Zainab ANSELL

  Zara Tanzania Adventures: A 40-Year Legacy of Purpose         For four decades, Zara Tanzania Adventures has done more than organize safaris and mountain climbs. The company has become one of the most respected tourism brands in East Africa because it represents something larger than travel. It represents opportunity, dignity, empowerment, and national pride. Founded in 1986 by Zainab Ansell, the company grew from a small local operation into a globally recognized tourism institution that contributes significantly to Tanzania’s growing tourism economy. What makes the story remarkable is not only the business success but also the human impact behind it. Tourism in Tanzania is worth billions of dollars annually, and companies like Zara Tanzania Adventures play a key role in creating employment, supporting conservation, and promoting local communities. According to industry reports, Tanzania’s tourism sector contributes approximately $4.2 billion to ...

  Earth Day in Action: How Ms. Zainab Ansell Champions Sustainable Tourism in Tanzania     On Earth Day 2026 , Zainab Ansell, the CEO of Zara Tanzania Adventures, led by example—not from a boardroom, but on the ground. Together with her team, she dedicated part of the day to planting trees, reinforcing a message that sustainability is not a slogan, but a responsibility. Her words captured the spirit of the initiative: “Celebrating Earth Day, our team… dedicated part of the day to planting trees—planting hope, growth, and a future for generations to come.” This act was more than symbolic. It reflected a long-standing philosophy that defines Zara’s identity: tourism must give back to the environment it depends on. Tree Planting as a Commitment, Not a Campaign Tree planting is deeply embedded in Zara’s operations. The company has facilitated environmental programs where both staff and tourists actively participate in reforestation efforts across Tanzania. Z...

  Kilimanjaro’s Quiet Trailblazer: How Zainab Ansell Built a Purpose-Driven Tourism Empire Introduction: Redefining Success in African Tourism At the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, Zainab Ansell has transformed the tourism industry. In a sector traditionally dominated by multinational companies and men, she built a business grounded in purpose, resilience, and community empowerment. What drives success in tourism? How can businesses balance profit with meaningful social impact? This article explores Zainab Ansell’s journey and offers practical insights for entrepreneurs, tourism professionals, and anyone aiming to build a purpose-driven brand in Africa.   From Humble Beginnings to Visionary Leadership Zainab Ansell grew up in a modest household, guided by education, discipline, and perseverance. These values shaped her entrepreneurial path. Her early career at Air Tanzania in the 1980s gave her valuable industry experience and inspired her to start her own busin...

  Zainab Ansell Honored with the 2025 East Africa Business & Women Tourism & Travel Excellence Award   At the 2025 East Africa Business & Women Awards, one of the most significant recognitions in the region’s corporate and tourism landscape, Zainab Ansell Founder and Director of Zara Tanzania Adventures and Zara Charities was celebrated for her outstanding contribution to the tourism and travel sector. The award titled “Tourism & Travel Excellence Award –2025,” stands as a powerful symbol of her transformative leadership and long-standing dedication to sustainable tourism, community empowerment, and environmental conservation.   The event brought together leading entrepreneurs, professionals, and change-makers from across East Africa. Representing Zara Tanzania Adventures, a member of the team proudly held the award, signifying the collective pride of the entire Zara family and the communities they serve.   A Legacy of Leadership in Tour...

  ZARA TANZANIA ADVENTURES AND ZARA CHARITY LEAD KILIMANJARO CLEANUP INITIATIVE   In a strong show of environmental commitment Zara Tanzania Adventures and Zara Charity in collaboration with KINAPA (Kilimanjaro National Park Authority) organized a major clean-up campaign on Mount Kilimanjaro under the theme “Trash In, Trash Out.”   The initiative took place along the Lemosho and Shira routes extending all the way up to the base camp with the goal of preserving the mountain’s natural beauty and ensuring a cleaner greener Kilimanjaro.   As shown in the photo Zainab Ansell (Mama Zara) the Founder and Director of Zara Tanzania Adventures and Zara Charity officially flagged off the clean-up team. Her presence and encouragement inspired the climber’s porters and volunteers to take part in maintaining the mountain’s ecosystem and promoting sustainable tourism practices. “Green Tanzania Starts with Us,”  this slogan guided the team’s efforts reminding everyone that prot...

 Zainab Ansell Named Women Champion for East African Trade /Zara Tanzania Adventures Zara Tanzania Adventures Founder and Director, Zainab Ansell, wins the Women Champion Award for East African Trade at the 25th EAC MSMEs Trade Fair in Nairobi, recognizing her leadership in tourism, regional trade and sustainable development across East Africa. Zainab Ansell, the Founder and Director of Zara Tanzania Adventures, has been awarded as a Women Champion for East African Trade during the 25th East African Community (EAC) MSMEs Trade Fair held in Nairobi, Kenya. This year’s fair marks 25 years of regional integration, celebrated under the theme “Advancing Innovation and Regional Value Chains for Competitive MSMEs toward Sustainable Development.” The recognition honors Zainab’s outstanding leadership in promoting tourism, trade, and women entrepreneurship across East Africa. As one of Tanzania’s most respected women entrepreneurs, Zainab has built a tourism empire that has positioned Tanza...