Zara Tours

Excellent Guide, Poor Administrative Services & Communication

I booked a five-day safari tour of Northern Tanzania through Zara Tours in early August. The tour itself was an incredible experience. Our guide, Regan, was knowledgeable, and we learned a lot of about the animals living in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

Unfortunately, there was some poor communication with the administrative staff of Zara Tours. We booked our trip before June 30, 2017 and at the time there was a promotional deal going on which stated that if were booked before 6/30/2017, our airport transfers would be included our package. The salesperson we were communicating with, Kitondo, also confirmed this via email. I also doubled checked when we arrived to the Springlands Hotel with a female staffer that our airport transfers were included. She said yes. After we completed our safari tour, we came back to the Springlands Hotel and I once again confirmed the night before our departure with another female staffer that our airport transfer the next day was included in the package we purchased. She said yes. The morning of our departure, there was a male staffer at the front desk who helped us check out of the hotel. He told us that we owed $60 USD for the previous airport transfer (from airport to hotel) and we would have to pay an additional $60 USD if we wanted to be driven to the airport. We tried to explain to him that the package with bought included airport transfers. He said Kitondo had told him it wasn't included. He allegedly called Kitondo and spoke in Swahili with her on the phone while we watched. At the end of the phone call he said that she said our package did not include transfers. Instead of arguing with this man, we decided to pay the money for the prior transfer were had taken and take a taxi to the airport (which was much cheaper).

I later looked up our package online and looked up emails with Kitondo and I called this male staffer. I was very upset and told him that I had proof that airport transfers were included. I told him I could come back to the hotel (our flight didn't leave until late at night) so he could return our money. He said that he had to "check with someone first" and that he would call me back. I gave him my phone number. He never called me back. I am convinced this was a scam on this man's part because he was upset that we had not bought anything at the hotel. My sister had been living in Moshi for 3 months prior to this safari trip so she knew taxi drivers and was familiar with the area. So instead of purchasing dinner or drinks at the hotel, we venture outside. Therefore, we had no hotel bill to settle.

If I were to do this over again, I would get everything in detailed writing and print out copies of the terms of the agreement. I would also write down names of the staffers. Ultimately, it was not the money that was an issue but rather the unprofessional nature of this exchange.

Other issues
We had travelers with dietary restrictions on our trip. For the most part, these were accommodated well but there were a few times when we could only eat rice and pasta. I recommend bringing your own snacks just in case. Breakfast and dinner options are decent but the "lunch boxes" are not great. You may want to pack your own snacks for lunch.

The five day safari felt a little long. I would recommend something a little shorter, maybe 4 days. It's gets very tiring to be in a bumpy car for 8-10 hours each day.

I highly recommend staying in one of the wild camps. It was an amazing experience to be in a tent in the middle of the Serengeti and wake up to gazelles outside.

The adventurous route

We took the Rongai route because we liked the idea of being on the trail less traveled. We loved having plenty of space to be on our own but still have people around to socialize with. Our Zara guides were incredibly helpful, kind, generous, and good humored. When we got to Kibo camp and saw the cabin dwellers with the proper mattresses to sleep on, we felt a little envious but I'm absolutely not sorry that we chose the adventurous route. I had a lot of trouble with altitude symptoms, but our guide was very attentive. My fiancé and I both made it to the top, but I really struggled. Our guide, assistant, guide, and our book came up with us to keep me safe and sang a jaunty song to me to motivate me all the way to the top. We had a positively memorable experience, and the Zara guides could not have been any better to us!

unforgettable week

My family and I have just recently finished a 7-day safari with your agency. We were accompanied the entire time by your staff member, Mr. Baraka Sospeter. And Mr. Cessey (Casey??) was our driver.
From the moment of our arrival to the time of our departure both of these men were constantly concerned for our comfort and well-being as well as committed to fulfilling all our wishes. Using his exceptional command of the German language and his extensive knowledge, Mr. Sospeter presented us much information about the land and its people. He was always courteous, polite and punctual, was always in a cheerful mood, and above all was always professional and thorough concerning our safety.
Mr. Cessey (Casey??), with his perfect knowledge of the area, was an ideal match and complement. At no time did we ever have the feeling he was not in total control of the situation or that he had put us in danger.
Lastly, although the Christmas celebrations fell in this period, both men never seemed tired or distracted.

Fantastic Dream African Safari

I do not have the words to describe our Tanzania trip with Zara Tours as it was an epic adventure!
Everything that could go well, actually did and in the end the 7 days of safari we did not want to leave.
We had a perfect guide – Shaban. He was very knowledgeable and professional all through the trip. He took the time to answer all our questions and shared much more drawn from his many experiences in the bush. We appreciate his skill in spotting wild game, because he was always the first one to point out where the animals were.
We visited all the places (parks/museums/schools…) in the itinerary and even had time to shop for gifts in Arusha before our flight out.
Accommodation spots selected by Zara were very nice with just the right mix of relaxation and comfort that one would desire in a safari.
I highly recommend Zara Tours

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!

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.

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.

Woman owned; very professional; excellent English speaking guide (John); Zara gives back to its community by offering English classes and other training to employees, and also supports various conservation efforts in Tanzania.

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