Your Holiday Abroad: Building Bridges Through Travel in Tanzania

Falling in love with Tanzania is easy. One glimpse of the Serengeti, a stroll along Zanzibar’s beaches, or the breathtaking view of the Ngorongoro Crater, and you’re hooked. For Zena Mshana, founder of Your Holiday Abroad, that love became more than wanderlust. She turned it into a calling, curating experiences so others could feel the magic too.

“My passion for travel and hospitality started many years ago,” Zena says. “I realised that while Tanzania offers some of the most stunning landscapes, many visitors were missing out on the richness of our culture because their itineraries weren’t designed to be authentic or meaningful.”

What started as a vision, backed by determination and plenty of hard work, grew into Your Holiday Abroad, a trusted brand now crafting tailor-made journeys across Tanzania and Zanzibar.

But for Zena, travel was never just about safaris or ticking animals off a checklist. “Travel is about storytelling, creating memories, and building bridges between people and nations,” she explains. And that philosophy is at the heart of her work. Her itineraries go beyond the ordinary, offering safaris in the Serengeti, spice tours in Zanzibar, cultural immersions with local communities, and dhow cruises at sunset. Whether it’s a family trip, a women’s travel group, or a corporate retreat, her team adds a personal touch that makes guests feel less like clients and more like friends.

The journey, however, hasn’t been without challenges. Tourism, particularly in the safari operations sector, remains a male-dominated field.

“At first, I had to work harder to be taken seriously, to prove I had the knowledge and leadership skills to run a successful business,” she admits. Balancing cultural expectations with entrepreneurship meant rewriting the rules of leadership for women in the industry. Yet, these obstacles only strengthened her resolve. “Overcoming these challenges has made me stronger and more innovative. I take pride in inspiring other women to step into leadership roles.”

Despite the hurdles, what drives Zena is the joy of connection. She lights up when recalling the moments she’s witnessed… the excitement of travellers as they spot wildlife for the first time, the laughter shared during a cultural exchange, the serenity of a sunset on Zanzibar’s beaches. “Watching someone’s face light up reminds me why I started. Travel changes people. It builds understanding, breaks barriers, and creates life-long memories.”

When it comes to advice for other women dreaming of entering the travel industry, Zena doesn’t sugarcoat it. “Believe in your vision and don’t be afraid to start small. Every successful company begins with one idea, one client, or one trip.”

She also stresses the importance of collaboration. “Don’t try to do everything alone. Partnerships open doors you may never reach on your own. Most importantly, stay authentic. Your unique voice is what will set you apart.”

For Zena, success has never been about personal wins alone. “This industry is vast, and there’s space for all of us. When women collaborate, they bring creativity and perspectives that strengthen the entire sector.” She champions mentorship and knowledge-sharing, convinced that simple acts, like recommending another woman’s business, partnering on projects, or amplifying voices on social media, can create lasting change.

So what’s next for Your Holiday Abroad?

“My dream project would be to curate a pan-African journey, starting with Tanzania’s wildlife and culture, then on to Ghana for heritage, Nigeria for vibrancy, and South Africa for diversity. It would be more than just a holiday… it would be a journey of connection, storytelling, and empowerment.”

Until then, her proudest achievement remains close to home: “Building a trusted brand that connects people from all over the world to Tanzania in an authentic and meaningful way.”

And if her story proves anything, it’s that travel is less about the places you go and more about the bridges you build along the way.