Kenya Airways Taps Domestic Carrier to Boost Safari Tourism Ahead of 2025 Peak Season

Kenya Airways has partnered with domestic airline Safarilink to offer last-mile air connections to major safari destinations, aiming to capitalise on a projected influx of international tourists during the 2025 summer season.

The codeshare deal, announced on Thursday, allows international travellers to book Kenya Airways flights along with connecting domestic routes to popular wildlife parks on a single ticket.

The tie-up is expected to streamline access to airstrips in the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, and Nanyuki – key stopovers on Kenya’s tourism circuit.

Under the agreement, Safarilink will operate two daily flights to nine safari airstrips, feeding into Kenya Airways’ extensive international network.

“This partnership is a strategic move to connect our global travellers with Kenya’s top safari experiences more efficiently,” said Allan Kilavuka, Kenya Airways’ Chief Executive.

“It enhances convenience, reduces delays, and supports conservation and local economies that rely on tourism.”

Leisure travel accounted for 44.2 percent of all tourist arrivals to Kenya in 2024, according to government data, underscoring the demand for safari tourism products.

Safarilink CEO Alex Avedi said the airline’s fleet of Cessna Caravans and Dash-8 aircraft is tailored for short-haul access to remote destinations.

“We are pleased to make Kenya’s wilderness more accessible and to enhance the traveller experience through this partnership,” he said.

Julius Thairu, Kenya Airways’ Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, said the single-ticket model meets growing demand for seamless travel.

“We are simplifying the journey for safari-goers, allowing them to focus more on their experiences and less on logistics,” he said.

The agreement is part of Kenya Airways’ wider scheme to grow its footprint in the tourism sector and strengthen ties with travel industry partners, positioning the airline as a key connector in Africa’s high-value wildlife tourism market.

gandae@businessdayafrica.org