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Zainab Ansell

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Zainab Ansell, Tanzanian entrepreneur and philanthropist
Zainab Ansell
Born
Zainab Ansell

(1959-05-06) May 6, 1959 (age 65)
Tanzania
NationalityTanzanian
Occupation(s)Entrepreneur, philanthropist
Known forFounder of Zara Tours, advocate for sustainable tourism and women's empowerment
AwardsBusiness Entrepreneur of the Year, Tanzania Women Achievement Awards; Lifetime Achievement Award, World Travel Market Africa
WebsiteZara Tours Official Website

Zainab Ansell (born 5 June 1959) is a Tanzanian entrepreneur and philanthropist known for founding Zara Tours and Zara Tanzania Adventures, two prominent tour operator companies in Tanzania. Through her work in the tourism sector, Ansell has contributed to promoting Tanzania as a destination for Mount Kilimanjaro expeditions and wildlife safaris. She is also involved in various philanthropic efforts, founding Zara Charity and the Moshi Kids Center, which focus on community development, education, and environmental sustainability. Ansell's contributions to tourism and charity have led to multiple awards and recognitions globally.[1]

Early Life

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Zainab Ansell was born and raised in Moshi, a town located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania. Her upbringing in Moshi, combined with her parents' involvement in community service, fostered a commitment to social responsibility. She received her early education in local schools before pursuing studies in business and tourism management, which influenced her later career in tourism.

Career

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Tour Operator Companies

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Zara Tours and Zara Tanzania Adventures In 1987, Ansell founded Zara Tours to showcase Tanzania's natural beauty to international tourists, focusing initially on Mount Kilimanjaro trekking. Over time, the company expanded to include safaris in Tanzania's national parks, such as Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park.[2] Zara Tours has since become one of the largest and most respected tour operators in East Africa, serving thousands of tourists annually. The company offers a range of services, including a fleet of safari vehicles, professional guides, and various accommodation options designed to enhance the visitor experience.[3]

Zara Tanzania Adventures further diversifies the offerings with adventure travel options, such as cultural tours and eco-tourism. Under Ansell's leadership, the company emphasizes customer service, sustainability, and community involvement.

Tanzania Wild Camp In addition to Zara Tours, Ansell operates several eco-friendly lodges and camps under the Tanzania Wild Camp brand.[4] These properties include: - Serengeti Safari Lodge - Highview Hotel - Ngorongoro Wild Camp - Highview Coffee Lodge - Serengeti Wild Camp - Ikoma Wild Camp - Ngorongoro Safari Lodge - Serengeti Wildebeest Camps

These lodges and camps are strategically located to facilitate access to key wildlife viewing areas while adhering to eco-friendly practices.

Charity Work

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Zara Charity In 2009, Zainab Ansell founded Zara Charity, a non-profit organization aimed at improving the lives of underprivileged communities in Tanzania. The charity focuses on education, healthcare, and sustainable development initiatives.[5] Key projects include:

  • Education Programs: Sponsoring students from low-income families, particularly girls, to ensure they complete their education.
  • Healthcare Initiatives: Supporting local healthcare facilities in combating diseases like malaria and HIV/AIDS.
  • Environmental Conservation: Initiatives that promote the protection of natural resources through community engagement and reforestation efforts.
  • Women Empowerment: Zara Tours actively employs women in various roles, providing opportunities in an industry traditionally dominated by men.

Moshi Kids Center Zainab Ansell also established the Moshi Kids Center, which provides shelter, food, and educational support to orphaned and vulnerable children. The center focuses on holistic development, offering academic education, vocational training, and psychological support to help break the cycle of poverty.[6]

Awards and Recognitions

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Zainab Ansell's contributions to the fields of tourism and philanthropy have been acknowledged with several prestigious awards, including:

  • Africa Leading Tour Operator (2023): Recognized for excellence in the tourism sector.):[7]
  • Tanzania's Leading Tour Operator (2023): Honored for outstanding service in the Tanzanian tourism industry.[8]
  • Best Woman in Business Award (2012): Awarded by the Tanzania Women Entrepreneurs Association for exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial achievements.
  • Africa's Most Influential Woman in Business and Government (2018): Acknowledged for significant contributions to the tourism industry and commitment to community development.
  • Tourism for Tomorrow Award: Presented by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) for dedication to sustainable tourism practices.
  • Tanzania Tourist Board Recognition: Received for efforts in promoting Tanzania as a leading safari destination.[9]

Contributions to Tanzanian Tourism

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Ansell is considered a significant figure in the history of Tanzanian tourism. She has been instrumental in establishing Tanzania's reputation as a leading adventure tourism destination, particularly for Mount Kilimanjaro climbers. Through her companies, she advocates for ethical tourism practices that benefit local communities directly.[10] Additionally, her efforts in charitable work through Zara Charity and the Moshi Kids Center have made a lasting impact on the socio-economic landscape of Tanzania.

Personal Life

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Zainab Ansell is married and a mother. She enjoys mentoring young women in business and advocates for women's empowerment through her professional and charitable endeavors. Ansell emphasizes the transformative power of education and entrepreneurship and frequently speaks at conferences to inspire the next generation of leaders in Africa.[11]

References

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  1. ^ "Zara Tour is Crowned Africa Leading Tour Operator".
  2. ^ "Zainab Expert Tips and how she honored by Tanzanians National Assembly".
  3. ^ "Over 300 to climb Mt Kilimanjaro to mark Uhuru Celebration". 6 November 2023.
  4. ^ "Tanzania Wild Camps".
  5. ^ "Zara Charity".
  6. ^ "Moshi Kids Center".
  7. ^ "Africa Leading Tour Operator".
  8. ^ "Tanzanias Leading Tour Operator".
  9. ^ "Zara Tanzania Adventures".
  10. ^ "Zara Tours Celebrates 30 Years". 30 January 2024.
  11. ^ "Meet Zainab Ansell: Tanzanian prominent female Tour Operator". 23 May 2024.
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Category:Tanzanian businesspeople, Category:Philanthropists