Uber Kenya has rolled out Uber Safaris, a new product that enables users to book guided game drives to Nairobi National Park directly through the App.
The e-hailing firm, celebrating 10 years in Kenya, is firmly setting its sights on a share of the country’s booming $4.3 billion tourism revenue by catering to business travellers looking for a quick safari during brief stops in Nairobi.
The innovative service offering, available only in Nairobi for now, offers a three-hour wildlife excursion in safari-grade Land Cruisers with licensed guides.
Imran Manji, Uber’s East Africa head, revealed that Day safaris are priced at $ 194 (KSh25,00) for up to seven people, while night drives cost $309.30 (KSh40,000) for up to five passengers.
The launch is a collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service, the Tourism Regulatory Authority, and Magical Kenya. Unlike standard Uber rides, only certified safari vehicles and professional guides are eligible.
Manji highlighted that bookings can be made up to three months in advance, with daytime trips requiring two days’ notice and night tours five days.
“Passengers are picked up from their location, taken to the park, and returned after the game drive,” he said.
Uber has been expanding steadily across Africa since it entered the continent a decade ago, now operating in over 50 cities in countries such as Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Egypt.
The company has had notable success, with millions of rides completed annually and products such as UberBoda in Uganda and UberGo in Nigeria tailored for local needs.
The addition of Uber Safaris underscores its strategy of adapting global technology to local markets.
“This is about reimagining how technology can simplify access to Kenya’s greatest treasures. Nairobi is the only capital city in the world with a national park at its doorstep, and we wanted to make it as easy as opening the Uber app to experience that,” stated Manji.
Tourism is a vital part of Kenya’s economy, contributing 10.4% of GDP and 5.5% of formal jobs, according to industry data. Uber says its platform contributed $109 million (KSh14.1 billion) to the economy in 2023, a fifth of which was linked to tourism.
By opening its platform to safari operators, Uber is also creating new earning opportunities and attracting new customers to its App.
“Uber Safari allows certified guides and fleet partners to reach customers they might never have otherwise,” the company said in a statement.
Manji stressed that although its Uber Safari is limited to Nairobi National Park for now, its seamless door-to-door service is expected to attract tourists and residents looking for a quick escape into the majestic African wilderness.
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