Uber Safari launches in Nairobi National Park, targets Kenya’s $4.3B tourism market
Ride-hailing giant Uber Technologies Inc. has rolled out Uber Safari, a new service offering guided tours in Nairobi National Park, the only wildlife park in the world located within a capital city.
The launch comes as Uber celebrates ten years of operations in Kenya, marking a decade of growth and innovation in one of its most vibrant African markets. With this move, Uber is seeking to capture part of Kenya’s $4.3 billion tourism sector by offering an on-demand safari experience that caters to both domestic travelers and international business visitors who want a quick but memorable wildlife adventure.
With Uber Safari, riders can pre-book either day or night safaris directly through the Uber app.
Each trip lasts approximately three hours, giving guests an opportunity to see some of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife including lions, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards without leaving Nairobi.
Day tours are priced at KSh 25,000 , while night safaris cost KSh 40,000. The new service also integrates local tour operators and fleet owners, allowing them to list their safari-ready vehicles and guiding expertise on the platform.
“By opening the platform to local tour operators and fleet partners, Uber Safari creates new earning opportunities for those who already have vehicles and expertise in guiding safaris,” the company said in a statement announcing the launch.
Tourism is one of Kenya’s most critical economic sectors, contributing 10.4% of GDP and employing 5.5% of the country’s formal workforce, according to Uber.
The company revealed that its platform contributed KSh 14.1 billion ($109M) to the Kenyan economy in 2023, with roughly 20% tied to tourism-related activity.
Industry analysts note that the introduction of Uber Safari could attract a new demographic of travelers particularly corporate visitors who often have limited time but want to experience Kenya’s wildlife before flying out.
“This is exactly the kind of innovation that enhances Nairobi’s appeal as a global business hub,” said a tourism market observer.
“Short-stay visitors no longer need to arrange complex logistics to enjoy a safari. They can now schedule and pay for it just like an airport transfer.”
Kenya’s tourism industry is a major source of foreign exchange earnings and has been recovering steadily after global slowdowns in previous years. By integrating its technology platform with the country’s safari offerings, Uber is positioning itself as more than a transport service , it is becoming a facilitator of travel experiences.
The company says Uber Safari will not only boost convenience for travelers but also provide additional income streams for tour operators, many of whom rely heavily on seasonal tourist flows.
Uber’s expansion into the safari market is part of a broader strategy to diversify its services in emerging economies, where tourism plays a significant role in growth. By tapping into a sector worth billions of dollars annually, Uber is cementing its presence in Kenya while simultaneously supporting local businesses and job creation.
For travelers, Uber Safari promises a fast, reliable and tech-enabled way to explore Nairobi’s unique wildlife park without complicated arrangements. For Kenya’s tourism ecosystem, it represents a new digital gateway that could increase visitor numbers and spending in the capital city.
As Nairobi continues to attract global conferences, business delegations and tourists, Uber’s latest move could be the key to turning layovers and short business trips into unforgettable wildlife encounters all booked with a few taps on a smartphone.
