NAIROBI, Kenya– Ride-hailing firm Uber has introduced Uber Safari, a new service that allows riders to book wildlife drives through Nairobi National Park directly on its app, as the company marks a decade of operations in Kenya.
The service, which offers both day and night safari options, will connect users to licensed tour operators who provide safari-ready Land Cruisers and professional guides for three-hour excursions.
The trips can be scheduled using Uber Reserve, making it the first time Nairobi residents and international visitors can book a safari via the platform.
Uber said the launch was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Kenya Wildlife Service, the Tourism Regulatory Authority and local fleet partners.
The move comes at a time when tourism remains a key pillar of Kenya’s economy, accounting for 10.4 percent of GDP and 5.5 percent of formal employment in 2023.
Imran Manji, Uber’s General Manager for East Africa, said the product aims to expand access to the country’s wildlife attractions while boosting earnings for operators.
“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 wildlife heritage,” he said.
The company reported that in 2023 its platform contributed KSh 14.1 billion to the Kenyan economy and generated an additional KSh 2.7 billion in value for the tourism sector.
Uber also claims drivers using the app earned 37 percent more than their next best alternative.
By opening the new category to local tour operators, Uber says the model will generate fresh revenue streams for those who already own vehicles and run safaris.
Fleet owners will be able to register Land Cruisers on the app, tapping into Uber’s rider base and digital booking system to attract new demand.
The launch highlights Uber’s attempt to embed itself further into Kenya’s tourism ecosystem at a time when the sector is rebounding from global shocks.
Industry players view digital platforms as increasingly important in connecting tourists to local services and spreading benefits to community-level enterprises.
