti Ngorongoro Crater and presents at travel shows about climbing Kilimanjaro and going on safari. He has acted as guide for many of Zara Tours successful Kilimanjaro climbs.

For more information about this tour please follow the link bellow https://www.zaratours.com/sp…/climb-with-macon-dunnagan.html and/or Email: 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.

WIM HOF GROUP TO SCALE THE KILIMANJARO IN SHORTS.

IN a bid to promote and make sure that other world clinical researchers are fully participate in the various studies on ‘Wim Hof method of breathing’ that enables the human body to multiply red blood cells, a group of 18 volunteers under the leadership of the world record holder – Wim Hof ‘Iceman’ has visited the Kilimanjaro Clinical Research institute (KCRI) aiming at ‘exchanging’ scientific data on this method.

The ‘Iceman’ and his group from Holland visited the Centre one day before starting their ‘Unique’ expedition of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro ( the Roof of Africa) to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 Metres) in 36 hours while wearing shoes and shorts only.

In an exclusive interview with this paper recently at KCRI where they met the acting director of the leading Clinical Research Center in Tanzania, Ms Rogathe Machange, hof who has 25 Guinness Records explained that they will climb mount Kilimanjaro using the famous route under the guidance of a Moshi – based tour company – Zara Tanzania adventures.

“Early last year I guided a group of 25 Mount Kilimanjaro trekkers who managed to make it to the highest summits of the mountain which are Gilman’s point (5,681 Metres) and Uhuru peak (5,895 metres) within 48 hours…. They were also wearing shoes and shorts only,” he explained.

He said the key challenge is to maintain control of the body under extreme conditions as the freezing temperature at the summit can range between 18 and 26 centigrade and reach the summit at nearly six thousand meters in only 36 hours (instead of the usual six days).“The climbing speed we are using does not give the body time to acclimatise, “ he stated.

Hof noted that on the first day they will climb 3,800 meters and the following day they will scale the mountain up to 4,700 meters and on the last climb all the way to the top of the mountain.

The crew will have to maintain control of mind and body while dealing with the major risks of hypothermia and Acute Mountain sickness (AMS)

Hof has won 25 world records including climbing the world’s highest mountain, Mt Everest in an empty chest, run a marathon beyond the polar Cycle and swimming under the Ice (after making holes) among many others.

“ However, these capabilities are not unique to me and in fact, I have achieved similar encouraging results with many patients with auto-immune diseases of joint such as arthritis and rheumatism as well as nerves and muscles such as ALS and myasthenia gravies,” he specified.

One of the climbers, Leon leijten from Holland said that the project’s goal is to show that anyone can accomplish to such an extraordinary world record.

Given the global interest for this challenge, an international documentary will be produced so that everyone is able to follow closely the crew’s journey on mount Kilimanjaro, he further observed.

Hof has been working with documentary producers from the BBC, Discovery Channel and the National Geographic for Quite some time.

“The latest documentary on his extraordinary performances in icceland will be a great success. And the entire Journey will be filmed for a full-length feature documentary on how to stay In Control on Kilimanjaro,” Leijten pointed out.

Hance Shaban kuyegana from Zara Tanzania Adventures who led the group to KCRI explained that, it is the second time for their company to host Wim Hof and his group where by, last they met it to Uhuru peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro (5,895m ASL) within 48 hours only under the leadership of professional mountain guide from Zara Tours, Joseph Marandu Alias.

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.

Climb Kilimanjaro with Macon Dunnagan 2008

You can now join two very special Kilimanjaro climbs with Kilimanjaro specialist and book author Macon Dunnagan. Macon, 47, is author of the novel “Sons of Kilimanjaro”, a captivating tale of four men who climb Kilimanjaro, an endeavour which helps them to overcome their personal struggles. Without being moralising or preaching, in his book, Macon gives inspiration to those who want to learn about unusal experiences and life beyond the limited knowledge. He has climbed Kilimanjaro 9 times and is one of the few individuals who have ever climbed Kilimanjaro twice within one month.

As his wife Michelle battled ovarian cancer, it is Macon’s aim to raise awareness for this disease. From the August climb, 250 US$ of the fees paid by each fellow climber will be given to the American National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC).

