Zara Tours
- Offices In:
-
Canada
- Size:
- 250+ employees (Founded in 1987)
- Member Of:
- ATTA, IATA, ASTA, TATO, TTB, WITIA & STI
- Tour Types:
- Mid-range & luxury tours that, when possible, use accommodations owned and operated by them
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $100 to $590 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
AM
Email Gohar | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Our Dreams Came True with Shaban of Zara Tours
Planning our trip with Zayina went smoothly and with her help, we were able to create an itinerary for all the parks that we wanted, including a tribal visit, a walking tour, and a hot air balloon ride, and also select the lodges that we desired.
We chose a 9-day safari through Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti, which are the main iconic parks in the Northern circuit. I can happily report that each was unique in its own special way. The most defining factor was having Shaban as our guide; he truly enriched our overall experience as he knew all the best routes and had extensive information about the animals, their habits, and the overall Serengeti-Ngorongoro ecosystem, which is the main focus of our trip.
The lodge experience was first class, as the lodges were fantastic pit stops with great food and clean, comfortable rooms.
Based on our experience, we recommend Zara Tours without any hesitation.
CA
Email Miguel, Barbara y Homero | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Hakuna matata!
Hakuna Matata!
We had planned an adventure of a lifetime: visiting Africa for the first time, and going on a photographic safari in Tanzania’s wildlife parks! But, we actually got more than that, thanks to Zara!
Things started going well since we first contacted them, and started planning our trip (without actually knowing what we were getting into). A very well trained customer-relations clerk, Pearl, returned our call and put us in the right direction, establishing the contact with our local (Tanzanian) contact person, Hamis. We followed with all sorts of questions, and all our concerns and queries were addressed and answered.
This followed with our actual arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, where friendly staff (Tudi) was waiting for each of us, and friendly drivers (Omari and Mombole) not only safely drove us (accommodating our different arrival times) but also served as initial tour guides, pointing out landmarks along the way, answering all sorts of questions, and teaching us our first Swahili words.
The first day in Tanzania, lodged at the Springland Hotel, allowed for a good rest, after the transatlantic flight and numerous connections, and got us nicely refreshed after a hearty breakfast for our induction briefing. And, early next day, off we went! Startled by the sight of Mount Kilimanjaro, proudly rising over the prairie, with its snow-capped top overlooking the valley.
The expert guidance of our driver, Hamza, was present since the first kilometers. The driving was safe and smooth. The jeep was in pristine condition (and we have to praise Hamza for maintaining it as such, even after long days of driving in dirt and muddy roads, as each day it was as if the car had just been picked up from the dealer), and the stops along the way were well planned and well spaced. When we least expected it (and most needed it), there was a coffee/restroom available. When we were sufficiently introduced to the local culture, there was a stop to highlight the history of the place, or an amazing shop to buy souvenirs. When we were totally wiped out by hours and hours of safari, there was an amazing hotel waiting for us. When we started to get hungry, there was a well-prepared lunch or a tasty dinner. When we needed a hearty breakfast, the offer was ample. Oh, and don’t forget the highly-appreciated Tanzanian coffee!
Tarangire, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater, lake Manyara, and so many landmarks along the way, were more than we expected. Amazing wild life; extremely well kept environments; professional dedication of the tour guides; exceptionally clean facilites; and so much friendliness! It all contributed to the phrase/attitude that we heard so many times along the way: Hakuna matata! (i.e., everything is fine; enjoy life; take it easy).
At the end of each day, we had superb nights in the different lodgings provided by Zara, ranging from the friendly Highview Coffee Lodge in Karatu to the tent-based (glamping at its best!) Serengeti Safari Lodge, expertly managed by Nambapa (manager) and Eliza (assistant manager), proud members of the Maasai, who also became our WhatsApp friends. And, a special mention to the invaluable Maasai warriors, who spend the night outdoors, taking turns to sleep under the stars, so they may keep watch over the elephants, lions, and other big animals that wander through their domains over the Serengeti plains, coming sometimes too close to our tents; as attested by their calls/grunts!
In summary: Everything Zara says about itself in its website is but a humble representation of their accomplishments; reality surpasses it! We would (and will) go back for another unforgettable experience, as soon as we can!
