Safari Trails paves way for transformative East African travel experiences
In exploration with Kenya-based Safari Trails, TTJ delves into the DMC's unique offerings that set them apart in the dynamic landscape of East African travel. Rajay Thethy, CEO, Safari Trails, guides us through a narrative where the company prides itself in crafting transformative and authentic travel experiences while embracing the untamed beauty of the wild.
Despite the challenges posed by the global situation in 2023, Safari Trails remains committed to delivering unparalleled safari experiences to its clients. Notably, the Indian market emerged as a cornerstone, contributing 55 per cent to their overall business. In 2024, Safari Trails is poised to strengthen this positioning through strategic collaboration with their Indian representation partner, BRANDit. Together, they look forward to tailoring experiences that appeal to the discerning Indian traveller, emphasising authenticity over mere bucket list quests.
Differentiators that Define
Safari Trails stands out due to three main factors: their local expertise, personalised service, and commitment to sustainability. “We excel at creating custom itineraries tailored to each client's preferences, ensuring unforgettable experiences. Our extensive network of reliable partners and exclusive access to pristine wildlife areas further differentiate us. Additionally, we are expanding into the Indian market with Ugandan packages, leveraging the new direct flights from Uganda Airlines. We focus on unique experiences like the Great Apes, offering opportunities to observe gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitats at Queen Elizabeth National Park. This diverse offering also includes attractions like flamingos and tree-climbing lions, along with experiences at Murchison Falls,” informs Rajay.
Tailored Experiences
Safari Trails offers a plethora of iconic and off-the-beaten-path experiences in Kenya. From exciting game drives in iconic parks like Maasai Mara to immersive cultural encounters with tribes like the Maasai and Samburu, they showcase Kenya's rich heritage and landscapes. Rajay emphasises, “What sets us apart is our own fleet of vehicles, including mini buses and 4x4s, specifically designed for rugged terrain, ensuring optimal visibility and comfort for our clients. We prioritise our clients' experiences, offering unlimited game drives while instructing our drivers to go the extra mile to maximise wildlife sightings. We believe the key to creating a superb holiday is absolute attention to detail, expert knowledge, and a flair for the innovative and the unusual.”
With recognition of the growing interest among Indian travellers in exploring East Africa's natural wonders and cultural heritage, the Indian market presents immense significance for Safari Trails. Kenya's popularity among Indian tourists can be attributed to its close cultural ties, ease of accessibility, and the allure of iconic wildlife encounters, including the Great Migration. Their tailored offerings cater to the specific preferences and requirements of Indian travellers, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. Kenya and Tanzania, which fall into the super luxury category, have witnessed a surge in demand. Earlier, Indian travellers spent USD 5,000–10,000 for trips to Kenya and Tanzania. Now, their average spending has increased to USD 20,000–30,000. However, nowadays, Indian travellers seek more authentic African experiences through cultural immersion. East Africa has established itself as a destination of choice for travellers looking for something special in a holiday, and Safari Trails ensures the East Africa experience is truly a memorable one.
Beyond Metropolis
Safari Trails’ marketing strategy for India highlights showcasing the diversity and authenticity of East African experiences, personalised to suit the preferences of Indian travellers. Rajay further expresses, “Whether it is a family adventure or a romantic honeymoon, our itineraries cater to a range of interests. While Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad have been our primary markets, we are expanding our focus to Tier-II cities like Nagpur, Raipur, Chandigarh, and Sambhaji Nagar. Recognising the potential in these markets, we are organising roadshows later this year to engage with them.”
Expansion Plans
Safari Trails plans to grow its presence in Tanzania by expanding its office and establishing fully operational offices in Uganda and Rwanda. Additionally, they aim to set up an office in Mumbai to provide immediate support to our agents and offer destination training. Furthermore, the company is considering investing in luxury camps in Kenya and Tanzania to complement its current offerings. They also intend to continue investing in specialised open-sided photographic tourist vehicles stationed in various parks across Kenya. Rajay concludes, “We are optimistic about 2024, given the improved air connectivity, swift visa issuance, availability of Indian cuisine, and warm hospitality of Kenya.”