If you are considering setting up a travel agency in Kenya that will attend to international tourists, you are at the right place. For good reason, Kenya is one of Africa’s most sought-after destinations.
There’s a good reason why people travel from as far away as the other side of the world to experience a safari in Kenya, which has a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and world-famous wildlife.
This post will explain everything you need to know to start a travel company in Kenya. We will outline the process of starting a travel agency in Kenya, and advise you on the tips to make your business successful in the booming tourism market in Kenya.
Why You Should Start a Travel Agency in Kenya?
But before you launch into the how-to, let’s discuss the “why.”
Kenya is one of the most visited tourist attractions. People come here to see lions, elephants, giraffes and rhinos in the wild. Many also go to the beach, climb Mount Kenya or tour our cities.
Kenya’s tourism sector is one of the country’s leading industries. It’s a significant job supporter and a big money maker. As a travel agency owner, you can join this growing industry by helping foreign visitors plan their trips.
Kenya has many tourism destinations. From Maasai Mara, Kenya, safari camps to the white sands of Diani Beach, you’ll never be short of options to present to your clients. That is why starting a travel agency in Kenya is a great idea.
Step 1: Know the Market
Before setting up a travel agency in Kenya, know what clients you serve. In this example, you’d be going after travellers from overseas. Many seek a nice safari in Kenya, a beach getaway or a combination.
Find out what tourists like to do. Most people like to stay in a safari camp in Kenya, but some wish to go on a self-driving safari in Kenya to experience freedom even more. Some want luxury.
Others wish to explore budget options. Understanding what your customers want will let you create better packages.
Also, study your competition. Look at any other travel agency in Kenya in the market are offering the best safari in Kenya. Learn from them. What are they doing well? What can you do better?
Step 2: Register Your Business.
You must register your business to operate a travel agency in Kenya. This includes selecting a name, reserving your name, and registering your business with the government.
Go to the eCitizen portal. This is where 90% of business services are programmed to be done online. You’ll need to:
- Reserve a business name.
- Decide on your business structure (a limited company is typical).
- Register for taxes (obtain a KRA pin).
- Obtain any required licenses, for example, a tourism license from the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA).
This is how it is for every travel agency in Kenya. If you work legally, not under the table, then you obtain trust, can open a bank account, and can be safe from legal problems.
Step 3: Obtain a License from the Tourism Authority
You must have a Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) license to operate in Kenya’s tourism sector. They will ensure your business is prepared and safe to welcome tourists.
You need this license to operate a travel agency in Kenya. Some documents the TRA would require: The TRA would ask for the following documents:
- Your business registration certificate
- KRA PIN certificate
- Information about your service and staff
- Evidence of office (even if it’s tiny)
When licensed, you will receive a certificate that authorises you to work in travel and tourism in Kenya legally.
Step 4: Offer City Packages to Tourists
Simple, comprehensive travel itineraries are what foreigners touring the country desire. It is your job to make packages that contain everything they depend on.
Consider the most visited tourism destinations in Kenya, such as:
- Maasai Mara
- Amboseli National Park
- Lake Nakuru
- Samburu
- Diani Beach
- Mount Kenya
- Nairobi National Park
You can define packages like:
- 3-day safari in Kenya to Maasai Mara
- Safari camp in Kenya + beach holiday for 7 days
- Self-drive Safari in Kenya, car hire and maps
- Luxury stay in a Honeymoon safari
It covers transport, accommodation, park fees and all meals. If your clients want to visit safari camps in Maasai Mara, Kenya, ensure that you partner with reputable camps that will offer them an experience that delights and surprises them.
Your job is to provide the best safari in Kenya for every client’s taste and means.
Stage 5: Forge Strong Partnerships
To thrive as a travel agency in Kenya, you must collaborate with others in your niche market. These include:
- Hotel and safari camp owners
- Local tour guides
- Car rental services
- Airlines
- Park authorities
So, if you offer a self-driving safari in Kenya, you’ll need an excellent local car hire service. For luxury tourists, you must make arrangements with upmarket safari camps in Maasai Mara, Kenya.
Solid relationships can also make it easier to negotiate better rates. This means you can sell packages at a reasonable price while maintaining quality.
Step 6: Create a Website and Online Presence
A lot of the foreigners arrange their travel before they arrive in Kenya. Your travel agency in Kenya needs to be easily and frequently found online.
Start with a simple website. Add:
- A concise explanation of what you do
- Tour packages with prices
- Photos and videos from tourism places in Kenya*
- Testimonials from past clients
- A booking form or contact
Leverage your website to talk about how you are unique. For instance, do you offer the best safari in Kenya for first-timers? Is safari camps your specialty in Maasai Mara, Kenya? Say so.
Also, tap social media sites like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Tourists adore photographs and short videos of wildlife and nature. You can also submit blog posts to provide tips to travellers in Kenya.
Step 7: Hire Good Staff
Your staff will mould your brand. Even a modest travel agency in Kenya relies on trustworthy people who care about clients.
You may need to hire:
- A travel agent to converse with clients
- A tour leader or driver for game viewing safaris
- An admin to assist with reservations
- A digital marketer
Your employees should be friendly, honest and professional. They need to learn about tourism areas in Kenya, how to plan a safari in Kenya, and how to keep tourists safe and happy.
Step 8: Promote Your Services
Marketing is key. This is because if no one knows about your travel agency in Kenya, they won’t book you.
Try these ideas:
- Place ads on Google and Facebook aimed at people interested in Africa.
- Be part of travel platforms such as Safari Bookings and TripAdvisor.
- Collaborate with travel bloggers or influencers to market your business.
- Give discounts to first-timers or early birds.
- Ask happy customers to leave reviews.
Mention keywords that attract tourists. Throw in phrases such as “best safari Kenya”, “safari camps Maasai Mara, Kenya” or “self-driving safari Kenya” to pique their interest.
Step 9: Pay attention to safety and customer service
Tourists want to feel safe. You must always provide them with clear instructions, good advice and real-time support.
If you’re doing a self-driving safari in Kenya, provide them with maps, emergency contact information and nuggets about where to stop. If you are planning a stay at a safari camp in Kenya, be sure the property has good reviews and proper safety.
Follow up after their trip. Ask for feedback. One simple thank-you email or check-in can go a long way. It also leads to repeat bookings and referrals.
Step 10: Never stop learning, never stop improving
Kenya’s tourism is never steady. New places become popular. Rules change. Technology grows. Always keep learning.
Visit tourism expos and network with other travel company owners in Kenya and the Tourism Regulatory Authority for updates. The more you know, the more you can do for your clients.
Also, keep updating your packages. Introduce new tourism locations in Kenya or design special tours for photographers, bird watchers or hikers. The more diversity you provide, the more clients you can serve.
Final Thoughts
Establishing a travel agency in Kenya for overseas tourists is slow and needs effort and planning. But it’s also thrilling and brimming with opportunity.
Kenya possesses some of the best tourism destinations, offering people a chance to go for a realistic safari in Kenya, which calls for a meaningful career.
Whether it’s group tours, honeymoon trips or self-driving safari in Kenya, experiences, a company that provides value for service, whether in terms of price, quality or trust, tends to go far when it comes to starting a travel agency in Kenya.
So long as you stay focused, stay legal, and make sure you turn your clients happy, you will thrive in this robust tourism industry in Kenya. And who knows? One day, your company will hold the title of best safari in Kenya.
