Uber Launches $200 Safari Experience in South Africa

Uber is set to unveil one of its most adventurous services yet with the launch of Uber Safari in South Africa. Starting in October, riders can use the Uber app to embark on a unique safari experience that takes them from Cape Town to a nearby game reserve for a chance to encounter Africa’s iconic “big five” animals: lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinos. This innovative new service is a collaboration between Uber and the renowned Aquila Private Game Reserve, located approximately two hours from Cape Town. The initiative promises a seamless and luxurious journey that offers both tourists and locals an opportunity to experience wildlife in a manner that’s affordable, easy to book, and eco-conscious.

Imran Manji, Uber’s Head of East and South Africa, expressed excitement about the new service, saying, “Safari is such an iconic travel experience throughout Africa. We’re thrilled to offer tourists and locals alike the opportunity to book an affordable, luxurious, and seamless wildlife adventure within our app.” Uber Safari is part of the company’s broader ‘Go Anywhere’ campaign, which has also introduced unique transportation options like Uber Bubbles in France, Uber Boat in Greece, and Uber Balloon in Turkey. These limited-time offerings aim to help travelers tick off bucket-list adventures with minimal hassle by utilizing the app’s Reserve feature.

Uber has made significant strides in expanding beyond traditional ridesharing by focusing on innovative travel experiences. The Uber Safari launch continues the company’s trend of pushing boundaries and enhancing transportation services to include adventure and luxury travel. Manji added, “We’re always striving to push the boundaries of what is possible in transportation, from luxury travel to climate-conscious mobility solutions. Each innovation, including Uber Safari, is designed with the future in mind, making travel more exciting, accessible, and sustainable.”

Uber Safari is not just a typical ride but an entire day trip designed for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The journey begins with an Uber pickup from any Cape Town accommodation, around 9 a.m. Travelers will enjoy a scenic two-hour ride in a BMW through the well-paved highways leading to the Aquila Private Game Reserve. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a welcome toast featuring South African wine, followed by a hearty lunch, with vegan options available. After the meal, groups will set off on a three-hour safari guided by experienced field guides and game rangers. The safari vehicles, designed to accommodate all weather conditions, take passengers through 25,000 acres of protected land, where they can spot South Africa’s “big five” animals along with other wildlife, such as giraffes, zebras, hippos, and flamingos.

The partnership between Uber and Aquila Private Game Reserve is also a significant step towards supporting wildlife conservation. The reserve, a leading wildlife conservancy in South Africa, uses part of its earnings to protect endangered species and preserve the region’s biodiversity. Johan van Schalkwyk, Commercial Officer of Aquila Collection, highlighted the importance of this collaboration: “Uber Safari allows folks to book and enjoy an unforgettable day at Aquila, where they’ll get to experience the Big 5 in an easy and luxurious way. It’s the perfect combination of modern convenience and natural beauty, all while supporting wildlife conservation efforts that are vital to preserving South Africa’s biodiversity.”

In terms of pricing, Uber Safari offers a surprisingly affordable package for such a luxurious experience. The $200 booking covers the round-trip transfer, game drive, and lunch for up to four passengers, translating to just $50 per person. While tips are not included in the package, guests are encouraged to bring cash for gratuities. Due to the high demand for these trips, particularly during Cape Town’s peak tourist season from November to January, booking in advance is highly recommended.

This new safari offering reflects Uber’s growing presence in South Africa, where the company serves over 80% of the urban population across nearly 30 cities. In 2023, Uber contributed an estimated R17 billion ($970 million USD) to the South African economy, with R1 billion ($58.4 million USD) of that going directly to the tourism industry. Manji noted Uber’s commitment to having a positive impact in the regions it operates, saying, “At Uber, our number one priority is to positively impact the communities and economies we serve.”

Booking an Uber Safari will be available through the Uber app starting Wednesday, October 2. Riders will be able to reserve their safari trip from 24 hours to 90 days in advance. The Uber Safari option will appear on the app’s home screen for users in South Africa, with excursions scheduled for Fridays and Saturdays until January 25, 2025. For those outside of South Africa, Uber users can change their in-app location to South Africa in order to book the experience. Cancellations are free if made more than 24 hours in advance.

In addition to Uber Safari, the company is also offering a 30% discount for trips to the Cape Winelands, a famous South African wine region, using the promo code CAPEWINE24. As Uber continues to evolve, it is clear that these unique offerings, such as Uber Safari, are positioning the company as a leader in both transportation and travel experiences.

For international travelers interested in booking an Uber Safari trip, getting to Cape Town is easier than ever, with direct flights available from major cities in the United States. United Airlines offers nonstop routes between New York (EWR) and Washington, D.C. (IAD) to Cape Town, while Delta Air Lines provides nonstop service from Atlanta (ATL) to the city. The flights typically take about 15 hours, making Cape Town an accessible destination for those eager to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Uber Safari promises to redefine how people experience safaris, offering an eco-friendly, affordable, and luxurious adventure in the heart of South Africa’s wilderness, all within the convenience of the Uber app.