Tiki Cruise Adventures Set to Elevate East African Tourism to New Heights

NAIROBI, Kenya & Dubai, UAE – June 18, 2025

Jambo Cruise Adventures LTD, a Kenya-based marine tourism startup, has joined the LaunchUp program by global venture builder FasterCapital, headquartered in the UAE. The strategic partnership marks a major milestone in the company’s mission to transform outdated cruise tourism across the East African coast. Jambo Cruise is currently raising $500,000 to build its first state-of-the-art tiki cruise vessel, bringing international safety standards and premium hospitality to the region’s waters.East Africa’s Cruise Tourism Gap and Opportunity.

With tourism contributing over 8% of Kenya’s GDP and marine tourism in Africa poised for growth, Jambo Cruise enters a market underserved by innovation. Existing cruise experiences largely rely on colonial-era dhow boats—often overcrowded and lacking safety compliance—limiting East Africa's global competitiveness in marine leisure. The region presents a sizable white space for experiential, modern, and sustainable cruise solutions that cater to both domestic and international tourists seeking more than traditional safaris.

A Modern Solution for a Traditional Industry

Founded in 2020 by Calvin Oyuga Odhiambo, a seasoned marine professional with international experience, Jambo Cruise Adventures LTD is revolutionizing marine tourism through its modern tiki cruise vessel—an all-new concept in East Africa. The vessel will accommodate 60 guests, offering onboard restrooms, a commercial kitchen, and premium hospitality, setting a new benchmark for comfort and safety. The company is already operational with a floating restaurant and is now scaling with its next-generation cruise model. By collaborating with hotels and tour operators, Jambo Cruise also supports community employment and sustainable tourism.

FasterCapital’s Strategic Value & LaunchUp Program Benefits

Through the LaunchUp program, Jambo Cruise gains access to FasterCapital’s global investor network, business development support, and technical advisory services. Known for its selective portfolio and hands-on model, FasterCapital helps early-stage startups accelerate go-to-market strategies and secure funding with strategic positioning and investor readiness coaching. The partnership validates Jambo Cruise’s potential and strengthens its path toward regional leadership in marine tourism.“Jambo Cruise Adventures is addressing a crucial gap in the East African tourism sector by combining innovation, safety, and sustainability,” said Hesham Zreik, CEO of FasterCapital. “Tourism ventures that prioritize both quality and local economic impact align well with our investment philosophy. We’re excited to support Calvin’s team through LaunchUp as they transform the region’s cruise landscape.”

“Partnering with FasterCapital is a pivotal step for us,” said Calvin Oyuga Odhiambo, founder and CEO of Jambo Cruise. “We’re building not just a cruise company, but a new standard for marine experiences in East Africa. This collaboration helps us refine our model, fast-track our vessel construction, and prepare for international scaling.”

Growth Plans & Future Outlook

Jambo Cruise aims to complete vessel construction and pilot operations by early 2026, with planned expansions along Kenya’s and Tanzania’s coastlines. The $500,000 in funding will be allocated toward vessel fabrication, talent acquisition, and marketing partnerships. The long-term goal: become East Africa’s flagship brand in marine tourism, attracting global travelers and catalyzing sustainable development in coastal communities.

About Jambo Cruise Adventures LTD

Founded in 2020, Jambo Cruise Adventures LTD is a marine tourism company based in Kenya. The startup was launched by Calvin Oyuga Odhiambo, a marine expert with roots in Kenya and experience in Sweden, to modernize the region’s outdated cruise offerings. With a focus on innovation, safety, and sustainability, Jambo Cruise is developing premium tiki cruise vessels to redefine leisure on East African waters.

About FasterCapital

FasterCapital is a global venture builder and online incubator dedicated to co-funding and co-founding innovative startups. Established in 2014, we are now #1 venture builder in terms of number of startups that we have helped, money invested and money raised. It supports startups worldwide through various programs, including funding assistance, business development, and technical support. The LaunchUp program is designed to help early-stage startups build scalable solutions with mentorship, strategic guidance, and network support.

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