Zainab Ansell – Personal Honors
Top Women Excellence Award 2025
Presented by the Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC) for her transformative leadership in Tanzania’s tourism industry.Most Influential Women in Business and Government (2018/2019)
Recognized by CEO Global for her achievements in East Africa’s Tourism and Leisure Sector.Leading Woman Taxpayer in Tanzania (2023)
Awarded by the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) for her exemplary contribution to the national economy.Empower Her Excellence Award
Honored for her commitment to empowering women in business and tourism.Malkia wa Nguvu Award 2023
Malkia wa Nguvu award by Clouds Media Group. This prestigious accolade recognized her exceptional contributions to employment creation within Tanzania’s tourism sector.
Zara Tanzania Adventures & – Company Accolades
World Travel Awards
Africa’s Leading Tour Operator: Winner in 2022 and 2023.
Tanzania’s Leading Tour Operator: Winner in 2022 and 2024.
Africa’s Leading Adventure Tour Operator: Nominated for 2025.
Consumer Choice Awards Africa 2024
Named “Most Trusted Tour Operator” for exceptional service and sustainability.
Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) Tourism Awards
- Best Tour Operator (Northern Parks): 2nd Prize (2018/2019).
- Best Tour Operator (Walking Safari): Recognized for outstanding contributions.
- Best Seasonal Camp: 3rd Prize for Serengeti Wild Camp.
- Best Tour Guides: Three guides honored for excellence.
International Mountain Tourism Alliance (2020)
Awarded “Best Mountain Tourism Hiking” for the Mt. Kilimanjaro Marangu trek.
Africa Travel Association (ATA) Certificate of Appreciation
Recognized for outstanding contribution in promoting travel to Africa.
Additional Honors
- World Travel Market (WTM) Humanitarian Award
- Acknowledged for significant humanitarian efforts in tourism.
- Business Entrepreneur of the Year (2012)
- Celebrated for entrepreneurial excellence in the tourism sector.
- Tourism for The Future Award (2015)
- Honored for innovative and sustainable tourism practices.
- African Travel Top 100 Women
- Listed among the most influential women in African travel.
Early Life and Education
Zainab Ansell, widely known as Mama Zara, was born and raised in Tanzania, a country renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, including Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti National Park. From a young age, Zainab displayed a passion for travel, hospitality, and community service, traits that would later shape her career in the tourism industry.
To further her ambitions, Zainab pursued studies in tourism and business management, laying the foundation for her entrepreneurial journey.
