Exploring Kenya's Premier Golf Courses: A Comprehensive Guide

Joy Kahappy • June 17, 2024

Kenya, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has emerged as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts. The country's diverse topography offers a unique golfing experience, from coastal courses with ocean vistas to highland greens nestled amidst rolling hills. This guide delves into the prominent golf courses across Kenya, highlights notable tournaments, and underscores the importance of reliable transportation, recommending Riderentals.co as the preferred car rental service for golfers touring these courses.

Nairobi Region

1. Muthaiga Golf Club

Overview: Established in 1913, Muthaiga Golf Club is often referred to as the "Home of Golf" in Kenya. This prestigious club boasts an 18-hole championship course that challenges golfers with its strategic layout and pristine greens.

Notable Tournaments: Muthaiga hosts the annual Kenya Open, a significant event on the European Tour, attracting professional golfers worldwide.

Transportation: Located approximately 15 minutes from Nairobi's city center, accessing Muthaiga Golf Club is convenient. For a seamless experience, consider booking a vehicle through Riderentals.co, ensuring timely arrivals and departures.

2. Karen Country Club

Overview: Nestled in the serene suburb of Karen, this club offers an 18-hole course surrounded by lush vegetation and indigenous trees. Established in 1937, it provides a tranquil golfing environment.

Notable Tournaments: The Magical Kenya Open, part of the European Tour, is frequently held here, showcasing top-tier golfing talent.

Transportation: Approximately 20 kilometers from Nairobi's central business district, having a reliable vehicle from Riderentals.co ensures a comfortable journey to and from the club.

3. Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club

Overview: This luxurious resort combines a championship golf course with top-notch accommodations. The 18-hole course meanders through coffee farms and indigenous forests, offering a picturesque setting.

Notable Tournaments: Windsor hosts various amateur and professional tournaments annually, contributing to Kenya's vibrant golfing calendar.

Transportation: Situated about 17 kilometers from Nairobi city center, renting a car from Riderentals.co provides flexibility and ease of access.

Mt. Kenya Region

4. Nanyuki Sports Club

Overview: Located at the foothills of Mount Kenya, Nanyuki Sports Club offers a 9-hole course with stunning mountain views. The cool climate and challenging fairways make for an enjoyable round.

Notable Tournaments: The club hosts regional amateur tournaments, fostering local talent and competition.

Transportation: Nanyuki is approximately 200 kilometers from Nairobi. Utilizing Riderentals.co ensures a comfortable drive through scenic landscapes.

5. Nyeri Golf Club

Overview: Established in 1910, Nyeri Golf Club is one of Kenya's oldest courses. This 9-hole course is set amidst rolling hills, offering a serene environment for golfers.

Notable Tournaments: The club organizes annual open tournaments, attracting participants from various regions.

Transportation: Located about 150 kilometers from Nairobi, renting a vehicle from Riderentals.co ensures a hassle-free journey.

Central Rift Region

6. Great Rift Valley Golf Resort

Overview: Perched on a cliff overlooking Lake Naivasha, this 18-hole course offers breathtaking views and a challenging layout. The resort combines golfing with luxury accommodations.

Notable Tournaments: The Great Rift Valley Open is a highlight, drawing golfers for both the competition and the stunning scenery.

Transportation: Approximately 100 kilometers from Nairobi, a rental car from Riderentals.co provides the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace.

7. Nakuru Golf Club

Overview: This 18-hole course is set in the heart of Nakuru town, surrounded by mature trees and well-manicured fairways. The club has a rich history dating back to the colonial era.

Notable Tournaments: Nakuru Amateur Open is a key event, attracting golfers from across the country.

Transportation: Located about 160 kilometers from Nairobi, securing a vehicle through Riderentals.co ensures a smooth trip.

Coast Region

8. Nyali Golf and Country Club

Overview: Situated in Mombasa, Nyali offers an 18-hole championship course characterized by its lush fairways and challenging bunkers. The coastal breeze adds a unique element to the game.

Notable Tournaments: The NCBA Nyali Open, the final leg of the NCBA Kenya Amateur Golf Championship series, is held here, attracting top amateur golfers from the region.

