Uber has announced the launch of "Uber Safari" at Nairobi National Park in Kenya, offering both day and exclusive night safari experiences bookable through its app.
Nairobi National Park is uniquely situated just outside the capital, creating a rare blend of skyline-and-savannah access that lends itself to short-format safaris. According to Uber, the rollout frames Safari as a seamless, on-app tour option that taps licensed operators while expanding city visitors’ ability to see wildlife without complex planning. The model aligns with Kenya’s push to diversify urban-adjacent tourism products and leverages the park’s proximity to Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) to convert business and weekend travelers into same-day safari customers.
Pricing and format details underscore the proposition: media reports cite guided three-hour day safaris priced around KSh 25,000 (approximately $194) and night safaris near KSh 40,000 (approximately $310), operated in licensed safari vehicles within the 117 km² park. The offering targets time-constrained travelers seeking curated experiences, with booking and pickup handled through the Uber app to reduce friction versus traditional outfitter arrangements.
Kenya’s travel rebound provides market tailwinds. The Tourism Research Institute reports 2,394,376 international arrivals in 2024, up approximately 15% year-over-year. Meanwhile, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates that the sector contributed roughly KSh 1.2 trillion to the economy and supported approximately 1.7 million jobs. Urban gateway products that convert layovers and short stays into paid excursions can lift per-visitor spend and broaden participation beyond classic multi-day circuits.
Founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, Uber Technologies Inc. operates global Mobility, Delivery, and Freight platforms. In Kenya, Uber connects riders with drivers across product tiers and now with licensed safari operators for park experiences. The company emphasizes app-based convenience, safety features, and partnerships that localize offerings while expanding its addressable market into tourism and experiences alongside core urban transport.