ES
Email Robert Fernandez | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing
I was guided up Kilimanjaro and safary by Zara tours in Febreaury, 2022. I was extremely impressed by and happy with Zara Tours. Our lead and assistant guides, Muhsin for the climber and Khalid for the safari in 3 parks in 3 days was extraordinary (the best for safari ngorongoro). Based on me experience, and the obvious respect the other guides on the mountain and safari, I think I probably had the most qualified lead guide on the mountain and safari.
Based on my experience, I absolutely recommend Zara Tours.
Asante Sana.
Robert.
US
Email Pete | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very happy with and impressed by Zara Tours
My wife and I were guided and pampered up Kilimanjaro by Zara tours in September, 2022. We were extremely impressed by and happy with Zara Tours. Our lead and assistant guides, Saidi and Meddi, were genuinely extraordinary. Based on our experience, and the obvious respect the other guides on the mountain had for Saidi, I think we probably had the most qualified lead guide on the mountain. Based on our experience, we absolutely recommend Zara Tours. Pete & Barb in Boise
Wonderful Experience on Kilimanjaro thanks to Yohana and Anna!
Very gladly we look back on a great experience on Kilimanjaro. Thanks to our excellent guides Yohana and Anna and the whole team we actually reached the summit. We can recommend Yohana and Anna without reservation. They have a great experience and motivated us. They know very well about mountain guiding but also about vegetation. We have learned a lot and have returned with many beautiful memories of a great time.
Isabel &Uli
AT
Email Viktor | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic Safari
We recently traveled through Tanzania visiting Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. We were impressed by the game-packed game drives with Juma the tour guide from Zara Tours. He knew the parks like the back of his hand, patient and thoughtful letting us enjoy interesting scenes as long as we wanted. Above all he drove the well appointed safari vehicle carefully going through some tricky sections where some rookie drivers got stuck
The accommodations organized by Zara were above excellent. Just the right level of comfort and great food out there in the wild.
I would not think twice about using Zara Tours again.
BG
Email Yordan Borisov | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Wonderful Experience on Kilimanjaro with Zara Tours
Amazing experience on Kilimanjaro with Zara Tours. Booking process was straightforward with Moses from reservations responsive to our emails within a day and detailed explanations to our questions.
Actual Kilimanjoaro trek well organized and supported by experienced guides.
Tents and other equipment in excellent condition. The cook made excellent meals and served generous portions.
I highly recommend Zara Tours
BE
Email Peeters | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable Kilimanjaro Experience
Zara Tours did a perfect job of organizing our Kilimanjaro trekking trip.
We took the Machame route and it took us six days to get us to the summit.
We had an experienced support crew led by Senior guide Moses assisted by Issa.
The tents were comfortable and the chef cooked nice food.
Thank you for a very well organized trip.
US
Email Taylor | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great Kilimanjaro Climbing
I am very happy that we booked our Kilimanjaro trek with Zara Tours. They actually did exceptionally well in all aspects of the climb. Communication during the planning phase was excellent, Mike was had timely responses and answered our numerous questions in detail. When it came to make payments the system was secure and there were no hidden charges.
Our experience in Tanzania was awesome from start to finish.
The team played their roles extremely well, from the professional friendly guides, porters, chef and toilet duty were excellent. We had reliable excellent equipment and a professionals team with us all through.
We are very happy that we made it safely to the summit.
I fully recommend Zara Tours for Kilimanjaro
AT
Email Stelena Mikolaj | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Kilimanjaro Conquered with Zara Tours
Zara Tours must be the best Kilimanjaro trekking company in Tanzania. They organized a flawless 6 days Machame route trek for the five of us.
The team of guides, cooks and porters was professional and experts everything about Kilimanjaro. We were adequately prepared but this mountain almost beat us but guide Hamisi and his team were equal to the challenge. The friendly nature of the guides kept our spirits up, even during difficult times. I noted the careful and methodical way Hamisi approached everything. Every morning started with health checks then the days briefing over breakfast of that day’s course.
The company gave us very good tents, comfortable mattresses. The chefs served 3 delicious filling meals and snacks.
We did not lack in anything but actually made new friends in Tanzania.