Uber has launched Uber Safari, a groundbreaking service enabling users to book wildlife tours in Nairobi National Park directly through the Uber app. This new service marks a decade of Uber’s presence in Kenya and opens doors for both tourists and locals to experience the rich wildlife heritage of the world’s only national park situated within a capital city.
Uber Safari: A New Way to Explore Nairobi National Park
Uber Safari is designed to offer convenient and unique safari experiences for people staying in Nairobi. Travelers and business professionals can now seamlessly book three-hour guided tours that take them through Nairobi National Park’s most iconic wildlife hotspots. With the service, users can expect to see lions, rhinos, buffaloes, and even leopards, making it a thrilling adventure that can be easily arranged during a short stay in Kenya’s bustling capital.
Safari Pricing and Booking Options
The service offers both day and night safari options. A typical day safari is priced at 25,000 shillings ($194), while the night safari experience comes at 40,000 shillings. These prices include transportation in licensed Land Cruisers, operated by local tour companies, and a knowledgeable guide to enhance the safari experience.
Bookings can be made easily through Uber Reserve, which allows users to schedule their trip in advance. This system makes Uber Safari perfect for both business travelers seeking quick adventures and tourists looking to explore Nairobi’s vibrant natural beauty during their stay.
Uber Safari’s Contribution to Kenya’s Economy
Tourism is one of Kenya’s most significant economic sectors, contributing 10.4% of the country’s GDP and providing 5.5% of formal employment. Uber Safari aligns with Kenya’s tourism goals, contributing to the industry’s growth and creating new earning opportunities for local businesses.
Uber’s partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), Tourism Regulatory Authority, and Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism strengthens the collaboration between the private sector and government agencies in promoting Kenya’s wildlife tourism. Uber Safari also reflects Uber’s commitment to the country’s economic development, as evidenced by the KES 14.1 billion Uber contributed to Kenya’s economy in 2023, with a significant portion of that tied to the tourism sector.
Supporting Local Tour Operators
Rather than operating its own fleet of safari vehicles, Uber Safari allows local tour operators and Land Cruiser fleets to list their services on the Uber platform. This approach not only creates additional income streams for existing businesses but also ensures that users have access to safari guides with established expertise.
Imran Manji, Uber’s General Manager for East Africa, emphasized the role of tourism in Kenya’s economy, stating, “With Uber Safari, we are excited to be unlocking new ways for people to connect with our incredible wildlife heritage.” This statement underscores Uber’s efforts to blend technology with tourism to create innovative experiences for both locals and tourists.
Uber Safari’s Impact on Local Tourism
Uber Safari is expected to provide significant benefits for local tourism businesses. With its high global reach and technological expertise, Uber is facilitating easy access to Kenya’s national park system, potentially attracting more visitors. As the service is rolled out exclusively in Nairobi National Park for now, it presents a unique opportunity for Nairobi-based businesses and tourists alike to enjoy one of the world’s most accessible safari destinations.
Uber Safari: A Tourism-Focused Product Category
Uber Safari marks a first for the ride-hailing company, which has traditionally focused on urban transportation. With this new offering, Uber is setting a precedent by combining technology with wildlife tourism in a way that allows for easy bookings and significant local economic impact. The new service is poised to attract millions of tourists and business professionals, contributing to the industry’s growth and sustainability.
Conclusion:
Uber Safari is more than just a ride-hailing service; it is an innovative step towards merging urban mobility with Kenya’s renowned wildlife tourism sector. This partnership with local tour operators and the Kenyan government is set to boost the country’s tourism industry while creating sustainable income opportunities for local businesses. As Uber celebrates 10 years in Kenya, Uber Safari looks to play a pivotal role in the future of tourism in Nairobi and beyond.
