By Michelle Ndaga
Nairobi has become the latest city where Uber is expanding beyond urban mobility with the launch of Uber Safari, a service that allows users to book guided wildlife tours at Nairobi National Park directly through the app.
Journalist Larry Madowo was among the first to highlight the development, noting on social media: “In Kenya, you can request an Uber Safari. One of the vans will show up and take you on a 3-hour game drive at the Nairobi National Park for about $190 (KSh 25,000).”
A day trip costs KSh 25,000 per car, which can carry up to seven people. Night safaris are priced at KSh 40,000 per vehicle, accommodating up to five tourists. The cost covers the vehicle entry into the park, driver charges, and for night trips, a warden. Riders still need to pay their own individual park entry fees.
Located just 7 kilometers from Nairobi’s city center, the park is famed for its lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and over 400 bird species, making it the only capital city worldwide with a national park at its doorstep.
The move is aimed at tapping into Kenya’s tourism sector, which contributes about 10.4% of GDP and 5.5% of formal employment. It also seeks to provide new income streams for licensed safari operators, who can register their vehicles on Uber’s platform to access the company’s customer base.
The rollout reflects Uber’s strategy to diversify into tourism and leisure in emerging markets. Analysts say the service could attract both international tourists seeking hassle-free experiences and Nairobi residents looking for an accessible wildlife adventure.
Kenya’s tourism sector, which is central to the economy, has been rebounding after the pandemic, and initiatives like Uber Safari are expected to boost its recovery further.
