Welcome to Zainab Ansell’s World
About
Zainab Ansell, affectionately known as Mama Zara, is a renowned Tanzanian entrepreneur, humanitarian, and environmentalist. Her unwavering commitment to community development and sustainable tourism has made her one of the most respected figures in East Africa’s tourism industry.
Early Life & Education
Born and raised in Tanzania, Zainab Addan Ansell came from humble beginnings and built her remarkable career through education, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Professional Background
Zainab began her professional journey in 1980 with Air Tanzania Corporation, where she worked as a reservation and ticketing agent.
This early experience offered her deep insight into the workings of the aviation and tourism industries and helped her develop the expertise and confidence to pursue her own business ventures.
In 1986, she launched Zara International Travel Agency, which would later evolve into Zara Tanzania Adventures, now recognized as one of East Africa’s leading tourism companies.
She attended Mawenzi Primary Schoolfrom 1966 to 1973, where she earned herCertificate of Primary Education.
Shethen pursued her secondary educationat Kibo Secondary School from 1975 to 1979, receiving the Certificate of Secondary Education. In 1979, she further specialized by earning a diploma in Air Ticketing and Reservation through Galileo Courses, which laid the groundwork for her future in the travel and tourism sector.
In 1995, driven by a passion for sustainable development and responsible tourism, Zainab founded
Tanzania Wild Camps under the brand name ZITA. These camps and lodges were created to provide eco-conscious accommodations in remote safari regions while simultaneously
supporting and empowering local
communities.
Today, the ZITA portfolio includes properties such as Highview Hotel and Coffee Lodge in Karatu, Serengeti Safari Lodge, Ikoma Wild Camp, Serengeti Wild Camp, Serengeti Wildebeest Camp, Ngorongoro Wild Camp, Morongo Lodge, and the upcoming Tarangire Malkia Lodge.
Zainab began her professional journey in 1980 with Air Tanzania Corporation, where she worked as a reservation and ticketing agent.
This early experience offered her deep insight into the workings of the aviation and tourism industries and helped her develop the expertise and confidence to pursue her own business ventures.
In 1986, she launched Zara International Travel Agency, which would later evolve into Zara Tanzania Adventures, now recognized as one of East Africa’s leading tourism companies.
Philanthropy and Social Impact: Zara Tanzania Charity
Deeply committed to uplifting her
community, Zainab Ansell established Zara Charities in 2009 as the philanthropic arm of her tourism enterprise.
Through this nonprofit organization, she set out to address some of the most pressing social challenges facing Tanzanian society particularly those affecting women, children, and individuals working within the tourism industry.
1. Women’s empowerment
One of Zara Charity’s central pillars is women’s empowerment. Over the years, the organization has created meaningful pathways for women to
gain access to education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Among its flagship initiatives is the Maasai Women Make a Change program, a transformative project that equips Maasai women with skills in hotel management, entrepreneurship, financial literacy,
and cultural fashion design. These
multifaceted interventions help break
cycles of poverty and offer women the tools to lead independent, dignified lives. Building on this momentum, Zainab is now launching the Moshi Women Make a Change Project, which will establish a training center where women can learn practical skills such as clothing design, jewelry making, and working with local materials. The training—delivered over three to six months by local experts—will be provided entirely free of charge. Upon completion, each woman will receive
startup capital to either launch a smallbusiness or secure employment,
empowering her to build a stable and
self-sufficient future
2. Education
Education is another cornerstone of
Zara Charity’s mission. The organization supports orphans and
vulnerable children by providing access to school supplies, healthcare, and shelter. In August 2022, Zara Charity opened the Moshi Kids Centre, a nurturing space that offers early childhood education to prepare young children for elementary school. Each year, the organization continues to support these children as they advance
through their schooling.
Furthermore, in an effort to promote
access to education in rural areas, the NGO has established two community nursery schools in the Maasai villages of Enduleni and Isirwa, currently serving a total of 96 young learners.
3. Protection of tourism workers
Recognizing the critical role of porters in Tanzania’s mountain tourism, Zainab also founded the Mount Kilimanjaro Porters Society (MKPS) to improve their working
conditions and ensure their rights and wellbeing are protected.
This initiative reflects her belief that the tourism industry must benefit
not only guests but also the local communities and workers who make it possible.
Protection of tourism workers
4. Environmental protection
Zainab is also a passionate advocate for environmental protection, particularly around Mount Kilimanjaro, one of Tanzania’s most iconic natural treasures.
She leads regular tree planting and cleanup campaigns through the Mount Kilimanjaro Cleanup Project,
mobilizing students, community groups, and international volunteers to restore forest cover, combat climate change, and preserve biodiversity for future generations. These efforts have resulted in the planting of thousands of trees across Kilimanjaro and the greater Moshi region, strengthening the crucial link between conservation and
community resilience.
mt kilimanjaro cleanup But Zainab’s environmental
commitment extends beyond the
mountains. She also champions the
protection of marine ecosystems
through Zara Charity’s regular cleanups along the Indian Ocean
coastline. These initiatives fight plastic pollution, safeguard marine
biodiversity, and support the health
and livelihoods of coastal communities.
By addressing both highland and
coastal challenges, Zainab plays an
active role in building a sustainable
future for Tanzania and inspiring
collective environmental action.
Recognition and Awards
Zainab Ansell is widely recognized for her visionary leadership in tourism, community development, and environmental conservation. Over the past three decades, she has built a powerful legacy that unites
sustainable business with social
responsibility, transforming lives while promoting Tanzania’s natural and cultural heritage.
As the Founder and Managing Director of Zara Tanzania Adventures, Zita Tanzania Wild Camps, and Zara Charities, she has become a leading figure in purpose driven entrepreneurship, both nationally and across Africa.
Recognition and Awards Her outstanding contributions have earned her numerous accolades,
including:
UNWTO Ulysses Award Nomination for Innovation in Tourism
Recognition by the Tanzania National Business Council for her role in national tourism development (2025)
Acknowledgments from international travel and conservation organizations for her work in sustainability and community engagement
Top Women Excellence Award
Women in Business Award by Women Management in Africa
Trailblazer Award in Tanzania’s Tourism Industry
In addition to these honors, Zainab has been featured across various media platforms as a changemaker, a female leader, and a committed advocate for sustainable development. Her story continues to inspire a new generation of socially conscious entrepreneurs and conservation advocates, encouraging them to lead with courage, compassion, and purpose.
Contacts
zara@zaracharitytanzania.org zara@zaratours.com sales@wildcamps.com
Phone
+255 655 451 003
Website
zara@zaracharitytanzania.org zara@zaratours.com sales@wildcamps.com
