Hailing a ride has never been this exciting.
Because for those who happen to be in Kenya, wild adventures are sure to come sooner than you’d think.
Uber Technologies Inc. has thrown their hat in the ring with regards to Kenya’s safari market, launching ride services in the Nairobi National Park.
Established as Uber Safari, the service will be for expeditions into the national park, which is the world’s only wildlife park within a capital city.
The service, which will be available on the Uber app, will allow riders to pre-book day or night expeditions through licensed safari operators to watch lions, rhinos, buffaloes and leopards. Each trip includes a professional guide and a three-hour wildlife experience, offering a seamless connection from the city to the park.
The initiative is being rolled out in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Kenya Wildlife Service, the Tourism Regulatory Authority, and the city.
Through this move, the company is eyeing some of the $4.3 billion tourism income by targeting domestic tourists and the thousands of business travelers looking for a quick safari during short stays in Nairobi.
“By opening the platform to local tour operators and fleet partners, Uber Safari creates new earning opportunities for those who already have vehicles and expertise in guiding safaris,” Uber said in a statement, per The Economic Times.
“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,” said Uber East Africa General Manager Imran Manji, per Capital Business.
“This product is designed to make safaris more accessible and convenient for both local residents and international visitors, while creating new earning opportunities for drivers and communities that rely on tourism.”
Uber says its platform contributed 14.1 billion shillings ($109 million) to the Kenyan economy in 2023, a fifth of which was in the tourism industry.
“Uber Safari is a symbol of how technology and tradition can come together to deliver meaningful impact — from strengthening the tourism sector, to supporting livelihoods, to offering riders experiences they will never forget,” added Anabel Díaz, Uber’s Vice President for Europe, Middle East and Africa, per Capital Business.