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Transportation: For those flying into Mombasa, Riderentals.co offers convenient car rental services, ensuring easy access to the club and surrounding attractions.

9. Vipingo Ridge Golf Club

Overview: Home to Kenya's only PGA-accredited course, Vipingo Ridge offers a world-class 18-hole course with panoramic ocean views. The Baobab Course is renowned for its pristine condition and challenging design.

Notable Tournaments: The Magical Kenya Ladies Open, part of the Ladies European Tour, is hosted here, showcasing top female golfing talent.

Transportation: Located approximately 36 kilometers north of Mombasa, renting a car from Riderentals.co provides the freedom to explore the coastal region comfortably.

Western Region

10. Nyanza Golf Club

Overview: Overlooking Lake Victoria in Kisumu, this 9-hole course offers a unique lakeside golfing experience. The flat terrain is complemented by strategically placed

How to Learn Cycling in Nairobi

By Critical Mass • July 22, 2025
Cycling offers so many benefits for adults—and it’s never too late to start riding. Here’s exactly how to get started. 1. Gear Up: Bike, Fit & Safety Choose the right bike : Make sure your bike fits—stand over it and ensure you can comfortably reach handlebars and brakes. Adjust it : Lower the seat so your feet touch the ground initially . Prioritize safety : Always wear a proper-fitting helmet, gloves, and reflective gear, especially in Nairobi's morning or evening traffic. 2. Find a Learning Community in Nairobi Consider these reputable local instructors and programs: Bike it or Hike It : Offers beginner sessions for adults—3 to 5 session courses, group rides, and family-friendly routes. They’ll even come to your location for training. Contact: 0726 729 737 . Nairobi Bike School : Structured lessons, equipment provided. Contact: 0738 196 843 . Cycling Accessories & Parts (CAP) : Lessons + rentals + gear advice. Budget ~KSh 1,800/session and bike hire ~KSh1 500 if you just want to refresh. Direct contact through 0798154123 or https://www.facebook.com/cyclingaccessoriesandparts/ Bike Park Kenya : Hands-on mountain biking in Tigoni—perfect to learn in a safe off-road environment . Critical Mass Nairobi : Social group rides monthly—great for real-life traffic practice in a supportive crowd . 3. Learn the Fundamentals (Adapted from Bicycling’s 6‑step method): Mount/dismount practice : Lean bike lightly, brake, step on/off confidently. Braking drills : Walk next to the bike and practice even, gradual braking to build control . Balance & glide : Scoot with your feet, hoist feet up and glide—stay balanced for ~3 seconds before pedaling . Vision : Look forward—not down—to maintain line and stability . Pedal launch : Start with one foot at 2 o’clock on the pedal; push and bring the other foot onboard . 4. Practice on Safe, Scenic Routes Once basics are mastered, ride on gentle, low-traffic Nairobi routes: Karura Forest : 5–15 km loops through greenery, waterfalls, wildlife. Bikes available to rent .You can get a guide from Bike it or Hike it at Kes 1800 for 2 hours. Contact them through 0726 729 737 Nairobi Arboretum : Calm 3 km loops perfect for mastering turns in a park environment . Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary : 5–10 km mixed terrain trails, great for balancing on slight inclines . Karen & Langata routes : 20–30 km leisure rides through quiet neighborhoods and coffee country . Nairobi National Park perimeter : ~35 km for confident learners—high chance of wildlife sightings . 5. Join Events & Ride Sociably Group rides foster learning and motivation: Monthly Critical Mass tours —fun, communal city riding . Loop Gravel Series & family-friendly rides in Tigoni, Jubilee Race, and others—all beginner-inclusive . Cycling & beer tours around Karura for social riders who want to balance fun and fitness. 6. Stay Consistent & Build Skills Ride often : Aim for at least 2–3 rides weekly to improve balance, endurance, and confidence. Use training plans : Consider beginner-friendly plans like Bicycling’s 4–8 week base-building regimen for structure . Your trainer will give you a plan book if keen to master the skills. Maintain your bike : Regularly check brakes, gears, and tires. Shops like CAP, Probike Kenya, Spin Kings, Cycle World, Velokart offer maintenance and tuning . Have a mechanic from 0798154123 or https://www.facebook.com/cyclingaccessoriesandparts/ check your bike on site or off site. 7. Progress at Your Pace Start slow—fresh air, gentle paths, safe instruction. Advance gradually—longer rides, light hills, group rides. Celebrate milestones—first glide, first solo loop, first organized ride. Stay patient—remember, adult learners sometimes fall, but practice and encouragement go a long way . Final Thoughts Learning to cycle in Nairobi is not just about acquiring a skill—it’s an entry into a vibrant, supportive community and eco-friendly lifestyle. Gear up, start small, find local mentors, and choose safe, enjoyable routes. Soon, you'll be gliding confidently through Karura Forest, navigating city streets with ease, and joining group rides like a pro. Happy pedaling! 🚴‍♀️🌿

