Uber Technologies Inc. has ventured into Kenya’s iconic wildlife tourism sector with the launch of Uber Safaris, a groundbreaking service allowing users to book guided game drives to Nairobi National Park directly through its mobile app.
The rollout, announced on September 17, 2025, coincides with the ride-hailing giant’s 10th anniversary in Kenya and aims to capture a slice of the country’s $4.3 billion tourism industry by offering quick, hassle-free excursions for busy travelers.
The service, currently exclusive to Nairobi, provides a three-hour wildlife adventure in safari-grade Land Cruisers operated by licensed tour companies, complete with professional guides. Daytime safaris, accommodating up to seven passengers, are priced at $194 (KSh 25,000), while night drives—for up to five people—cost $309 (KSh 40,000). Bookings can be made up to three months in advance via Uber Reserve, with a minimum of two days’ notice for day trips and five days for night tours.
“This is about reimagining how technology can simplify access to Kenya’s greatest treasures,” said Imran Manji, Uber’s General Manager for East Africa. “Nairobi is the only capital city in the world with a national park at its doorstep, and we wanted to make it as easy as opening the Uber app to experience that.” He added that passengers are picked up from their location, transported to the park for the game drive, and returned seamlessly afterward.
The initiative is a strategic collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the Tourism Regulatory Authority, and Magical Kenya, ensuring compliance with safety and sustainability standards. Unlike standard Uber rides, only certified safari vehicles and guides are permitted, with park entry fees paid separately to KWS. Uber emphasized that the service uses hybrid vehicles to minimize environmental impact, aligning with Kenya’s push for eco-tourism.
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Uber’s expansion into tourism underscores its decade-long adaptation across Africa, where it now operates in over 50 cities, including Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Egypt. The company has completed millions of rides annually, tailoring offerings like UberBoda in Uganda and UberGo in Nigeria to local markets. In 2023, Uber contributed $109 million (KSh 14.1 billion) to Kenya’s economy, with one-fifth tied to tourism.
By partnering with local operators rather than deploying its own fleet, Uber Safaris creates fresh earning opportunities for guides and fleet partners. “Uber Safari allows certified guides and fleet partners to reach customers they might never have otherwise,” the company stated. Manji noted the service’s potential to attract both international visitors and residents seeking a swift escape into the African wilderness.
Kenya’s tourism sector, a cornerstone of the economy contributing 10.4% to GDP and 5.5% of formal employment, has rebounded strongly post-pandemic. Visitor arrivals surged 24% in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year, with Nairobi National Park emerging as a top draw for both domestic and global tourists.
