Humanitarian, Tourism Leadership Accolade

From the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro to the halls of international recognition, Zainab Ansell’s journey continues to inspire.

Leadership in tourism goes beyond organising safaris and climbing expeditions; it requires vision, resilience, and a deep sense of responsibility to communities and the environment.

For decades, Zainab Ansell, affectionately known as Mama Zara, has embodied these qualities.

As the founder and CEO of Zara Tanzania Adventures, she has transformed Tanzania’s tourism landscape, pioneering Kilimanjaro climbing and safari operations while uplifting thousands of people through sustainable practices.

Her outstanding contributions were globally recognised at the Canada Legacy Honours 2025, where she received the Global Humanitarian and Tourism Leadership Award.

This milestone not only celebrates her professional journey but also affirms her role as a humanitarian, entrepreneur, and ambassador of Tanzania’s rich heritage.

Early this year, Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce crowned ZARA Tanzania Adventures founded and maned by Ms Zainab Ansell (pictured) with the Top Women Excellence Award 2025. 

Canada Legacy Honours 

The Canada Legacy Honours is a prestigious annual celebration to recognise excellence, resilience, and leadership within the global diaspora community.

The 2025 edition, themed “A Glorious Night of Diaspora Excellence and Impact,” brought together trailblazers from various sectors, including business, culture, innovation, and humanitarian work.

In this international spotlight, Zainab Ansell was honoured with the Global Humanitarian and Tourism Leadership Award.

This award highlights leaders who not only excel in their industry, but also integrate social responsibility and humanitarian values into their work.

Mama Zara’s recognition was more than a personal achievement; it was a celebration of Tanzania, of African women in leadership, and of the transformative power of tourism when anchored in community development.

Founder and president of World Travel Awards Grahma Cooke (Left) hands over Africa’s Leading Adventure Tour Operator 2025 trophy to founder and Chief Executive Officer of ZARA Tanzania Adventures Zainab Ansell.

Zainab Ansell’s Journey in Tourism Leadership

When Zainab Ansell founded Zara Tanzania Adventures in 1986, tourism in Tanzania was still in its early stages of development, and opportunities for women entrepreneurs in this industry were limited.

Driven by determination and a pioneering spirit, she built Zara from the ground up, transforming it into one of East Africa’s most respected tour operators.

Over the years, Zara Tanzania Adventures has become synonymous with Kilimanjaro climbing tours, providing thousands of international visitors with safe and memorable ascents of Africa’s tallest peak.

Beyond the mountain, Zara organises safaris across Tanzania’s most iconic national parks, namely Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Manyara, positioning the company as a complete adventure brand.

Mama Zara’s leadership has not only elevated Zara’s reputation but has also set new standards for sustainable tourism in Africa.

She championed the professional development of guides, porters, and hospitality staff, ensuring fair wages, training, and dignity for the workforce that powers Tanzania’s tourism industry.

ZARA Charity has built a children’s education centre at Pasua, Kaloleni, in Moshi Municipality, Tanzania, which enrolls children aged between three and five years from disadvantaged backgrounds  particularly from pastoralist communities.

Zara Charity: A Legacy of Humanitarian Impact

Recognising that true leadership extends beyond business success, Zainab Ansell founded Zara Charity, a humanitarian arm of her enterprise.

Through this initiative, she has directed tourism revenue toward causes that uplift communities and protect the environment.

Zara Charity’s work is multi-faceted. It supports education by providing scholarships and resources for disadvantaged youth.

It champions women’s empowerment, creating opportunities for women in tourism and entrepreneurship.

One of the most inspiring projects is the support for Moshi Kids Centre, offering care, education, and hope to vulnerable children.

Zara has also invested in porter welfare, ensuring fair treatment, proper equipment, and healthcare support for the men and women who assist climbers on Kilimanjaro.

More recently, Zara Charity extended its impact to youth sports, sponsoring teams like Mandela Rangers FC in the impressive Zuberi Cup, providing young athletes with a platform to thrive.

These initiatives reflect Mama Zara’s belief that tourism should benefit not only visitors but also communities and landscapes that make Tanzania unique.