Not All BNPL Models Are Created Equal: Why Some Thrive in Africa While Others Stall

By Riderental blogs • July 21, 2025
The African digital lending space is full of contradictions right now. 📈 M-Kopa just sold over 1 million smartphones . 📊 Watu Credit hit 3 million financed devices . ❌ Meanwhile, Wabeh is scaling down in Kenya. 🤝 Engage Capital is acquiring Lipa Later , which has had its own struggles. So, what gives? Many point fingers at Kenya’s economy: “people don’t pay loans,” they say. But here’s the thing—if that were entirely true, how is M-Kopa thriving? Why has Watu managed to finance millions of assets? 🔍 The answer: There are two very different digital lending models at play in Africa. A Tale of Two Models Type A: Asset Financing (Economic Enablement) Targets the unbanked/informal economy Finances income-generating assets (smartphones, boda bodas, solar systems) Uses IoT lockout features for credit enforcement High-touch, agent-driven distribution Funded via patient capital Examples: M-Kopa, Watu, Asaak, Moove Type B: BNPL for Consumption (Lifestyle Smoothing) Targets salaried, banked consumers Used for fashion, electronics, travel Integrated into POS and online checkouts Short-term, interest-free “Pay-in-4” style Funded via merchant fees & securitization Examples: Lipa Later, Payflex, Payjustnow Why the Disconnect? What we’re seeing isn’t a failure of BNPL—it’s a failure of Product-Market-Ecosystem Fit . Type A works in capital-scarce but high-need environments Type B needs strong credit bureaus , digital merchants , and deep capital markets So when BNPL players targeting consumption default in underdeveloped markets, it’s not because of "bad customers"—it’s often because the model isn’t ecosystem-ready . Final Thought Two models. Two different growth engines.One continent. Before launching or investing in a digital lending product in Africa, ask: ✅ Are you solving for income or lifestyle ? ✅ Do you have the infrastructure to support your model's risk, funding, and scale needs ? 🔗 Let’s challenge the single-story narrative around digital lending in Africa. 💬 I’d love to hear your thoughts: Are we overestimating BNPL potential in underbanked markets? Is asset-based lending the future of inclusive finance? 👇 Drop your insights, experience, or questions in the comments. #FintechAfrica #BNPL #DigitalLending #ProductMarketFit #FinancialInclusion #Startups #InvestingInAfrica #MkopA #WatuCredit #LipaLater #VentureCapital #FinancialServices #EmergingMarkets

Top Cars Tourists Rent While in Kenya (And Where to Hire Them Hassle-Free)

