Zainab Ansell Winner of the “Top Women Excellence Award” and a Trailblazer in Tanzania’s Tourism Industry

 

Zainab Ansell

Winner of the “Top Women Excellence Award” and a Trailblazer in Tanzania’s Tourism Industry

 

Recognized by the Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC): Zainab Ansell, is a visionary entrepreneur and leader in Tanzania’s tourism industry. Hence honored with the prestigious “Top Women Excellence Award”.

 

“This award recognizes her exceptional business achievements, transformative leadership, and contributions to the country’s economic and social development.”

 

As the Director of Zara Tanzania Adventures and Tanzania Wild Camps and the Founder of Zara Charity, Zainab has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing Tanzania’s tourism sector while empowering women and local communities.

 

This article delves into her journey, the impact of her businesses, and her charitable initiatives through Zara Charity.

 

A Journey of Leadership and Business Success

 

Zainab Ansell started her entrepreneurial journey in 1986 with a vision to revolutionize Tanzania’s tourism sector by providing world-class safari experiences. Despite challenges, including intense

competition and gender biases in the male-dominated tourism industry, she persevered and expanded her business into one of the most successful tourism enterprises in East Africa.

 

Today, as the founder and owner of Zara Tanzania Adventures and Tanzania Wild Camps, Zainab has established a strong presence in the tourism industry by offering unique safari experiences, luxurious accommodations, and sustainable travel solutions.

 

Zainab Ansell’s Business Ventures

 

1.  Zara Tanzania Adventures

 

Zara Tanzania Adventures is a leading tourism company in Tanzania, providing a wide range of services, including:

•                     Mount Kilimanjaro Treks – The company is one of the largest operators guiding adventurers from around the world to conquer Africa’s highest peak.

•                     Wildlife Safaris – Offering unforgettable experiences in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Manyara, and other iconic national parks in Tanzania.

•                     Luxury Accommodations – Guests can enjoy exclusive stays at eco-friendly camps and lodges strategically located in Tanzania’s most breathtaking landscapes.

2.  Tanzania Wild Camps

 

This hospitality venture provides luxury safari accommodations in the heart of Tanzania’s national parks, allowing visitors to experience wildlife up close while enjoying premium services. The camps and lodges are designed to promote sustainable tourism while offering world-class comfort in the wild.

 

Here is a comprehensive list of Tanzania Wild Camps’ accommodations and their respective locations:

 

•                     Serengeti Safari Lodge: Located in central Serengeti National Park, a luxury lodge offering

unparalleled access to the park’s vast plains, renowned for the annual wildebeest migration and abundant wildlife.

•                     Serengeti Wild Camp: Located in central Serengeti National Park, this camp provides guests with an intimate bush experience, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African wilderness.

•                     Serengeti Wildebeest Camp: located in central Serengeti National Park. Positioned to offer

prime viewing of the Great Migration, this camp allows guests to witness one of nature’s most spectacular events up close.

•                     Ikoma Wild Camp: Located in the buffer zone of the Serengeti Ecosystem, providing a serene retreat with easy access to game drives and cultural experiences with local communities.

•                     Ngorongoro Wild Camp: Located in southern Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering breathtaking views and proximity to the famous Lake Eyasi and surrounded by diverse wildlife.

•                     Ngorongoro Safari Lodge: Located in southern Ngorongoro Conservation Area, this lodge provides luxurious accommodations with panoramic vistas of the Ngorongoro landscape and the Lake Eyasi.

•                     Highview Hotel: Located in Karatu, perched at a high elevation above the town of Karatu, Highview Hotel offers stunning views, comfortable rooms, and convenient access to nearby attractions like Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater.

•                     Highview Coffee Lodge: Located in Karatu, this lodge combines the charm of a coffee plantation with modern amenities, providing guests with insights into local coffee production alongside

their safari adventures.

 

“Each of these properties is designed to enhance the safari experience, offering guests a blend of comfort, adventure, and cultural immersion in some of Tanzania’s most iconic landscapes”

Zara Charity: Driving Social Change in Tanzania

 

Beyond her business empire, Zainab Ansell is deeply committed to giving back to the community through Zara Charity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting vulnerable groups, especially women,

children, and local communities.

 

Key Initiatives of Zara Charity

 

1.  Women’s Empowerment Programs

 

Zara Charity supports women entrepreneurs by providing:

•         Training in business and financial management

•         Micro-financing opportunities to help women start or expand their businesses

•         Employment opportunities in the tourism sector

Through these programs, numerous women have gained financial independence and improved their quality of life.

 

2.  Supporting Vulnerable Children in Tanzania

 

Zara Charity actively assists underprivileged children by:

•         Providing access to education through scholarships and school supplies

•         Offering healthcare and nutrition programs to ensure children receive proper medical care and nourishment

Zara Charity supports and runs Ngorongoro Maasai Pre-School and Moshi Kids Center, ensuring that vulnerable children receive access to education, healthcare, and basic necessities.

Ngorongoro Maasai Pre-School, located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in northern Tanzania, serves young children from the Maasai community, providing early childhood education in

literacy, numeracy, and social skills. Given the challenges of remote living and cultural norms, the school plays a vital role in introducing formal education while respecting Maasai traditions.

Moshi Kids Center, based in Moshi, Kilimanjaro, is a community initiative supporting vulnerable children, including orphans and those from low-income families. It provides essential services such as education, meals, healthcare, and psychological support, ensuring that children who might otherwise

lack access to proper schooling grow in a secure and supportive environment

 

3.  Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Tourism

 

Zara Charity is involved in various environmental initiatives, including:

•         Tree planting campaigns to combat deforestation

•         Promoting eco-friendly tourism practices to preserve Tanzania’s natural heritage

•         Educating local communities on sustainable resource management

4.  Supporting Tourism Workers and Porters

 

Recognizing the hard work of Kilimanjaro porters, tour guides, and hospitality workers, Zara Charity provides:

•         Training programs to enhance skills and career development

•         Health insurance and safety equipment to improve working conditions

•         Financial assistance to support families of tourism workers

 

Zara Charity and Zara Tanzania Adventures are committed to supporting and empowering the Mount Kilimanjaro Porters Society (MKPS) by improving the working conditions, welfare, and opportunities for porters. Through fair wages, proper equipment, and ethical trekking practices, they ensure porters

receive the respect and support they deserve.

Zara Charity also provides training, healthcare, and educational programs to help porters and their families build better futures. By advocating for porter rights and sustainability in the tourism industry,

they create a positive impact on both the local community and Mount Kilimanjaro’s trekking experience.

 

The Impact of the “Top Women Excellence Award”

 

Winning the “Top Women Excellence Award” is a testament to Zainab Ansell’s:

⬛   Business success in Tanzania’s tourism industry

 ⬛ Visionary leadership as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field

⬛   Commitment to social responsibility through community development projects

 

This recognition celebrates her ability to balance entrepreneurship with philanthropy, proving that businesses can thrive while positively impacting society.

 

 

Conclusion

 

Zainab Ansell’s journey is a remarkable example of how women entrepreneurs can break barriers,

transform industries, and uplift communities. Through Zara Tanzania Adventures, Tanzania Wild Camps, and Zara Charity, she has played a pivotal role in shaping Tanzania’s tourism sector while fostering sustainable development.

 

Her “Top Women Excellence Award” is not just a personal victory but an inspiration for women across Tanzania and beyond to pursue their dreams, challenge limitations, and make a lasting impact on society.

 

Indeed, Zainab Ansell is a true trailblazer, setting the stage for the next generation of women leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.