Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, and American billionaire David Rubenstein have acquired Pollman’s Tours and Safaris, Kenya’s oldest and most established tour operator.
The acquisition was made through Africa Travel Investments, a tourism-focused firm backed by Dangote. In February, Alterra Capital Partners, a private equity fund co-founded by Dangote and Rubenstein, invested in ARP Africa Travel Group, the parent company of Pollman’s.
The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) approved the deal unconditionally, stating it poses no threat to market competition or public interest within Kenya’s tourism sector.
Pollman’s Tours and Safaris has long been a cornerstone of the country’s tourism industry, offering guided safaris and travel services to both local and international clients. With over 300 tour operators in the country, this acquisition signals increased confidence by global investors in Kenya’s tourism potential.
This move follows another major acquisition by Alterra Capital Partners earlier this year—Java House, East Africa’s largest coffee chain with operations across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Dangote, whose wealth is estimated at $23.2 billion, continues to diversify his portfolio across Africa. His entry into Kenya’s travel and hospitality sector marks another step in expanding his influence in key industries across the continent.
The acquisition is expected to boost Kenya’s tourism infrastructure and could pave the way for further investments in the region’s travel and hospitality landscape.