Maurine Kabu, the daughter of Bonfire Adventures founder, Simon Kabu, is steadily establishing herself as a formidable player in Kenya’s tourism industry through her company, Adequate Safaris.
With a growing client base and a strong fleet to back operations, she has begun carving her own niche in a sector long dominated by her parents
In a recent Facebook video, Maurine recorded herself reflecting on her journey in the corporate world, opening up about the challenges of leadership, the discipline required to succeed and the responsibility that comes with running an enterprise.
Calm but confident, she explained that while many view entrepreneurship as glamorous, the reality is a constant balancing act of deadlines, client expectations and accountability.
Midway through her recording, her father, Simon Kabu, joined the conversation, turning the monologue into an intimate exchange between mentor and protégé.
Simon, who has spent years building Bonfire Adventures into one of the country’s most recognisable travel brands, took the opportunity to share his insights on business success.
He emphasised the importance of consistency, reminding his daughter that while passion can ignite ambition, it is persistence and focus that sustain long-term growth.
The moment captured the passing of wisdom across generations, offering a rare public glimpse into the dynamics of a family that has become synonymous with Kenyan tourism.
Adequate Safaris, Maurine’s new venture, has quickly established itself as a player in the safari and travel industry, offering tailored packages for families, corporate groups, and social investment clubs.
The company is leaning into a younger, more personalised brand identity while drawing inspiration from the foundations laid by Bonfire. Already, it has drawn attention for its CHAMA-friendly offers and its promise to deliver bespoke safari experiences in a sector that remains one of Kenya’s top foreign exchange earners.
Maurine’s foray into entrepreneurship has been accompanied by significant investment and high-profile moves that underscore her ambitions.
She recently made headlines after acquiring a KSh 25 million Lexus, a purchase that signalled her rising corporate stature and taste for luxury. Her father has also supported her journey by gifting her three Toyota Land Cruisers, each valued at over KSh 30 million, to expand Adequate Safaris’ operational fleet.
The investment ensures that the new company has both the credibility and capacity to compete with established brands.
Beyond the boardroom, the Kabus have continued to capture public attention with grand appearances that blend cultural pride with opulence.
Earlier this year, Maurine and her father arrived at the Ngemi Festival in Naivasha aboard a helicopter, both dressed in traditional Kikuyu regalia.
The spectacle highlighted not only their strong cultural identity but also their ability to merge business with lifestyle branding.
At just the beginning of her journey, Maurine has already been recognised among the 50 Most Dependable CEOs Under 30 in 2025, a nod to her growing influence in the corporate space.
For many young Kenyans, her story represents the blend of mentorship and independence, learning the ropes within a family empire but also charting her own course in an industry where innovation and resilience remain essential.
Her conversation with her father on video may have started as a simple recording, but it evolved into a symbolic moment: a daughter stepping into leadership while a father stood by to guide and support.
A powerful reminder that legacy is not only about wealth or business empires, but also about values, guidance and the courage to take the first steps into uncharted territory.
Discussion about this post