Macon wants to share his mountain and life experiences with everyone and invites you to join him to the top of his favourite mountain. The dates for 2008 are 4th to 9th of February 2008, and the NOCC fundraising climb will be from 29th of August to 6th of September 2008. You can see the itinerary and book this climb here.

Five Lebanese bankers reach Kilimanjaro peak to raise money for IMC UK Lebanon school project

LONDON: On Wednesday 26th September, following five days of intense trekking, the Kilimanjaro for Lebanon team endured a gruelling seven-hour hike in freezing temperatures and total darkness in order to finally reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro – accompanied by ZARA guides, porters and cooks. Arriving at 6.30am local time, the team were able to watch the sunrise over Africa as they planted the Lebanese flag on the 5895m peak in honour of their quest. They were also able to successfully complete a financial transaction on the Lebanese stock exchange achieving their goal of setting a record for the highest such transaction on earth.

The Lebanese bankers, all volunteers’ members of the London based “Lebanon United” group, an organisation that raises money and promotes awareness on humanitarian and sustainable development initiatives in Lebanon, successfully scaled Mount Kilimanjaro to raise £200,000 to develop and implement child-friendly initiatives in the fields of education and mental and psychological Health in the most deprived regions in Lebanon. The money is earmarked to rehabilitate 29 schools across Lebanon improving the physical conditions of schooling, the quality of teaching, and the social support provided to the schools and their communities.

The UNICEF supported project of £1.57 million will be implemented by International Medical Corps UK (IMC UK), an international NGO based in Lebanon since war broke out in 2006.

A recent IMC UK assessment in Lebanon revealed a high rate of aggression and attention deficiency syndromes among students; along with a significant drop out rates following the summer 2006 war. Among many factors inhibiting learning and child development, are teaching and administration methods, poor physical condition of schools and limited communication between parents and teachers, all of which will be addressed in this project.

The team: Hani Al-Omari, Salim Al-Halabi, Mouhammed Choukeir, Kheiry Sammakieh, and Seif Sammakieh are all bankers working in the financial markets. The climbers successfully planted the Lebanese flag on the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro and, at 19,340 feet (5,895 metres) set a record by carrying out the first ever financial transaction from this height on the Lebanese Stock Exchange, carried out by Bank of Beirut and the Arab Countries (B.B.A.C). The team followed the Machame route, the longest and one of the most strenuous, taking six days to reach the top. They faced many challenges, including the risk of dehydration, hypothermia and altitude sickness as they made their way through five ecosystems, with temperatures ranging from 30 degrees centigrade at the foot to minus 20 degrees at the peak, along with a 50% drop in oxygen levels at the summit.

One of the climbers commented: “Well we made it! It was the greatest challenge of our lives, but we persevered and conquered the beast famous for its beauty as well as its difficulty. We were beyond euphoric planting the Lebanese flag on top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Just knowing that our achievement will benefit so many children through the IMC UK Lebanon schools project makes the arduous trek all worthwhile. And of course nothing can describe the feeling of setting a new world record! We never could have got this far without the tireless help of our base camp team, Dyana Najdi and Souraya Ali. They should be fully credited for all the time and effort they have put into this project. They have been our night in shining armour on this climb and we would have never made it to the Peak without their relentless support throughout the climb.”

The email from the climbers to ZARA sounds enthusiastic: “The climb was amazing, the experience was awesome, Photo is by far the best guide on the entire mountain!!! Khamisi his Assistant guide was sensational also and we would have never made it if it were’nt for them. His whole crew that he chose on this trip was amazing from the cook, to the weighters to the porters – all brilliant and no problems whatsoever… Again, I cannot emphasise enough how great the service was from start to finish. We’re very happy and I will gladly recommend Zara in future for anyone wanting to do Kili : )”

The climbers’ belief that early education is a key to safeguarding an open and prosperous Lebanon was their motivation for participating in Lebanon United’s most ambitious fundraising event to date.

Peter Medway, Director of Operations at IMC UK thanked the climbers for their support, “On behalf of IMC UK, I would like to thank the climbers for completing such a feat for our schools project. It was a tremendous achievement and we are so grateful to them for taking on the challenge to not only raise money for our project but to also break a world record – congratulations! “