Archive for January, 2024
Zainab Ansell named sole Tanzanian changemaker in travel, tourism niche in 2023
A magazine recognizes the female entrepreneur for successfully thriving in the male-dominated industry.
A maiden Tanzania edition of 100 Inspiring Changemakers has gleamed a spotlight on extraordinary woman, Zainab Ansell, who is making her mark on the multi-billion-dollars tourism industry today.
Zainab, is a woman and a half, as she is the sole player from tourism industry that earns the economy $3.3 billion per annum, featuring in the list of Tanzania’s trailblazers, disrupters and changemakers of the year 2023 picked from all walks of life.
The prestigious magazine recognises Zainab, the founder and CEO of Zara Tours, one of the high-profile tour operators in East Africa, for becoming a successful female entrepreneur in the male-dominated industry.
Ms Ansel, a passionate advocate for sustainable tourism, social justice and environment conservation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpTyzJJ8Bno&authuser=0, launched ZARA Charity in 2009 to give back to marginalised communities and support healthcare, education, women empowerment and wildlife protection.
The local and international award winner also launched ZARA Foundation to conserve ecosystems and clean up the Indian Ocean.
“She is one of the 100 Tanzanian Changemakers 2023 because she embodies the spirit of innovation, leadership and service that inspires and transforms the nation,” the magazine declares.
Ms Zainab, a former employee of Air Tanzania in the 1980s before quitting to start her tour and air ticketing company, is one of the unsung heroines of our time. Being a lady in the tourist business, she fought extremely hard in a male-dominated society and has emerged triumphant.
If you visit Ms. Zainab’s office during the workdays. You will be shocked to see the same long, long queues commonly found at health facilities in African rural outfits.
People from all walks of life throng Ms. Zainab’s office, each seeking to consult her, as with a medical doctor.
But unlike a medical doctor, Ms. Zainab often wears an infectious smile instead of the much-dreaded stethoscope as she serves one person after another with great humility.
Some people never notice that she is at the helm of Zara Tanzania Adventurer — one of the biggest and most prominent tour companies in the natural-resource most prosperous East African country.
The rare personality traits in most Tanzanian chief executive officers have enabled her to touch thousands of lives, particularly those from vulnerable groups.
Her gifted hands have changed thousands of lives in Tanzania. She employs nearly 1,410 on a permanent and seasonal basis, sustaining thousands of families in a country where unemployment is among Tanzania’s significant social and economic challenges.
Official data put the rate of unemployment in Tanzania at 2.74 percent. However, according to the World Bank, about 900,000 youthful Tanzanians enter the job market each year, which can generate barely between 50,000 and 60,000 new opportunities only.
Besides addressing unemployment, Ms. Zainab is also at the forefront of helping the surrounding indigenous peoples, mostly Maasai.
To support the pastoralist community members, she has built a school where children under seven years of age are educated free of charge.
Ms. Zainab has not only constructed the school and left, but she also runs the facility, with 95 kids from the Maasai nomadic pastoralists pursuing their dreams in life.
With the school, the Maasai kids have somewhere to study.
She has also developed a unique window for helping marginalised Maasai women in her fresh bid to liberate them from the harmful shackles of their traditional norms.
Ms Zainab is single-handedly struggling to address historical injustice compounded by the oppression and exploitation of women.
She has also been financially empowering the Maasai women to buy raw materials for making beads and selling them to foreign tourists.
Hundreds of Maasai women benefit from tourists’ dollars by hawking beads and carvings along the roads heading for important tourist sites.
Thanks to Ms. Zainab’s quest for seeing local community members get direct returns for conserving tourist attractions surrounding them for ages.
Ms. Zainab has bankrolled first aid training sessions, beginners’ English courses, HIV and AIDS education, and financial management training, to mention but a few, to nearly 900 porters.
She has initiated Zara Charity, intending to stimulate a global movement on sustainable tourism by giving back to the community through the network of travel industry partners, organisations, travelers, and global citizens interested in reaching out to and supporting vulnerable groups in Tanzania.
Serengeti Bytes, a firm dealing in marketing, marketing research, corporate communications, ranking and rating, and digital solutions for corporates, governments and non-governmental organisations, prepares, organises and presents the 100 Tanzanian Changemakers magazine
In its maiden edition, the annual magazine features 37 women and 63 men from diverse backgrounds to celebrate and uplift exceptional individuals driving positive change across the country by amplifying their inspiring stories.
