Pancras Karema is the founder and CEO of Expeditions Maasai Safaris, a leading tour operator and travel agency in Kenya.
The company offers a variety of services including hotel booking, safari planning, flight and SGR ticketing and hotel transfers.
But what’s the story behind the tours company and how did it rise to become a multi-million venture? Here is Karema’s story as told by WoK.
Karema was born and raised in Laikipia.
He attended Ontilili High School for his secondary school education and later enrolled at the University of Nairobi.
Thanks to his love for traveling, Karema decided to pursue a degree in Tourism and Political Science at UoN.
It is worth noting that it was during his time at UON when he came up with the idea of setting up a tour company.
He loved traveling while in high school and even more when he joined campus where he would organize trips.
“We used to go out just like the way you can carpool with your friends and take them somewhere. But because you have something unique you have passion in what you’re doing; you do it so well until next time your friends are telling you to organize another one,” Karema said.
Following his graduation from university, Karema teamed up with a friend with the intention of establishing a tour company.
In an interview with Capital FM, he noted that he attributes his success in business to his planning skills while still a university student.
Their breakthrough came in 2016, two years after they established Expeditions Maasai Safaris, when they emerged victorious in the SOMA awards.
Following the win, more business came their way and they landed a Ksh 5 million deal from a corporate client.
“When you meet your clients’ needs, you get that these clients always become your brand ambassadors. That’s how we were able to grow,” Karema said.
In 2018, the company won the Company of the Year Award and the Most Promising Founder of the Year in 2020.
Expeditions Maasai Safaris
Expeditions Maasai Safaris is a fully registered tour operator with the Kenyan Ministry of Tourism.
The tour company offers among other services safaris to among other destinations Maasai Mara, Nairobi National Park, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo East National Park, Tsavo West National Park and Lake Naivasha National Park.
They also offer hotel booking, hotel, airport and SGR transfers, flight ticketing, car and tour vans hire and SGR booking.
Expeditions Maasai Safaris has scooped prestigious awards including SOMA Awards 2016, Social Media Organization of the year 2017, SME of the year 2019 / 2020 and Leading SME in Tourism & Hospitality for the year 2019 / 2020.
