The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced plans for a proposed equity co-investment of up to $10 million in Safari Holdings, a leading player in East Africa’s tourism sector. The investment will be made via a Mauritius-based investment vehicle, in partnership with the Alterra Africa Accelerator Fund, marking a joint effort to bolster sustainable tourism in the region.
Safari Holdings serves as the parent company of three prominent East African travel operators:
- ARP Africa Travel – a specialized tour operator catering to both international and domestic markets.
- Pollman’s Tours & Safaris – one of Kenya’s largest and most established safari service providers.
- Ranger Safaris – a leading safari company operating across Tanzania.
Collectively, these businesses provide a wide range of safari and guided tour experiences, spanning luxury lodge stays, wildlife excursions, and cultural tourism packages in Kenya and Tanzania, two of Africa’s most renowned safari destinations.
The co-investment will be managed by Alterra Capital Partners, a private equity firm with a focus on high-growth African companies. Alterra had earlier this year announced its own investment in Safari Holdings, underscoring its confidence in the region’s tourism rebound and long-term growth potential. The IFC’s participation alongside Alterra signals a strong institutional endorsement of Safari Holdings’ strategy to expand its footprint, enhance service quality, and promote eco-friendly tourism practices in East Africa.
