Draft:Zainab Ansell
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Zainab Ansell
[edit]
Zainab Ansell | |
|---|---|
 Zainab Ansell, Tanzanian entrepreneur, founder of Zara Tours | |
| Born | Zainab Ansell May 6, 1959 Tanzania |
| Nationality | Tanzanian |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, philanthropist |
| Known for | Founder of Zara Tours, advocate for sustainable tourism and women's empowerment |
| Awards | Business Entrepreneur of the Year, Tanzania Women Achievement Awards; Lifetime Achievement Award, World Travel Market Africa |
| Website | Zara Tours Official Website |
Zainab Ansell (born 5 June 1959) is a Tanzanian entrepreneur and philanthropist widely recognized as the owner and founder of Zara Tours and Zara Tanzania Adventures, two of Tanzania's leading tour operator companies. Through her work in the tourism sector, Ansell has played a pivotal role in promoting Tanzania as a premier safari destination, particularly for Mount Kilimanjaro expeditions and wildlife safaris. Alongside her successful business ventures, Ansell is a passionate advocate for social causes, founding Zara Charity and Moshi Kids Center, where she focuses on community development, education, and environmental sustainability. Her contributions to both tourism and charitable efforts have earned her numerous awards and recognition globally.[1]
Early Life
[edit]Zainab Ansell was born and raised in Moshi, a town located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania. Her close proximity to this iconic landmark played a formative role in shaping her future career in tourism. Ansell pursued her early education in local schools and later studied business and tourism management. Her upbringing in Moshi, combined with the influence of her parents who were involved in community service, instilled in her a deep commitment to giving back to her community. This sense of responsibility and connection to the local environment would later inspire her to establish several philanthropic initiatives alongside her business ventures.
Career
[edit]Tour Operator Companies
[edit]Zara Tours and Zara Tanzania Adventures In 1987, Zainab Ansell founded Zara Tours, with the primary aim of showcasing Tanzania's vast natural beauty to international tourists. The company began with a focus on Mount Kilimanjaro trekking, capitalizing on the unique appeal of Africa's tallest peak. Over the years, Zara Tours expanded its services to include safaris to Tanzania's famed national parks, including Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park.[2] Zara Tours has grown to become one of the largest and most respected tour operators in East Africa, serving thousands of tourists annually from across the globe. The company has a fleet of safari vehicles, professional guides, and a range of accommodations, including tented camps and lodges, all designed to enhance the safari experience.[3] Zara Tanzania Adventures, an extension of the main company, further diversifies the services offered, incorporating adventure travel such as cultural tours, beach vacations, and eco-tourism. Under Ansell's leadership, the company is known for its high standards of customer service, sustainability efforts, and community-driven tourism. Both companies have significantly contributed to Tanzania's tourism industry by attracting international attention and creating jobs for locals. Tanzania Wild Camp In addition to Zara Tours, Zainab Ansell owns and operates several eco-friendly lodges and camps under the Tanzania Wild Camp brand.[4] These properties offer comfortable, sustainable accommodations for tourists exploring Tanzania's renowned national parks. The lodges and camps 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 properties are strategically located to provide tourists with convenient access to Tanzania's premier wildlife viewing locations, such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, while offering eco-friendly services to minimize their environmental impact.
Charity Work
[edit]Zara Charity In 2009, Zainab Ansell founded Zara Charity, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged communities in Tanzania. The charity's mission is rooted in providing education, healthcare, and sustainable development solutions to the most vulnerable populations. Zara Charity has initiated and supported various projects[5], including: • Education Programs: Sponsorship of students from low-income families, particularly girls, to help them complete secondary and higher education. • Healthcare Initiatives: Support for local hospitals and health centers, especially in the fight against diseases like malaria and HIV/AIDS. • Environmental Conservation: Projects focused on protecting Tanzania's natural resources, including reforestation efforts and community awareness programs on wildlife conservation. • Women Empowerment: Through her company, Zara Tours, Zainab actively hires women in key roles, giving them opportunities in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Many of these positions include guides, porters, and staff within the hospitality sector of her camps and lodges.[6] Moshi Kids Center Recognizing the challenges faced by children in rural communities, Zainab Ansell established the Moshi Kids Center, a facility that provides shelter, food, and educational support to orphaned and vulnerable children. The center focuses on holistic development, offering not only academic education but also vocational training, life skills coaching, and psychological support. The Moshi Kids Center has become a beacon of hope for many children in the region, helping them break the cycle of poverty and build better futures.[7]
Awards and Recognitions
[edit]Zainab Ansell's contributions to tourism and philanthropy have earned her numerous prestigious awards and honors, including: • Africa Leading Tour Operator (2023):[8] • Tanzanias Leading Tour Operator (2023):[9] • Africa Leading Tour Operator (2022):[10] • Tanzanias Leading Tour Operator (2022):[11] • Best Woman in Business Award (2012): Presented by the Tanzania Women Entrepreneurs Association in recognition of her exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial achievements. • Africa's Most Influential Woman in Business and Government (2018): A continental award recognizing her impact on the African tourism industry and her dedication to community development. • Tourism for Tomorrow Award: Awarded by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) for Zara Tours' commitment to sustainable tourism and eco-friendly practices. • Tanzania Tourist Board Recognition: For her role in promoting Tanzania as a top destination for safari and adventure tourism globally.[12]
Historical Contributions
[edit]Zainab Ansell is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of Tanzanian tourism. She played a pioneering role in establishing Tanzania's reputation as a world-class adventure tourism destination, particularly for Mount Kilimanjaro climbers. Through her tour companies, she has helped promote ethical and sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that local communities benefit directly from the influx of tourists.[13] In addition, Ansell has contributed to the preservation of Tanzania's cultural heritage by incorporating cultural tourism into her offerings, allowing tourists to experience the traditional lifestyles of the indigenous Maasai and Chaga people. Her charitable efforts through Zara Charity and Moshi Kids Center have left a lasting impact on Tanzania's socio-economic landscape, providing education and healthcare to underserved populations and promoting environmental stewardship.[14]
Personal Life
[edit]Zainab Ansell is a devoted wife and mother. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with her family and is passionate about mentoring young women in business. She is also an advocate for women's empowerment, both through her business practices and her charity work. Ansell believes in the power of education and entrepreneurship to transform lives, and she frequently speaks at conferences and events to inspire the next generation of African leaders.[15]
References
[edit]- ^ "Zara Tour is Crowned Africa Leading Tour Operator".
- ^ "Zainab Expert Tips and how she honored by Tanzanians National Assembly".
- ^ "Over 300 to climb Mt Kilimanjaro to mack Uhuru Celebration".
- ^ "Tanzania Wild Camps".
- ^ "Zara Charity".
- ^ "Empowering women's through Adventure".
- ^ "Moshi Kids Center".
- ^ "Africa Leading Tour Operator".
- ^ "Tanzanias Leading Tour Operator".
- ^ "Africa Leading Tour Operator".
- ^ "Tanzanias Leading Tour Operator".
- ^ "Zara Tanzania Adventures".
- ^ "Zara Tours Celebrates 30 Years". 30 January 2024.
- ^ "Tanzania Women's Chamber of Commerce Honors Local Entrepreneur Zainab Ansell". 12 April 2021.
- ^ "Meet Zainab Ansell : Tanzanian prominent female Tour Operator". 23 May 2024.
External links
[edit]- Zara Tours Official Website
- Zara Charity
- Moshi Kids Center