Uber (UBER.US) has launched Uber Safari, offering adventure tourism services to Nairobi National Park in Kenya. The park is the world's only wildlife reserve located within a capital city. Through the Uber Safari service, passengers can pre-book day or night adventure activities via the app, participating in three-hour guided tours to observe lions, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards.
The ride-hailing company, which has operated in Kenya for ten years, is now targeting the country's $4.3 billion tourism revenue. Its strategy focuses on attracting domestic tourists as well as numerous business travelers who seek convenient safari experiences during brief stays in Nairobi.
Uber stated in a announcement: "By opening our platform to local travel agencies and fleet partners, Uber Safari creates new earning opportunities for those who already own vehicles and have safari guide experience."
Tourism is one of the country's major sources of foreign exchange revenue, contributing 10.4% to the gross domestic product and 5.5% to formal employment. Uber indicated that in 2023, its platform contributed 14.1 billion Kenyan shillings (approximately $109 million) to Kenya's economy, with one-fifth coming from the tourism sector.