The changemakers are identified basing on positive impact of their work on their sectors and creative and effective approaches they use for addressing challenges and bringing about solutions and driving change.
Also considered is the ability of their work to inspire others and to have a lasting and positive impact.
The magazine features Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan as the tribalizing first Tanzania President for carrying out reforms and creating competitive environment for investments.
Her administration has actually seen foreign direct investment rise from $2 billion in 2020 to an impressive $5 billion by June 2023.
This information and pictures are property from Tranquility.
Introducing 100 Tanzanian Changemakers 2023: 100 Profiles of Courage, Innovation and Creativity
100 Tanzania Changemakers of the year initiative is a powerful platform that celebates and uplift exceptional individuals who are driving positive change across the nation.
The Impact of these change makers is not merely a personal
Welcome to the inaugural edition of Tanzanian
100 Changemakers 2023, where we shine a spotlight on those who transcend the ordinary and redefine the trajectory of their nation. In the realm of trailblazers, disrupters, and agents of change,we simply refer to them as
changemakers.
channelling their efforts to cultivate positive transformations in Tanzania and beyond. They extend their influence from grassroots initiatives to international stages, igniting dreams of a more prosperous Tanzania.
Through their endeavours, they open doors for Tanzanians to envision an expanded influence globally,reachingbinto the realms ofgeopolitics, business, science, technology, and social impact.
The impact of these changemakers is not merely a personal triumph; it resonates as a testament to their commitment to a better Tanzania.
Their initiatives serve as benchmarks, and the quantifiable impact becomes a crucial measure of their dedication to progress. While they may not seek applause for their actions, we, as stewards of this platform, feel compelled to recognize them as guiding lights for the present and future generations.
Zainab Ansell is a Tanzanian business magnate, investor, philanthropist, and humanitarian. She is the founder and CEO of ZARA Tours, the No.1 Kilimanjaro outfitter and one of the biggest safari operators in East Africa. She started her company in 1987, overcoming the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry. She also runs a hotel chain that consists of nine properties, offering quality accommodation and services to tourists and travelers.
Zainab Ansell is not only a successful entrepreneur, but also a passionate advocate for sustainable tourism development, social justice, and environmental conservation. She launched ZARA Charity in 2009, giving back to marginalized communities in Tanzania and supporting various causes such as health care, education, women empowerment, and wildlife protection. She has also launched ZARA Foundation for ecosystems preservation, focusing on cleaning up the Indian Ocean. She has been recognized and awarded by several local and international organizations for her achievements and impact. She is one of the 100 Tanzanian Changemakers 2023 because she embodies the spirit of innovation, leadership, and service that inspires and transforms the nation.
WHAT TYPE OF ACCOMMODATIONS ARE AVAILABLE ON SAFARI?
Going on a safari is a dream for many, and choosing the right accommodations is crucial for an enhanced experience. Zara Tanzania Adventures, a leading safari company, provides an unforgettable stay through their exclusive properties known as ZITA Tanzania Wildcamps. With locations in Karatu, Ngorongoro, Ikoma, and Serengeti, these camps not only simplify accommodations but also offer an affordable and immersive safari experience.
Overview of ZITA Tanzania Wildcamps:
ZITA Tanzania Wildcamps, managed by Zara Tanzania Adventures, seamlessly blend with natural surroundings. Each camp ensures a minimal environmental impact, with strategic locations providing easy access to key safari destinations.
KARATU:
The Karatu camp includes Highview Hotel and Highview Coffee Lodge, offering a peaceful retreat near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Spacious tents with modern amenities amidst lush greenery make it an ideal base for exploring the nearby Ngorongoro Crater.
Highview Hotel 
NGORONGORO:
The Ngorongoro camp comprises Ngorongoro Wild Camp and Ngorongoro Safari Lodge, providing a unique opportunity to stay within the crater’s rim. Breathtaking views and an immersive wildlife experience await guests in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
IKOMA:
The Ikoma camp, featuring Ikoma Wild Camp, is nestled near the Grumeti River in the northern part of the Serengeti. Guests enjoy a front-row seat to the seasonal migration, surrounded by comfortable tents designed for a connection with nature.
Ikoma wild camp family room. 
