The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) granted unconditional approval for the acquisition, allowing Africa Travel to assume 100% ownership of Pollman’s issued share capital. Africa Travel Investments, a tourism investment firm supported by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, has acquired Pollman’s Tours and Safaris, Kenya’s oldest and most well-known tour operator.
The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) has fully approved the transaction, enabling Africa Travel to take complete ownership of Pollman’s. This acquisition, estimated at Sh4 billion, highlights increasing investor confidence in Africa’s travel and leisure sectors.
Highlights
- Africa Travel Investments, supported by Aliko Dangote and U.S. billionaire Dave Rubenstein, has acquired Pollman’s Tours and Safaris, a historic player in Kenya’s tourism.
- The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) approved the deal, confirming no negative impact on jobs, competition, or market concentration.
- The acquisition is the latest strategic play from Alterra Capital, the private equity fund co-backed by Dangote and Rubenstein.
- This deal aligns with broader private equity momentum in the tourism, food and beverage, and service sectors across East Africa.
- The move is expected to spark increased capital inflows, operational efficiencies, and modernization within Kenya’s safari and travel industry.
Strategic Growth and Market Recalibration
The acquisition is part of Africa Travel’s broader expansion strategy. The company aims to become a dominant player in African tourism by leveraging technology, infrastructure investment, and brand equity.
In February 2025, Alterra Capital, backed by Dangote and Carlyle Group co-founder Dave Rubenstein, invested in ARP Africa Travel Group, the operator behind Pollman’s. This latest acquisition formally consolidates that investment and signals that the firm is committed to long-term participation in Kenya’s tourism renaissance.
According to the CAK, the acquisition will not disrupt the market structure because Africa Travel and Pollman operate in different segments of the value chain. Pollman’s legacy in inbound tours and safari logistics complements Africa Travel’s broader portfolio, which focuses on tourism investment, infrastructure, and technology development.
Kenya’s tour operator market remains highly fragmented, with more than 300 active companies, including Bonfire Adventures, Bountiful Safaris, and several niche luxury safari firms. The CAK further concluded that the acquisition poses no threats to small business competitiveness or to the retention of skilled local jobs.
“This is a growth-focused investment that reflects our belief in the future of Kenyan and East African tourism,” said Africa Travel.
“Pollman’s has a remarkable history, and we are excited to support its next phase of growth.”
Industry Insights: A Tourism Sector Ready for Transformation
Kenya’s tourism sector is undergoing a post-pandemic revival driven by increasing global demand for eco-tourism, adventure travel, and heritage experiences. Kenya attracts international investors and travelers with its world-renowned wildlife parks, stunning coastline, and improving air connectivity.
For decades, Pollman’s has been a household name in Kenya. It has been central to the country’s safari industry and has played a crucial role in shaping inbound tourism logistics. The acquisition opens opportunities for scaling its operations, introducing digital booking platforms, and expanding into regional markets such as Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda.
This deal also reflects a broader strategic private equity interest trend in African lifestyle sectors. In January 2025, Alterra Capital made headlines by acquiring a controlling stake in Java House, one of East Africa’s most recognizable food and beverage brands. Java operates more than 70 outlets across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.
What It Means for Kenya’s Economic Outlook
Africa Travel’s acquisition of Pollman’s is expected to usher in new investment, operational efficiencies, and modernization in Kenya’s tourism and hospitality infrastructure. The entry of global investment titans like Dangote and Rubenstein is not just a signal of confidence—it’s a commitment to long-term value creation in East Africa’s travel economy.
This transaction reinforces Kenya’s position as a gateway to Africa’s tourism and conservation markets. It also highlights the importance of government support and regulatory clarity in facilitating high-impact investments that benefit investors and communities.
As Africa increasingly takes ownership of its global brand in travel, culture, and lifestyle, transactions like this highlight a new era where heritage and innovation go hand in hand.
