User:Assah27

Zainab Ansell (Mama Zara)

Born: Tanzania Nationality: Tanzanian Occupation: Entrepreneur, Tourism Operator, Philanthropist Known for: Founder and CEO of Zara Tanzania Adventures, Sustainable Tourism Advocate, Social Entrepreneur Notable Awards: International Park Tourism Award (2020), Special Recognition Award from Kilimanjaro National Park (2023)

Early Life and Education

Zainab Ansell, widely known as Mama Zara, was born and raised in Tanzania, a country renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, including Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti National Park. From a young age, Zainab displayed a passion for travel, hospitality, and community service, traits that would later shape her career in the tourism industry.

To further her ambitions, Zainab pursued studies in tourism and business management, laying the foundation for her entrepreneurial journey.

Career

Early Career: Air Tanzania (1980–1986)

Zainab began her professional career at Air Tanzania in 1980, where she worked in customer service and operations. Over the course of six years, she gained invaluable experience in airline operations, client management, and logistics, preparing her for her entrepreneurial venture.

Founding Zara Tanzania Adventures (1986)

In 1986, Zainab founded Zara Tanzania Adventures, starting with a small travel agency. Under her leadership, the company evolved into one of East Africa’s most renowned tour operators, specializing in:

• Mount Kilimanjaro treks • Tailored wildlife safaris in Tanzania’s national parks, including the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater • Eco-tourism experiences, promoting Tanzania’s rich culture and heritage

Today, Zara Tanzania Adventures is internationally recognized for providing sustainable and community-driven travel experiences. Zainab’s vision has attracted adventurers, travel agencies, and eco-tourists from around the world.

ZITA Tanzania Wild Camps

In addition to running Zara Tanzania Adventures, Zainab expanded her portfolio by founding ZITA Tanzania Wild Camps—a collection of eco-friendly lodges and camps strategically located near major national parks. These properties are managed by her daughter, Leila Ansell, who brings over 20 years of experience in the hospitality sector.

The lodges and camps under ZITA Tanzania Wild Camps include:

• Highview Hotel • Highview Coffee Lodge • Ngorongoro Safari Lodge • Ngorongoro Wild Camp • Serengeti Safari Lodge • Serengeti Wild Camp • Serengeti Wild Beast Camp • Ikoma Wild Camp

These accommodations offer a blend of luxury and sustainable tourism, ensuring guests experience authentic wildlife encounters while supporting conservation efforts.

Zara Charity

In 2009, Zainab founded Zara Charity, a non-profit organization aimed at giving back to the community and promoting environmental conservation. Through Zara Charity, she has initiated various projects focusing on:

• Providing scholarships and school supplies to children from underprivileged backgrounds • Empowering women and youth through mentorship and skills development programs • Supporting healthcare facilities and orphanages, improving the quality of life for vulnerable communities • Environmental conservation campaigns, including tree planting and clean-up efforts on Mount Kilimanjaro

One of the most impactful initiatives of Zara Charity is the Kids Center in Moshi, which serves as a safe haven for disadvantaged children, offering them education, nourishment, and psychological support.

Awards and Recognitions

Zainab’s commitment to sustainable tourism and her contributions to community welfare have earned her several prestigious awards:

• International Park Tourism Award (2020) – Recognized as the Best Tour Operator in Mountain Climbing for outstanding contributions in 2018 and 2019 • Special Recognition Award from Kilimanjaro National Park (2023) – Honoring her support for the park during its 50th anniversary • Multiple recognitions from the Tanzania National Parks Authority and World Travel Awards

Environmental Initiatives

Zainab Ansell is an advocate for sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. Through Zara Tanzania Adventures, she spearheads:

• Annual clean-up drives on Mount Kilimanjaro, ensuring the mountain remains pristine • Marine conservation initiatives along the Tanzanian coast, raising awareness among local communities about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems

International Outreach and Partnerships

Zainab actively works to expand Zara Tanzania Adventures’ global footprint through strategic partnerships with international travel agents, luxury travel brands, and sustainability-focused organizations.