In a major milestone marking 10 years of operations in Kenya, Uber has launched Uber Safari, a new service that allows users to book wildlife tours directly through the Uber app. The service provides an easy and affordable way for locals and tourists to explore the iconic Nairobi National Park, the world’s only wildlife park located within a capital city.
Uber Safari: A Unique Way to Experience Nairobi’s Wildlife
Uber Safari is a game-changing service aimed at transforming how visitors and business travelers explore Kenya’s unique wildlife. With this new addition, Uber is entering the competitive $4.3 billion Kenyan tourism industry, offering a fast and convenient way for travelers to experience one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife destinations, the Nairobi National Park.
Nairobi National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards. With Uber Safari, riders can now pre-book a three-hour guided tour that takes them deep into the park, where they can witness these majestic animals in their natural habitat. The experience is a fantastic option for business travelers with limited time, making it an ideal way to enjoy Kenya’s wildlife during short stays.
Safari Pricing and Booking Information
Uber offers day and night safari options through Uber Safari. The rates are as follows:
- Day Safari: 25,000 shillings (approx. $194)
- Night Safari: 40,000 shillings
Both options include a licensed Land Cruiser, a guide, and a three-hour wildlife tour. Users can book their safari in advance via Uber Reserve, ensuring they don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the park’s diverse wildlife.
Uber Safari’s Impact on Local Economy and Tourism
Tourism is a significant contributor to Kenya’s economy, contributing 10.4% of the country’s GDP and accounting for 5.5% of formal employment. Uber Safari is positioned to contribute further to this vital industry, with Uber estimating that it contributed KES 14.1 billion to Kenya’s economy in 2023, a portion of which was directed toward tourism.
Imran Manji, Uber’s General Manager for East Africa, said, “Tourism plays a vital role in Kenya’s economy, and with Uber Safari, we are excited to be unlocking new ways for people to connect with our incredible wildlife heritage.”
The service is in collaboration with Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism, Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), and the Tourism Regulatory Authority. By utilizing local tour operators and existing fleets of Land Cruisers, Uber Safari creates new earning opportunities for local businesses while leveraging Uber’s platform to expand the reach of Kenya’s tourism sector.
Supporting Local Businesses Through Uber Safari
Unlike traditional safari tour services, Uber is not operating its own fleet of safari vehicles. Instead, it is partnering with local tour operators and Land Cruiser fleets, which already have the necessary vehicles and safari expertise. This innovative approach helps create additional income streams for local businesses, allowing them to benefit from the rising demand for safaris while giving Uber users access to trusted safari guides and operators.
Uber’s strategic focus on empowering local businesses while offering a premium service reflects the company’s long-term commitment to the economic development of Kenya.
Uber Safari’s Contribution to Kenya’s Tourism Value
Uber’s platform facilitated an additional KES 2.7 billion in tourism value in 2023, supporting what the company refers to as “millions of tourist journeys.” The introduction of Uber Safari enhances Uber’s role in connecting tourists to authentic Kenyan experiences, contributing significantly to the tourism value generated by the company’s operations.
Uber Safari: The First Tourism-Focused Product for Uber
Uber Safari is the first product from Uber that focuses exclusively on the tourism industry, marking a departure from the company’s traditional urban transportation model. The service blends technology and wildlife tourism, creating an easy-to-use platform for travelers to explore Kenya’s wildlife in a seamless and affordable way. For now, Uber Safari is available exclusively in Nairobi National Park, but the service may expand to other safari destinations in the future.
Conclusion:
The launch of Uber Safari in Kenya represents a significant development in the country’s tourism sector, providing both locals and international visitors with a unique way to explore the Nairobi National Park. By integrating technology with the wildlife tourism industry, Uber is enhancing Kenya’s tourism offerings and supporting local businesses through its platform. As Uber celebrates a decade in Kenya, Uber Safari is set to play a crucial role in the growth of the Kenya tourism industry, driving both economic impact and global interest in one of the world’s most unique wildlife experiences.
