Zara Tanzania Adventures has secured Africa’s Leading Adventure Tour Operator title at the 2026 World Travel Awards in Zanzibar.
Zanzibar Gala Ceremony Marks Sixth Consecutive Title
The announcement came during the World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony held at the Diamond Bijoux Hotel in Bwejuu, Zanzibar, on Friday. Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards recognize achievements across the global travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. For the Moshi-based company, the latest honor reinforces its standing in the regional adventure market.
Founder and chief executive Zainab Ansell accepted the recognition, dedicating the milestone to the company’s workforce and industry partners.
“We are proud, but also humbled to be recognised as Africa’s Leading Adventure Tour Operator,”
Zainab Ansell, Founder and Chief Executive, Zara Tanzania Adventures
Ansell dedicated the recognition to the company’s employees, mountain guides, porters, partners, clients, and communities involved in its operations.
“Putting purpose at the heart of our operations — by considering the needs of our customers, partners, host communities and our planet — is what drives us as a company to create genuine and long-term value,”
Zainab Ansell, Founder and Chief Executive, Zara Tanzania Adventures
Ansell established the enterprise in 1986, initially centering operations around Mount Kilimanjaro expeditions before expanding into a diversified portfolio spanning wildlife safaris, cultural experiences, beach holidays, and tailor-made travel programmes.
Four Decades of Growth Across Tanzania’s Major Destinations
Over the past four decades, Zara Tanzania Adventures has grown into Tanzania’s largest Kilimanjaro outfitter and one of the country’s largest safari operators, maintaining daily departures up the Kilimanjaro Mountain with a choice of six routes. In addition, weekly departures are available on seven group safari itineraries through the wild areas and amazing bush lands. Its operations span some of Tanzania’s best-known destinations, including Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Zanzibar.
- Mount Kilimanjaro expeditions
- Wildlife safaris in the Serengeti
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area tours
- Zanzibar coastal and beach excursions
Accommodations supporting these routes include standard properties such as two hotels, Springlands and Highview, as well as at tented camps, with friendly, experienced, and professional officials for the safaris ensuring safety and comfort are foremost as the company brings dreams to life and crafts them into lifelong memories.
Balancing Commercial Expansion with Sustainable Operations
As the company enters its fifth decade, its leadership emphasizes a business model anchored in local economic generation. The company says its locally owned model is designed to ensure that tourism generates benefits beyond visitors, including through employment, education, community initiatives, environmental programmes, and support for local livelihoods.
The latest award comes as Tanzania seeks to strengthen its position as a leading African destination for international travellers, with tourism built around its wildlife, mountains, beaches, and cultural heritage. For Zara, the consecutive awards also underscore the growth of a Tanzanian-owned business competing in an industry dominated by international brands.
“Our customised services, innovation and experience have brought us to this remarkable moment — to stand among leaders of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry and receive the ultimate honour of the World Travel Awards,”
Zainab Ansell, Founder and Chief Executive, Zara Tanzania Adventures
The company’s four-decade history also highlights the increasing role of African-owned enterprises and women entrepreneurs in the tourism sector. Ansell established Zara at a time when Tanzania’s tourism industry was smaller and opportunities for women entrepreneurs were more limited. Under her leadership, the company has expanded its portfolio while maintaining a focus on local employment and community development.
The Summit Experience and Industry Outlook
Climbing Kilimanjaro is noted as a once-in-a-life experience and major challenge. When you reach the top you can experience total freedom, which is not only a great shot, but also perfectly communicates total freedom – being higher than the clouds – overlooking the whole continent of Africa.
As Zara enters its fifth decade, the company faces the same pressures confronting tourism operators globally, including changing consumer expectations, digital disruption, environmental challenges, and growing demand for responsible tourism. For Ansell, however, the focus remains on building a sustainable Tanzanian tourism business while expressing gratitude to its network.
“To our clients and travel partners around the world: thank you for believing in us, travelling with us and supporting us throughout this journey,”
Zainab Ansell, Founder and Chief Executive, Zara Tanzania Adventures
Related reading
Big Church Festival Cancelled After Falling Sign Kills Man in West Sussex
A 41-year-old man died and at least six other people sustained injuries after a large sign collapsed at...
President Ruto Unveils New Police Uniforms Amid Tender Questions
President William Ruto unveiled the new general duty police uniforms during a passing-out parade at the National Police...
Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine Swears In Constitution Review Implementation Committee
Ghanaian Attorney-General Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine swore in an 11-member Constitution Review Implementation Committee on August 28, 2026,...
King Harald V of Norway Dies at 89; Succeeded by King Haakon
King Harald V of Norway has died at the age of 89 at Oslo University Hospital, the royal...