Uber’s unexpected move in South Africa
Uber has just announced its next big move in South Africa describing it as its most wild offering to date.
Uber has just announced its most wild offering to date – one that will have customers both curious and eager to get involved.
For the first time ever, tourists and locals alike will have the opportunity to book a safari day trip to see the big five (lions, elephants, buffalos, cheetahs, and rhinos) in Cape Town, South Africa.
The once-in-a-lifetime experience called Uber Safari, is off the back its ‘Go Anywhere’ series of limited-edition travel products.
As such, the rideshare platform has teamed up with Aquila Private Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s most popular wildlife conservancies.
“We wanted to enable travellers and locals to experience a real Safari adventure that is both accessible and effortless for those visiting the region,” Imran Manji, Head of East Africa, Uber, told news.com.au.
Available exclusively in the Uber app from October 4, 2024 to January 25, 2025, it will allow customers to book the safari via the app – taking the stress out of planning a safari, as it’s all done for you.
The day trip includes a pick-up in Cape Town in an Uber Safari-branded vehicle where guests will be driven to Aquila, about two hours from the city.
Upon arrival at the reserve, guests will enjoy a welcome toast and lunch before boarding a traditional safari vehicle with experienced game rangers and field guides. During the game drive, guides will ensure guests have the best opportunity to see the big five. After the adventure, riders will have access to Aquila’s picturesque grounds before heading back to Cape Town.
“Guides at Aquila Game Reserve are highly trained and always prioritise passenger safety,” Mr Manji said.
“As long as passengers adhere to the Guide’s instructions, such as staying inside the vehicles at all times, they will remain safe.”
Mr Manji said Aquila Game Reserve has a longstanding commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism and every booking through Uber contributes to conservation efforts that help protect endangered species and ensure the preservation of South Africa’s rich biodiversity.
“We’re excited to partner with Uber to extend our bucket list wildlife experiences to their customers,” Johan van Schalkwyk, Commercial Officer of Aquila Collection, said.
“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.”
Frans Hiemstra, regional general manager of Uber in the Middle East and Africa described Uber Safari as “one of our most wild offerings to date”.
“We’ve designed our ‘Go Anywhere’ series to help our customers book bucket list adventures with the Uber convenience they know and love,” he added.
“Our Reserve technology makes it easier than ever to unlock an epic South African travel experience.”
How safe is Uber in Cape Town?
In terms of Uber in South Africa, the rideshare platform provides South Africans with a safer transport option – particularly late at night.
“76 per cent of riders told us that without ridesharing services it would be very or somewhat difficult to find a safe way to travel at night,” Mr Manji told news.com.au.
“Riders have access to all of the safety features that Uber is globally known for, including the ability to share your trip with a loved one in real time, report a safety issue and verify your driver and vehicle on every trip.”
Drivers in Cape Town also have to clear several safety checks including a criminal background screening process.
Reservations for Uber Safari will become available in the Uber app on October 2, and will be bookable 24 hours to 90 days in advance. Uber Safari will run on Fridays and Saturdays until January 25, cost a $US200 - $A290 - flat fee, and can accommodate up to four guests.
“To book Uber Safari, all travellers need to do is select the ‘Uber Safari’ icon on the home screen of the Uber app, choose an available date, enter your pick-up and drop-off locations, then select ‘Reserve Uber Safari’. If your trip is confirmed, you’ll receive an email letting you know,” Mr Manji explained.
“We are expecting huge demand from tourists visiting the region, and wanting to see the Big 5 in a shorter time period, so we encourage travellers to use the 90 day booking period to reserve in advance.”
Travelling to South Africa
Qantas has expanded its network between Australia and South Africa, offering an extra 130,000 seats per year.
The national carrier launched its Airbus A380 flight to Johannesburg on Monday and will fly up to six times per week.
It will see a near-doubling of capacity thanks to its 485 seats across its four cabins.
Those who need to get to Cape Town from Johannesburg can do so via Airlink – a Johannesburg-based carrier, that Qantas is now in a new codeshare partnership with as it expands its network into South Africa.
Qantas first touched down in South Africa in 1948 with the first passenger services in September 1952 taking around 66 hours.
More Coverage
Today, the Flying Kangaroo’s flights are non-stop, with the upgauge heralding the first A380 flight by any airline across the southern Indian Ocean.
The national carrier also intends to relaunch direct flights from Perth to Johannesburg from mid-2025, subject to meeting border agency requirements.
This writer travelled to Cape Town as a guest of Uber Australia
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