SERENGETI:
The Serengeti camp boasts Serengeti Wild Camp, Serengeti Wildebeest Camp, and Serengeti Safari Lodge, strategically positioned to witness the vast plains and spectacular wildlife. Whether during the Great Migration or year-round game viewing, guests immerse themselves in the heart of this iconic landscape.
Serengeti safari lodge. 
ACCOMMODATIONS AND AMENITIES:
ZITA Tanzania Wildcamps prioritize guest comfort without compromising the safari experience. Accommodations include spacious tents with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and private verandas. Communal areas allow guests to share safari stories and enjoy meals prepared with local ingredients.
AFFORDABILITY AND VALUE:
Zara Tanzania Adventures is committed to making safari adventures accessible. Through owning and operating accommodations, they offer competitive pricing without compromising quality, ensuring the exclusivity of ZITA Tanzania Wildcamps at a reasonable cost.
COMMUNITY AND CONSERVATION INITIATIVES:
Zara Tanzania Adventures takes pride in its commitment to sustainable tourism, actively engaging with local communities. Eco-friendly practices contribute to the preservation of Tanzania’s rich biodiversity.
Booking a safari with Zara Tanzania Adventures guarantees an exceptional wildlife experience and a seamless, affordable stay at ZITA Tanzania Wildcamps. From the enchanting landscapes of Ngorongoro to the endless plains of the Serengeti, these camps offer a front-row seat to the wonders of nature, making every moment of the safari an unforgettable adventure.
WHAT ANIMALS CAN I EXPECT TO SEE ON A TANZANIAN SAFARI?
Going on a Tanzanian safari is an exhilarating journey that promises an intimate encounter with some of the world’s most remarkable and varied wildlife. Nestled in East Africa, Tanzania is celebrated for its breathtaking national parks and game reserves, which host a rich mosaic of ecosystems supporting a diverse array of animal species. This article delves into the intricate details of the extraordinary wildlife awaiting you on a Tanzanian safari.
ENCOUNTERING THE MAJESTIC BIG FIVE:
African Elephant: Tanzania is home to a significant population of African elephants, and you’ll likely witness these gentle giants roaming the savannah or enjoying a refreshing dip in waterholes.
African Lion: The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are renowned for their lion populations, offering glimpses of these majestic creatures basking in the sun or engaged in thrilling hunts.
African Leopard: Despite their elusive nature, leopards can be observed in various national parks, either lounging in trees or stealthily stalking prey in tall grass.
African Buffalo: Large herds of African buffalo create a mesmerizing spectacle on the plains, often seen alongside other herbivores.
Rhinoceros (Black and White): While rhinoceros populations have faced challenges, conservation efforts have yielded success in some regions, providing the opportunity to witness these incredible creatures.
DIVERSE MAMMALIAN WONDERS:
Giraffe: Dominating the savannah skyline, giraffes are a common sight in Tanzania, showcasing their graceful movements as they feed on acacia trees.
Cheetah: The Serengeti is a hotspot for cheetah sightings, allowing visitors to witness these lightning-fast predators in action during exhilarating chases.
Zebra: Wildebeest migrations often feature expansive herds of zebras, contributing to the iconic landscapes of Tanzania’s national parks.
Hippopotamus: Waterways teem with hippos, offering glimpses of these massive creatures either basking in the sun or submerged in water.
Crocodile: Patrolling riverbanks, crocodiles showcase their predatory prowess, with opportunities to observe their stealthy movements.
AVIAN EXTRAVAGANZA:
Tanzania’s diverse avian population makes it a haven for bird enthusiasts. Look out for vivid species like the Lilac-breasted Roller, African Fish Eagle, and the Secretary Bird.
PRIMATE PRESENCE:
Chimpanzee and Baboon: Gombe Stream National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park are famed for their chimpanzee populations, while baboons are common in various regions.
Colobus Monkey: These striking black-and-white monkeys inhabit the forests of Arusha and other national parks.
A Tanzanian safari presents an unmatched opportunity to witness the wonders of the animal kingdom in their natural habitat. From the iconic Big Five to the diverse birdlife and captivating primates, Tanzania’s national parks provide an immersive experience for wildlife enthusiasts. As you embark on this adventure, remember to show respect for the environment and actively contribute to conservation efforts, ensuring the preservation of these incredible creatures for generations to come.
ZARA Tanzania Adventures Blog 