In a bid to diversify its offerings and tap into Kenya’s growing tourism industry, Uber has introduced a new service that allows customers to book guided safari trips to Nairobi National Park through the app. The new service, called Uber Safari, lets users book a 3 hour day or night safari up to 90 days in advance.

What is Uber Safari?

Uber Safari is an easy and convenient way to explore Kenya’s wildlife, bookable directly through the Uber app. Once a trip is booked, riders will be picked up in a safari vehicle operated by a registered tour company. Each safari comes with a dedicated guide and a 3 hour wildlife drive in the park.

There are two options for adventure:

  • Day Safaris: Ksh 25,000 for up to 7 people

  • Night Safaris: Ksh 40,000 for up to 5 people

The cost includes vehicle entry fees, driver and warden for night trips but riders will still need to pay for their individual park entry fees which are not included in the booking.

Partnerships and Economic Impact

Uber Safari is a partnership between Uber and several key stakeholders including the Ministry of Tourism, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Tourism Regulatory Authority. This partnership aims to boost Kenya’s tourism sector which contributes significantly to the national economy, 10.4% of GDP and 5.5% of formal employment.

According to Imran Manji, Uber’s General Manager for East Africa, the service will not only provide new ways for tourists to experience Kenya’s wildlife but also create income streams for licensed safari operators. These operators can register their safari vehicles on Uber’s platform to tap into the ride-hailing company’s massive customer base and reach a wider audience.

The potential of online travel booking in Kenya

With online travel booking on the rise in Kenya, more tourists are turning to digital platforms to book their trips. Uber’s entry into the tourism market comes at a time when trust in digital platforms and mobile money is higher than ever. Smaller tour operators especially have embraced these online travel agencies to distribute and sell their services to a wider market.Uber Safari comes at a time when there is growing interest in domestic tourism and Uber can connect customers with operators through the app and create huge opportunities for the local tourism industry.

Why Nairobi?

Nairobi’s proximity to Nairobi National Park made it the obvious choice for Uber’s wildlife tourism venture. The park is just a short drive from the city centre and tourists can see wildlife while being close to urban amenities.

This is Uber’s second foray into the tourism sector after launching a similar service in Cape Town, South Africa last year.