Zainab Ansell is more than a successful entrepreneur; she is a visionary who has used the power of tourism to transform lives, empower communities, and put Tanzania on the global travel map. As the founder and CEO of Zara Tanzania Adventures, Zainab has spent over three decades building not just a business, but a movement that intertwines adventure, sustainability, and social impact.
Her story is one of courage, resilience, and a deep commitment to making travel a force for good. In an industry once dominated by men, Mama Zara carved a space for herself and others, proving that leadership driven by compassion and purpose can redefine what success means in Africa’s tourism sector.
How One Woman Changed Tourism in Tanzania
Born and raised in Tanzania, Zainab Ansell’s journey began far from the boardrooms and global recognition she now commands. Early in her career, she recognised the untapped potential of Tanzania’s natural beauty, including Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Zanzibar Beaches, and envisioned a way to connect the world to these wonders through responsible tourism.
In 1986, she launched what would eventually become Zara Tanzania Adventures, starting with simple Kilimanjaro climbs and guided safaris. With limited resources but unwavering determination, she began building her brand, one rooted in authenticity, Tanzanian pride, and community development. Her pioneering spirit quickly gained attention, and the company steadily grew into one of the most respected tour operators in East Africa.
Inside the Growth of Zara Tanzania Adventures
Today, Zara Tanzania Adventures is internationally recognized for offering immersive Tanzania safari experiences, Mount Kilimanjaro expeditions, cultural encounters, and tailor-made tours across Tanzania and beyond. What sets Zara Tanzania Adventures apart is not only its extensive network of Tanzania wild camps, lodges, and transport systems, but its deep local roots and ethical approach.
Zainab’s vision has always centered on providing quality experiences for travelers while empowering the local workforce. Zara employs hundreds of Tanzanians, from mountain guides and safari drivers to chefs and porters, many of whom received their training directly through Zara Tanzania Adventures’ internal programs.
She’s also ensured that Zara Tanzania Adventures services cater to a global audience, offering group climbs, photographic safaris, honeymoon getaways, family adventures, and charity expeditions, all with personalized attention and Tanzanian hospitality at the core.
Championing Women and Youth Empowerment
Beyond tourism, Mama Zara is a powerful advocate for women’s and youth empowerment in Tanzania. Through her non-profit arm, Zara Charity, she has created numerous opportunities for marginalised communities to participate meaningfully in the tourism economy.
Zara Charity supports communities in their growth through education, health services, conservation, and responsible tourism initiatives.
In an industry where porters and guides often go unrecognized, Zainab has implemented policies to ensure fair wages, decent working conditions, and access to healthcare, especially for mountain crews. Her charity also supports environmental conservation, including tree-planting campaigns, Mountain Kilimanjaro and Ocean cleanup programs, HIV/AIDS education, and the distribution of sanitary pads to schoolgirls.
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Global Recognition and Awards
Zainab’s remarkable work has not gone unnoticed. Over the years, she and her company have received multiple awards and achievements, including:
- World Travel Awards for 2 years in a row as Africa’s Leading Tour Operator 2022 & 2023, Tanzania’s leading Tour Operator 2022 & 2023, and Africa’s leading adventure tour operator 2025.
- Tanzania National Tourism Awards for excellence in hospitality and sustainability
- Recognition by The Tanzania Tourist Board and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism
Her influence has extended to global platforms, where she regularly speaks on topics such as sustainable tourism, women in leadership, and the future of African travel. She has represented Tanzania in numerous conferences and has served as an inspiration for women entrepreneurs across the continent.
Beyond Business: A Vision for Transformational Travel
For Zainab, travel has never been just about sightseeing; it’s about transformation. Her business model integrates conservation, cultural heritage, and social good, showing that responsible tourism can be a tool for national development.
Zara Tanzania Adventures sponsors initiatives like:
- Mandela Rangers FC, a youth football team competing in the Zuberi Cup
- Tree planting projects around Kilimanjaro and other regions to combat deforestation
- Mountain Kilimanjaro cleanup, ocean cleanup and health campaigns in remote communities.
- Women’s vocational training centers
This model of “Travel with Purpose” attracts volunteers, philanthropists, researchers, and conscious travelers from all over the world. Many clients return not only with photographs but also with a sense of connection to the Tanzanian people, culture, and progress.
An Inspiration to the Next Generation
Zainab Ansell’s leadership is grounded in humility and service. She believes in sharing knowledge, lifting others, and leading by example. Her mentorship of young women entrepreneurs both within her organization and beyond has helped shift gender dynamics in Tanzania’s tourism sector.
She often reminds aspiring leaders that “success is not only what you gain, but what you give.” Through this mindset, she has helped build a new generation of socially conscious businesses in East Africa.
Her story is now told in schools, universities, and across media as a blueprint for Tanzanian excellence. Many young women cite Zainab as a role model, especially those from underrepresented communities.
A Legacy That Continues to Inspire
Zainab Ansell is living proof that one person can make a profound difference when guided by passion, vision, and empathy. Her legacy is woven into the lives of thousands of employees, travelers, youth, and communities, all uplifted by her commitment to tourism with a heart.
As she continues to lead Zara Tanzania Adventures, Zita Tanzania Wild Camps and Zara Charity into the future, Zainab remains focused on empowering more people, preserving Tanzania’s natural heritage, and redefining the meaning of impactful travel.
Whether you’re climbing Kilimanjaro, witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration, or volunteering at a local centre, you’re stepping into a journey Zainab helped shape, where every adventure leaves a positive footprint.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Zainab Ansell?
Zainab Ansell is a Tanzanian entrepreneur and the founder of Zara Tanzania Adventures. She is known for her leadership in the tourism industry, community empowerment initiatives, and sustainable travel practices across Tanzania.
2. What is Zara Tanzania Adventures known for?
Zara Tanzania Adventures is renowned for organizing Kilimanjaro climbs, wildlife safaris, cultural tours, and sustainable tourism experiences. The company also supports community projects through Zara Charity.
3. What does Zara Charity do?
Zara Charity focuses on empowering local communities through education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and initiatives that support thedevelopment of women and youth. It also supports porters, vulnerable children, and rural initiatives.
4. Has Zainab Ansell received any international recognition?
Yes, Zainab has received several awards, including recognition from the World Travel Awards and the Tanzania National Tourism Awards, as well as features in international media outlets.
5. How can travelers support Zainab Ansell’s mission?
Travelers can support her mission by booking with Zara Tanzania Adventures, participating in charity climbs, donating to Zara Charity, or volunteering in community and environmental programs in Tanzania.
