Private Safaris (EA) Ltd
Founded in 1976 and acquired by Thomas Cook India Group in 2017, Private Safaris (EA) Ltd is a Nairobi-based destination management company operating 14+ safari and beach packages across Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, and Ethiopia for international leisure and MICE travelers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1976
- HeadquartersNairobi, Kenya
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Private Safaris (EA) Ltd does
Private Safaris (EA) Ltd is a Nairobi-based destination management company founded in 1976 that curates and sells multi-day safari, beach, and gorilla-trekking packages across Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Ethiopia. Originally serving the Swiss inbound market, the company expanded physically into Cape Town (2003), Windhoek (2007) and Johannesburg (2011), and was acquired by Thomas Cook India Group in 2017 (previously operating as Kuoni Private Safaris EA). The firm runs 14+ published tour itineraries — ranging from a 4-day Diani Beach Escape starting at $425 per person to an 11-day Signature Safari and a $13,600-per-person Gorilla Trekking Rwanda package — alongside custom-built itineraries and visa assistance services. Its technology stack is a conventional DMC platform: a WordPress-based booking website with an online custom-itinerary request tool, WhatsApp/phone/email inquiry handling, and concierge support, with no disclosed proprietary AI/ML or data infrastructure.
The business operates a sales-led, multi-channel go-to-market model. Direct-to-consumer revenue flows through the Nairobi (Muthaiga) and Mombasa (Nyali) offices and the privatesafaris.co.ke website, supplemented by inbound from global destination marketing representatives in India (leveraging the Thomas Cook India network), Brazil, the UK, and Eastern Europe, plus reseller partnerships with tour operators such as Tourlane. Pricing is unit-based per traveler, with package components (accommodation, meals, park fees, transport, English-speaking driver-guide) bundled into published per-person rates and ancillary revenue from gorilla permits (US$1,500), golden monkey permits (US$100), balloon safaris (US$520) and peak-season surcharges (Easter, Christmas, New Year). The company serves international leisure travelers, families, couples, MICE groups (a cited 500-pax Masai Mara event in 2019), and individuals booking through partner agencies, with stated throughput of 10,000+ visitors annually across 100+ destinations.
Private Safaris (EA) Ltd firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Private Safaris (EA) Ltd
- Legal name
- Private Safaris (EA) Ltd
- Website
- https://privatesafaris.co.ke
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1976
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Founded in 1976 and acquired by Thomas Cook India Group in 2017, Private Safaris (EA) Ltd is a Nairobi-based destination management company operating 14+ safari and beach packages across Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, and Ethiopia for international leisure and MICE travelers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Private Safaris (EA) Ltd industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Tour & Travel Services
- NAICS
- Tour Operators (561520), Tour Operators (56152)
- SIC
- Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Safari & Overland Wildlife Adventures (4x4/Jeep) (THAJABAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Safari & Wildlife Travel Agencies (THAKAFAG), Private Adventure & Expedition Experiences (Custom Hikes, Safaris, Backcountry) (THAJALAG), Safari Lodges & Tented Camps (THAAAHAC)
Keywords
Where Private Safaris (EA) Ltd is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Nairobi
- HQ country
- Kenya
- HQ region
- Africa
Offices5 records
Markets served
Private Safaris (EA) Ltd business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Package Tours: Complete safari and travel packages including accommodation, meals, transportation, park entry fees, and activities. Priced per person based on itinerary and duration.
- Gorilla and Wildlife Permits: Sale of permits for gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, and other wildlife activities. Gorilla permits priced at US$1,500 per person, golden monkey at US$100.
- Ancillary Services: Additional revenue from balloon safaris, optional activities, holiday surcharges during peak seasons (Easter, Christmas, New Year).
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Kenya Highlights Safari - 7 Days/6 Nights starting from $3,308 per person |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Tanzania Highlights - 7 Days/6 Nights starting from $4,676 per person |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Gorilla Trekking Rwanda - 4 Days/3 Nights starting from $13,600 per person |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Diani Beach Escape - 4 Days starting from $425 per person |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Optional Balloon Safari - Serengeti at US$520 per person |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
Private Safaris (EA) Ltd product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Private Safaris (EA) Ltd is a destination management company that curates and sells multi-day safari, gorilla trekking, and beach holiday packages across East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia), complemented by custom itinerary planning and visa assistance. Packages bundle accommodation, meals, park entry fees, transportation with professional driver guides, and activities, priced per person based on destination, duration, and group composition.
Product overview
Private Safaris (EA) Ltd operates as a destination management company offering a portfolio of 14 distinct safari and tour packages across East Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, and Ethiopia. The core product line consists of multi-day tour packages (ranging from 3 to 11 nights) covering wildlife safaris, beach holidays, gorilla trekking, and cultural expeditions. Supporting services include a custom itinerary builder for personalized trip planning and visa assistance for international travel. The company positions itself as a 50+ year old established operator (founded 1976) serving the inbound travel market.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Quantifiable outcome
- TripAdvisor 4.8/5 rating based on customer reviews
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Private Safaris (EA) Ltd
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Private Safaris (EA) Ltd technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
Private Safaris (EA) Ltd partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Fairmont HotelscoreLuxury accommodation partner providing 5-star hotel partnerships for safari packages including Fairmont properties.
