Behind the Name: What Safari Simbaz Is All About

The Safari Simbaz Trust was officially registered on October 6, 2008. But the journey started long before that. With a vision, a couple bikes and a group of kids riding the dusty roads outside Nairobi.

Why the name ‘Safari Simbaz’?

Safari and Simba are Kiswahili words. Safari means ‘a journey’. Simba means ‘lion’.
The name reflects what we’re about: helping young people take their own journey — with courage, strength, discipline and the heart of a lion. That’s the Simbaz spirit.

Who do we work with?

Right now, around 40 kids are part of our daily training and education programme.
Many more come in and out — to fix bikes, to train, or just to be part of the community.
We also visit local schools and invite students to join our sessions. These outreach talks are a way to connect with new kids and keep growing the impact.

What do participants learn?

It’s not just cycling.
 We teach mountain biking and road cycling, bike repair and maintenance, fitness and conditioning.
Thanks to our partnership with Rift Valley Adventures, some kids also learn what it takes to become a cycling safari guide or instructor.

Any success stories?

Plenty. Some of our former Simbaz now run their own workshops or work as guides and mechanics.
Others have gone on to race professionally or train the next generation. We’ll be sharing some of their stories on here.