Zainab Ansell, affectionately known as Mama Zara, stands as a trailblazing force in Tanzania’s tourism landscape. As the founder and CEO of Zara Tanzania Adventures, she has revolutionized the industry by blending adventure travel with a deep commitment to sustainability, community empowerment, and ethical practices. Over nearly four decades, her vision has not only elevated Tanzania’s global appeal through iconic experiences like Kilimanjaro treks and Serengeti safaris but has also fostered economic growth and social upliftment for local communities.
Early Beginnings and Visionary Leadership
Born and raised in Tanzania, Zainab Ansell launched Zara Tanzania Adventures in 1986 from Moshi, at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting with modest Kilimanjaro climbs and guided safaris, she recognized the untapped potential of Tanzania’s natural wonders—including the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Zanzibar beaches—to drive responsible tourism. What began as a small local outfitter has grown into one of Tanzania’s largest safari operators and the premier Kilimanjaro trekking company, offering daily departures across six routes and employing over 1,410 people on permanent and seasonal bases. This expansion sustains thousands of families in a nation grappling with high unemployment, turning tourism into a vehicle for poverty alleviation and opportunity creation.
Ansell’s leadership extends beyond business; she is a fierce advocate for women in a male-dominated sector where female entrepreneurs comprise less than one percent in East Africa. Her initiatives, such as the women’s development center, empower Maasai women by enabling them to sell beads and crafts to tourists, injecting direct economic benefits into marginalized communities. Through Zara Charity, founded in 2009, she addresses critical needs in education, healthcare, unemployment, and child welfare, ensuring that tourism dollars create lasting, positive impacts.
Commitment to Sustainable Tourism in Tanzania
At the core of Zara Tanzania Adventures is a dedication to sustainable tourism Tanzania practices that prioritize environmental conservation, fair labor, and community involvement. Ansell has set industry benchmarks by providing health insurance to over 1,200 porters—the first tour company in Tanzania to do so on such a scale—and through the Kilimanjaro Porters Project, which ensures fair wages, proper equipment, and training for mountain crew. The company’s Mountain Kilimanjaro Cleanup initiative, in partnership with the Mount Kilimanjaro Porters Society, combats environmental degradation on Africa’s highest peak while supporting livelihoods dependent on it.
These efforts align with global standards for responsible travel, earning Zara recognition as a leader in sustainable development. Ansell’s model transfers tourist revenue directly to host communities, uplifting hundreds of women and promoting pro-poor tourism. Her work exemplifies how tourism can preserve Tanzania’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage while fostering inclusive growth, making her a pioneer in sustainable tourism Tanzania.
Awards and Recognitions
Zainab Ansell’s impact has been celebrated through numerous accolades, underscoring her role as a changemaker:
- Top Women Excellence Award 2025 from the Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC), honoring her business achievements, leadership, and contributions to economic and social development.
- Leading Woman Taxpayer 2023 by the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), recognizing her commitment to tax compliance and ethical operations.
- Best Tourism Company of the Year 2024 at the Tanzania Women’s Industrial Awards for Zara Tanzania Adventures.
- Africa’s Leading Tour Operator 2023 at the World Travel Awards, highlighting sustained excellence in tourism.
- Humanitarian Award at the World Travel Market (WTM) for contributions to sustainable tourism.
- Over 13 local and international awards, including the Most Influential Woman in Business and Government by CEO Global (2018/2019) and recognition as Tanzania’s best tour operator by Tanzania National Parks (2019).
- Named one of 100 Tanzanian changemakers in 2023, the sole representative in travel and tourism.
These honors reflect her resilience, especially during challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, where she was named among Tanzania’s top executives.
Business Ventures and Impact
Under Ansell’s stewardship, Zara Tanzania Adventures offers comprehensive services as a one-stop shop for Tanzania’s northern circuit, including transfers, safaris, and accommodations like Springlands Hotel in Kilimanjaro, Highview Hotel in Karatu-Ngorongoro, and tented camps such as Serengeti Wildcamp and Ikoma Wild Camp. The company also operates Zita Tanzania Wild Camps, emphasizing eco-friendly stays. Recent initiatives include group safaris departing every Friday and promotions like free day tour packages, making adventures accessible while maintaining high standards.
Her ventures have broader ripple effects: Zara Charity supports orphans and disadvantaged groups, while collaborations with tourism boards and national parks amplify conservation efforts. Ansell’s story inspires entrepreneurs across Africa, proving that integrity, innovation, and social responsibility can coexist with commercial success.
For more on Zainab’s personal journey and philosophy, explore her About Me. Dive deeper into her Business Ventures and sustainable initiatives. Ready to embark on your own adventure? Reach out via Contact Us.
Zainab Ansell’s legacy continues to redefine sustainable tourism in Tanzania, inviting travelers to experience Africa not just as visitors, but as contributors to positive change. As she often says, “If you want to help people fight poverty, give them education”—a mantra driving her enduring mission.