The Global Humanitarian and Tourism Leadership Award

Why does Mama Zara stand out the Global Humanitarian and Tourism Leadership?

The award is reserved for individuals, whose work bridges the industries of humanitarianism and tourism, blending professional excellence with community service.

Mama Zara’s recognition stands out because of her ability to combine tourism innovation with sustainable development.

Her leadership is rooted in values of inclusivity, fairness, and environmental stewardship.

Unlike many operators who view tourism purely as business, Zara Tanzania Adventures integrates social good into every expedition and safari.

From the way porters are treated to the environmental policies guiding treks and community initiatives funded by tourism, every aspect reflects a philosophy of shared growth.

The award affirms what many in Tanzania and beyond already know: Zainab Ansell’s story is not just about building a company, but about transforming lives and creating a model of tourism that inspires globally.

The founder and CEO of ZARA Tours, Ms Zainab Ansell (Third Left), poses for a picture with some tourists. Her company offers its clients an opportunity for making a difference to host communities by engaging in various activities, including tree planting.

The Global Impact of Zainab Ansell’s Work
Tourism in Tanzania is a significant economic driver, and Mama Zara has played a central role in putting the country on the world map.

Through Zara Tanzania Adventures, thousands of travelers annually experience the beauty of Kilimanjaro and Tanzania’s wildlife parks, contributing to the nation’s economy and international profile.

Her work resonates beyond Tanzania. She has formed global partnerships with travel operators, NGOs, and environmental groups, expanding the reach of Zara Charity and promoting responsible tourism practices worldwide.

As one of Africa’s leading women entrepreneurs, Mama Zara inspires female leadership across the continent.

Her journey inspires young women to pursue opportunities in traditionally male-dominated sectors, such as tourism, adventure, and business.

By succeeding on a global stage, she demonstrates that African women can be both economic leaders and humanitarian change makers.

Pupils and teachers extend their gratitude in their own style to well-wishers who made construction of a classroom possible through Zara Charity.

Voices of Gratitude: The People behind the Journey

Behind every award are countless lives Mama Zara’s vision has remotely touched.

Guides and porters, who once struggled, now find stable livelihoods under Zara’s programmes.

Many share stories of how Zara’s training and welfare initiatives helped them to provide for their families and educate their children.

Travelers also leave Tanzania with more than memories of wildlife and mountains—they carry admiration for a company that operates with heart.

Many return home sharing not only safari stories but also the impact they witnessed in communities Zara Charity supports.

Community members, too, express gratitude – from school children receiving scholarships to women finding opportunities in business – the ripple effect of Zara’s humanitarian projects is vast.

For them, the Canada Legacy Honours recognition is not just Mama Zara’s award; it is a collective celebration of what has been achieved together.

Ngorongoro Safari Lodge is among tourists’ accommodation properties belonging to ZARA Tanzania Adventurers.

Zara Tanzania Adventures: Leading into the Future 

As the tourism industry evolves, Zara Tanzania Adventures remains a leader in shaping sustainable travel.

Mama Zara’s future vision includes expanding eco-friendly lodges, strengthening conservation programmes, and further supporting Tanzania’s youth through education and sports.

Zara is also committed to leveraging technology and global partnerships to enhance the visitor experience while maintaining the integrity of Tanzania’s natural and cultural heritage.

The goal is clear: To continue offering unforgettable adventures while ensuring every expedition contributes to a greater purpose.

The Chief Executive Officer of Zara Tours based in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Ms. Zainab Ansell. whose firm has been receiving awards each year. 

A Legacy that Inspires Generations

The Global Humanitarian and Tourism Leadership Award is more than a trophy for Zainab Ansell; it is a credit to her lifetime mission.

Through Zara Tanzania Adventures and Zara Charity, she has redefined what it means to lead in the tourism industry.

Her legacy is one of resilience, empowerment, and a belief that business can be a force for good.

From the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro to the halls of international recognition, Mama Zara’s journey continues to inspire.

She is a symbol of how one woman’s vision can transform not only an industry but also countless lives, leaving an indelible mark on Tanzania and the world.