By otoooh rentals • July 10, 2025
When planning a trip to Kenya, one of the top questions international travelers ask is: “What’s the best car to rent for my safari, beach trip, or Nairobi city tour?” Whether you're landing at JKIA (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) , headed to the Masai Mara , exploring Nairobi National Park , or driving to Diani Beach , having the right rental car can make all the difference. In this blog, we’ll highlight the most popular cars tourists rent in Kenya , answer key questions about car hire in Nairobi , and show you how to book the perfect ride through www.riderentals.co — Kenya’s #1 car rental platform. Why Tourists Rent Cars in Kenya Tourists visiting Kenya rent cars for: Game drives and safaris Airport transfers from JKIA, Moi Airport, or Wilson Road trips to Naivasha, Nanyuki, Diani, Tsavo, and beyond Business or diplomatic visits Weekend getaways and city exploration Top Cars Tourists Love to Rent in Kenya 1. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Best For: Safaris, executive travel, and long-distance road trips Why Tourists Love It: Powerful, spacious, off-road ready, perfect for game parks like Masai Mara or Amboseli. Google Search Terms Tourists Use: "4x4 safari car hire Kenya" "Land Cruiser for rent in Nairobi" "self-drive car for safari in Kenya" 2. Toyota Noah/Voxy Best For: Family travel, group trips Why Tourists Love It: Spacious, fuel-efficient, comfortable for city tours and countryside trips. Common Searches: "cheap family car rental Nairobi" "Toyota Noah for hire with driver in Kenya" 3. Toyota RAV4 Best For: Couples, solo travelers, light off-road adventures Why Tourists Love It: Affordable, compact SUV, good for both city and safari. Search Queries Include: "rent a 4x4 SUV in Nairobi" "affordable self-drive SUV Kenya" 4. Toyota Alphard/Vellfire Best For: Luxury airport transfers, VIP guests, weddings Why Tourists Love It: Stylish, extremely comfortable, perfect for business or luxury leisure travel. Popular Search Terms: "luxury van hire Nairobi" "chauffeur-driven Alphard in Kenya" 5. Toyota Fielder/Axio Best For: Budget travelers, city movement Why Tourists Love It: Affordable, compact, perfect for Nairobi and nearby towns. What They Google: "cheap car rental in Kenya" "affordable self-drive cars Nairobi" 6. Toyota Hilux Double Cab Best For: Adventure trips, rugged terrain Why Tourists Love It: Heavy-duty, great for Lake Turkana, Lamu overland, or remote missions. Search Examples: "4x4 Hilux for rent Kenya" "pick-up truck rental Kenya for safari" 7. Mercedes-Benz E-Class / S-Class Best For: Corporate guests, luxury travelers Why Tourists Love It: Executive comfort, ideal for business meetings, VIP pickup, and wedding rides. Common Google Searches: "hire a Mercedes-Benz in Nairobi" "luxury car hire JKIA airport" 8. Toyota Hiace / Nissan Caravan Best For: Large groups, team tours Why Tourists Love It: Seats 10–14 people, ideal for missionary trips, conferences, and tour companies. What Tourists Search: "rent a van for group travel Kenya" "tour van rental with driver in Nairobi" What Tourists From Around the World Search Before Renting a Car in Kenya "How to rent a car in Kenya" "Best self-drive cars for tourists in Nairobi" "Hire a car for safari in Kenya" "Where to rent a car near JKIA airport" "Car rental with driver in Kenya" "Top car rental companies in Nairobi" "Toyota Prado for rent Masai Mara" "Budget car rental Kenya for tourists" ✅ Why www.RideRentals.co is the Best Car Hire Option for Tourists in Kenya www.riderentals.co has become the go-to car rental platform for tourists across the world thanks to: 🔹 Vast Fleet Selection From 4x4s for safari to executive cars and budget-friendly options , you’ll find your perfect ride. 🔹 Instant Booking & Transparent Pricing No hidden fees. What you see is what you pay. 🔹 Self-drive or Chauffeur Options Book a driver or take the wheel — your choice. 🔹 Airport Pickups & Drop-offs Get your car delivered right at JKIA , Wilson , or Mombasa airport . 🔹 WhatsApp Support Get help in real-time by chatting with the support team at: +254 714 877948 🔹 Trusted by Locals & International Visitors Awarded: Best Corporate Car Rental Firm 2023 Most Innovative Car Rental Platform (Customer Experience & Tech) 2024 Just Landed in Kenya? Here's How to Rent Your Car in Minutes Visit www.riderentals.co Browse cars by location, date, or car type Choose between self-drive or with driver Confirm & pay via M-Pesa, card, or PayPal Get your car delivered to the airport, hotel, or Airbnb 📞 Need help booking? Call or WhatsApp: +254 714 877948 (Lina - Bookings Office) Final Word Whether you’re headed to the wild savannahs of Kenya or just looking to explore Nairobi in comfort, renting the right car can define your travel experience. With a wide selection of tourist-friendly vehicles and seamless service, www.riderentals.co is the best way to rent a car in Kenya. Book today and explore Kenya your way!