Global ride-hailing firm Uber has entered Kenya’s tourism market with the launch of Uber Safari, a service that allows users to book guided trips to Nairobi National Park directly through the app. The move represents Uber’s first venture into wildlife tourism in the country, signaling a diversification of its service portfolio.
Under the new product, customers can schedule three-hour safari drives, either day or night, between 2 and 90 days in advance. The trips are conducted in safari vehicles owned by licensed tour operators, with each vehicle staffed by a driver and a professional guide.
Pricing has been set at Ksh.25,000 for day safaris, accommodating up to seven passengers, while night safaris cost Ksh.40,000 and carry a maximum of five. The fare covers vehicle entry fees into the park, driver charges, and a warden for night trips. Individual park entry fees remain payable by each tourist.
Uber said the service is designed to unlock new income opportunities for registered safari operators while tapping into Kenya’s tourism industry, which contributes about 10.4 percent of GDP and 5.5 percent of formal employment. “Tourism plays a vital role in Kenya’s economy, and with Uber Safari, we are unlocking new ways for people to connect with wildlife while creating earning opportunities for operators,” said Imran Manji, Uber’s General Manager for East Africa.
The launch coincides with Uber’s 10th anniversary in Kenya and is being rolled out in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the Tourism Regulatory Authority, and local fleet operators.
Industry observers say the pilot project reflects growing consumer trust in digital platforms for travel bookings and Uber’s ability to adapt its technology beyond urban transport. Nairobi was selected as the starting point due to its unique advantage of hosting a fully-fledged national park just minutes from the city center, making it an accessible attraction for both locals and international visitors.
With this new service, Uber is positioning itself not just as a transport company but as a platform player in Kenya’s tourism economy, leveraging its existing customer base to connect global travelers with local experiences.