- Serena HotelscoreMajor East African hotel chain partner with multiple properties across safari destinations.
- Four Seasons HotelscoreLuxury accommodation partner providing premium hotel services for high-end safari experiences.
- andBeyondcoreLuxury safari lodge and camp operator partner known for exclusive wildlife experiences.
- SingitacorePremium conservation company and luxury safari lodge operator partner.
- Angama MaracoreLuxury safari camp partner in Masai Mara, known for cinematographic views and authentic Maasai culture experiences.
- TourlanecoreEuropean online travel agency that books Private Safaris packages for their customers.
- KATO (Kenya Association of Tour Operators)coreIndustry association membership for Kenya tour operators.
- ATTA (African Travel and Tourism Association)corePan-African tourism association providing networking and marketing support.
- IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators)minorGlobal organization for golf tourism professionals.
- USTOA (United States Tour Operators Association)minorUS-based travel industry association providing consumer protection and marketing support.
- Nomad Beach ResortcoreExclusive beach resort partner in Diani with Travel Life Gold Certificate for sustainability practices. 29-room property in 26 acres of coastal forest.
- LP Partners (Brazil)minorGlobal destination marketing representative for Brazil market.
- Curated by JJ Limited (UK)minorGlobal destination marketing representative for United Kingdom market.
- STR CEE Ltd (Eastern Europe)minorGlobal destination marketing representative for Eastern Europe market.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Private Safaris (EA) Ltd competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Asilia Africa: East Africa safari operator offering high-end tented camps and bespoke itineraries across Tanzania and Kenya. Directly comparable in geography, customer segment, and premium product positioning.
- &Beyond: Luxury safari and travel operator across Africa with exclusive lodge and camp inventory. Both Private Safaris and &Beyond operate premium safari packages in Kenya/Tanzania and compete for the same high-end international travelers, though &Beyond owns its own properties.
- Singita: Conservation-focused luxury safari brand with exclusive lodges in Tanzania and South Africa. Comparable to Private Safaris as a premium safari experience provider; however, Singita also sells direct, presenting both a partner and competitive overlap.
- Wilderness Safaris: Large Africa-focused safari company operating camps across Botswana, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia. Comparable in safari DMC business model, multi-country coverage, and high-end traveler target market.
- Micato Safaris: Long-established, family-run luxury safari operator specializing in East and Southern Africa. Comparable in heritage, premium positioning, and focus on high-touch bespoke East African itineraries for international travelers.
- Ker & Downey Safaris: Long-standing luxury African safari operator founded in 1946. Comparable heritage and focus on high-end East African safari experiences for affluent international travelers.
- Africa Travel (ATC): Destination management company specializing in Southern and East African safaris. Comparable as a B2C DMC focused on safari packages, with overlapping product and target customer base.
Broad incumbents
- Abercrombie & Kent: Global luxury travel operator with a strong Africa DMC arm. Comparable in delivering high-end bespoke African itineraries, though it operates globally across multiple continents and competes on a broader scale.
- Cox & Kings: Heritage global tour operator with significant Africa tour offerings. Comparable as a multi-country tour operator serving international leisure travelers to East Africa, though with a much broader global footprint.
Emerging players
- Tourlane: European digital-first bespoke tour operator selling customized long-haul trips, including African safaris. Comparable as a booking and packaging channel for similar trips; currently a partner of Private Safaris but also a competitor for the end customer.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Private Safaris (EA) Ltd social profiles
Digital presencePrivate Safaris (EA) Ltd financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Private Safaris (EA) Ltd leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Private Safaris (EA) Ltd funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Private Safaris (EA) Ltd M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Private Safaris (EA) Ltd
What does Private Safaris (EA) Ltd do?
Private Safaris (EA) Ltd is a destination management company that curates and sells multi-day safari, gorilla trekking, and beach holiday packages across East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia), complemented by custom itinerary planning and visa assistance. Packages bundle accommodation, meals, park entry fees, transportation with professional driver guides, and activities, priced per person based on destination, duration, and group composition.
Is Private Safaris (EA) Ltd a public or private company?
Private Safaris (EA) Ltd is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Private Safaris (EA) Ltd founded?
Private Safaris (EA) Ltd was founded in 1976. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Private Safaris (EA) Ltd based?
Private Safaris (EA) Ltd is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, in the Africa region.
How does Private Safaris (EA) Ltd make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Package Tours are the primary driver. The others are gorilla and Wildlife Permits and ancillary Services.
Who are Private Safaris (EA) Ltd's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Asilia Africa, &Beyond, Singita, Wilderness Safaris, Micato Safaris, Ker & Downey Safaris and Africa Travel (ATC). Broad incumbents are Abercrombie & Kent and Cox & Kings. Tourlane is listed as an emerging player.
Does Private Safaris (EA) Ltd have an API?
No public API is recorded for Private Safaris (EA) Ltd.
What industry is Private Safaris (EA) Ltd in?
Private Safaris (EA) Ltd's product category is Tour & Travel Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAJABAD, Safari & Overland Wildlife Adventures (4x4/Jeep), with a secondary code of THAKAFAG, Safari & Wildlife Travel Agencies. Its NAICS code is 561520 and its SIC code is 7990.