Uber has unveiled “Uber Safari,” a novel service enabling passengers to book guided wildlife tours within Nairobi National Park-the unique urban wildlife reserve situated right inside Kenya’s capital. Accessible directly through the Uber app, this offering provides a three-hour safari adventure aboard Uber-branded vehicles. This initiative allows both residents and tourists to witness iconic animals such as lions, giraffes, and rhinos mere minutes from Nairobi’s bustling city centre.
Celebrating ten years of operation in Kenya, Uber is evolving beyond its traditional role as a ride-hailing platform to become a key player in the tourism sector. Uber Safari targets Kenya’s thriving $4.3 billion tourism industry by catering to domestic travelers and business visitors seeking hassle-free, short-duration safari experiences during brief stays in Nairobi.
Through the Uber app, tourists can now effortlessly book a three-hour game drive priced at approximately $190 (Ksh 25,000). The service includes transportation to and from Nairobi National Park in a dedicated Uber safari van, simplifying access to Kenya’s wildlife without the need for advance reservations weeks ahead.
Nairobi National Park is renowned for its extraordinary blend of natural savannah and urban skyline, offering visitors the rare chance to observe wildlife such as lions, zebras, buffaloes, and giraffes against the backdrop of city skyscrapers. By integrating this unique experience into its platform, Uber is making it easier for both locals and international guests to enjoy the park with minimal inconvenience.
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The Uber Safari service operates on a reservation basis, providing riders with upfront pricing and the ability to plan their trip in advance. To book, riders must be at least 18 years old, aligning with Uber’s updated policy that restricts certain ride types for teen accounts created after April 2024.
Uber Safari’s Vision for Africa’s Expanding Tourism Market
The Nairobi launch of Uber Safari reflects the company’s broader strategy to diversify beyond conventional ride-hailing into the travel and tourism arena. This is part of Uber’s ‘Go Anywhere’ initiative, which offers customers the chance to book exclusive, bucket-list experiences directly through the app.
Less than a year ago, Uber debuted a similar safari experience in Cape Town, South Africa. This day trip transports passengers from the city to Aquila Private Game Reserve in Uber Safari-branded vehicles, offering a chance to see South Africa’s famed “Big Five”: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos.
Priced at around $200 (over R3,000), the South African safari runs from October through February on Fridays and Saturdays, accommodating up to four passengers per vehicle. The package includes a 2-3 hour game drive, lunch, a welcome toast, and return transport to Cape Town. Bookings can be made up to 90 days in advance, with free cancellations allowed up to an hour before pickup.
Frans Hiemstra, Uber’s Regional General Manager for the Middle East and Africa, described the ‘Go Anywhere’ series as a way to bring once-in-a-lifetime adventures directly to users’ fingertips. He called Uber Safari “one of our most thrilling experiences yet,” highlighting how the Reserve feature simplifies access to unforgettable travel moments.
Boosting Kenya’s Economy and Tourism Through Innovation
Tourism remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s economy, and Uber Safari has the potential to attract more visitors by offering quick, accessible safari options for those with limited time. By removing the complexities of planning and providing transparent pricing, Uber is opening the doors for a wider audience to explore Nairobi National Park.
Traditionally dominated by established safari operators, the Nairobi safari market may see diversification as Uber appeals to tech-savvy travelers who prefer booking experiences via mobile apps. This integration allows users to seamlessly arrange airport pickups, city tours, and now wildlife safaris all within a single platform.
Increased visitor traffic will also benefit local guides and Uber drivers, generating new employment opportunities linked to tourism. Nairobi National Park’s ongoing conservation efforts stand to gain from additional revenue streams fueled by this surge in visitors, supporting wildlife preservation and park maintenance.
As Uber continues to innovate within the tourism sector, the launch of Uber Safari underscores the company’s commitment to merging everyday transportation with extraordinary travel experiences, blurring the lines between routine commutes and adventure.
With Uber Safari now available in Nairobi, the quintessential Kenyan safari is transformed into an on-demand journey, accessible with just a few taps on your smartphone.
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