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
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Email Priyanka | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
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.
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.
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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.
CH
Email David | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Memories made in Tanzania
I have to thank the whole team at Zara Tours for a holiday well planned and perfectly executed by Issa our guide. We did a Zara Serengeti exclusive safari shuttling between Ikoma Wildcamp and Serengeti Safari Lodge (Both Zara Properties)
We had more time to experience Serengeti more intensively as it is a huge park and well endowed with a wide variety of flora and fauna.
The lodges were super-fantastic; a lovely pool and club house at SSL with enchanting cabins. Food was mainly served at the main area however the manager organized for a candlelit dinner at the terrace of our cabin on my wife's birthday.
There are too many nice moments to pen down.
SUPER-FANTASTIC