In Kenya, a growing number of entrepreneurs are turning their passion for outdoor adventures into successful businesses. Mwaniki Njuguna, co-founder of Nelai Adventures, is one such individual. Growing up in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Mwaniki was introduced to camping and outdoor activities through the Adventurer and Pathfinder clubs. This early exposure sparked a lifelong interest in exploring the outdoors, which eventually became a business.
Nelai Adventures offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, rock climbing, mountaineering, and camping. The company provides subscription and bundle packages, with subscribers paying around Sh1,500 per month for access to all events. Bundles cost between Sh2,500 and Sh4,500, including transport and other fees. Most clients are solo adventurers aged 18 to 40, although Mwaniki has noticed an increasing number of couples joining in recent years.
Discovering new and off-the-beaten-path destinations is a key part of Nelai Adventures' appeal. Mwaniki and his team rely on recommendations, research, and information from the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Kenya Forest Service to find these hidden gems. Some of the places Nelai has toured include Githiga trail in Kiambu, Majiri waterfalls in Gatundu, and Munyu in Kirinyaga. These tours attract between 15 and 30 people per week, with demand remaining steady throughout the year.
Another entrepreneur turning their passion into a business is Samuel Karori, founder of Karori Tours. Samuel was introduced to outdoor adventures by his grandfather's stories of exploring the country. After high school, Samuel found work selling camping tents and setting them up for clients, later becoming a guide in Njukiri Forest, Embu. He fell in love with the place and started work as a guide, leading adventurers along the forest trails and helping them with their camping gear.
Karori Tours organizes hiking trips during the week and at weekends for solo adventurers, groups, and corporate teams. Clients can book private tours on any day, with a typical day hike costing between Sh2,500 and Sh5,000. Most clients are aged between 25 and 65, although many children also hike with their parents. According to Samuel, business peaked during the Covid-19 pandemic, but he wanted to build something of his own, leading to the launch of Karori Tours in 2022.
Samuel's business focuses on discovering and sharing little-known places with his clients. He believes that Kenya is rich in natural attractions, with many hidden waterfalls waiting to be explored. Kiambu alone, he says, has numerous waterfalls, and adding those in places like the Aberdares, Murang'a, and Nyeri reveals just how many there are in the country. His goal is to create a space where like-minded people can find each other while reconnecting with nature and themselves.
Both Nelai Adventures and Karori Tours demonstrate the growing demand for outdoor adventures in Kenya. With their unique approaches and focus on off-the-beaten-path destinations, these businesses are not only providing new experiences for clients but also showcasing the country's natural beauty. As the industry continues to grow, entrepreneurs like Mwaniki and Samuel are leading the way in discovering and sharing Kenya's hidden gems.
Key points
- - Mwaniki Njuguna and Samuel Karori are Kenyan entrepreneurs who have turned their passion for outdoor adventures into successful businesses. - Nelai Adventures and Karori Tours offer a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and camping, focusing on off-the-beaten-path destinations. - The businesses have seen steady demand, with clients attracted to the unique experiences and opportunities to connect with nature and like-minded people.
