How Rich Kenyans Spend Their Weekends: Luxury, Adventure, and High-End Experiences

Wanderlust • November 16, 2024

Kenya’s elite know how to make the most of their weekends, indulging in fine dining, exclusive nightlife, private adventures, and luxurious escapes. Whether it’s a relaxed brunch in Nairobi, a high-stakes golf game, a wild night in Mombasa, or an adrenaline-filled multisport adventure, Kenya offers endless opportunities for the wealthy to unwind in style.

For these experiences, a luxury ride is a must. Riderentals.co stands out as the top-tier car rental platform, offering everything from high-end SUVs for game drives to sleek executive cars for city escapades. Whether you're looking for a self-drive car rental in Kenya or a chauffeured luxury ride, Riderentals.co ensures you arrive in style.

This comprehensive guide explores how Kenya’s wealthy spend their weekends, covering:

  • Daylife activities (brunch spots, golf courses, helicopter tours, etc.)
  • Nightlife destinations (VIP clubs, fine dining, private parties)
  • Multisport adventures (horse riding, motorsports, yacht cruising)
  • Weekend getaways (private lodges, exclusive beach resorts)
  • High-end shopping and social events
  • Why Riderentals.co is the best way to hire a car for your luxury weekend

Let’s dive in!

Daylife Activities: Luxury in the Sun

1. Brunch at Nairobi’s Top Spots

Brunch is a weekend ritual for Kenya’s elite. Popular high-end spots include:

  • Hemingways Nairobi – A five-star experience with bottomless champagne and gourmet meals.
  • Inti – A Nikkei Experience – Rooftop dining with breathtaking city views and exclusive Peruvian-Japanese fusion dishes.
  • Cultiva Farm – A farm-to-table experience perfect for health-conscious elites.
  • Talisman – A sophisticated outdoor brunch spot with an eclectic menu.

With Riderentals.co, you can hire a luxury car in Nairobi and pull up in style, whether it's a Mercedes S-Class or a Range Rover Sport.

2. Golfing at Exclusive Clubs

Golf is the sport of choice for Kenya’s affluent. The best golf courses include:

  • Muthaiga Golf Club – Home of the Kenya Open, attracting top players.
  • Karen Country Club – An old-money favorite with a challenging course and excellent dining.
  • Vipingo Ridge (Mombasa) – The only PGA-accredited course in East Africa, offering breathtaking ocean views.
  • Great Rift Valley Lodge (Naivasha) – A scenic golf retreat for those who prefer to mix golf with a weekend getaway.

Riderentals.co provides luxury SUVs for hire that can handle the roads to Vipingo Ridge or Naivasha.

3. Helicopter Rides & Private Air Travel

For the ultra-rich, helicopter rides are a go-to for quick getaways.

  • Scenic flights over the Maasai Mara
  • Chopper trips to Mt. Kenya for exclusive picnics
  • Helicopter transfers to private beach villas in Malindi

Wealthy Kenyans often use Wilson Airport’s private jets for international escapes or quick weekend flights to Diani, Maasai Mara, or Zanzibar.

4. Luxury Safari Experiences

Forget crowded game drives—Kenya’s rich prefer private safaris with elite touches like:

  • Champagne sundowners at Ol Pejeta Conservancy
  • Private villas at Angama Mara with personal chefs
  • Exclusive rhino tracking in Lewa Conservancy
  • Sky safaris with Elewana Collection (flying from park to park)

Traveling in luxury requires the right ride—Riderentals.co offers 4x4 car hire in Kenya, including the Toyota Land Cruiser V8, perfect for safaris.

Nightlife: Where the Elite Party in Kenya

1. Nairobi’s VIP Clubs & Lounges

  • Alchemist Bar – A mix of Nairobi’s who’s who, with live DJs and gourmet food.
  • Kiza Lounge – VIP experience with private booths and a stunning rooftop.
  • Havana Bar – Perfect for cigar lovers and fine whiskey enthusiasts.
  • B Club – The go-to for luxury bottle service and elite networking.

Arrive in style with luxury car hire in Nairobi from Riderentals.co—think Range Rovers, Bentleys, and Mercedes G-Wagons.

2. Mombasa & Diani Beach Nightlife

  • Forty Thieves Beach Bar (Diani) – A beachfront club with live music.
  • Z Lounge (Mombasa) – VIP experience with exclusive cocktails.
  • Moonshine Beach Bar (Nyali) – A high-end coastal nightlife spot.

Coastal nightlife means private villas, yachts, and beachfront parties. Rent a chauffeured car in Mombasa from Riderentals.co and enjoy the night worry-free.

Multisport Adventures for Kenya’s Elite

1. Polo at Nairobi Polo Club

Polo is a favorite among Kenya’s wealthiest families. The Nairobi Polo Club hosts elite events with private members-only access.

2. Deep-Sea Fishing in Malindi & Watamu

Kenya’s coast is a global hotspot for marlin and sailfish fishing. The best deep-sea fishing charters include:

  • Malindi Sea Fishing Club
  • Watamu Deep Sea Fishing Club
  • Lamu Fishing Adventures

Hire a 4x4 self-drive car in Kenya from Riderentals.co to explore the coast freely.

3. Motorsport Racing at TGRV Circuit, Mai Mahiu

Rich Kenyans love supercar racing, with events hosted at:

  • TGRV Motorsport Circuit (Mai Mahiu)
  • Whistling Morans (Machakos)

For weekend track days, rent a sports car from Riderentals.co and hit the circuit.

Weekend Getaways: Where Kenya’s Elite Escape

1. Naivasha & Elementaita

  • Chui Lodge – An exclusive safari retreat.
  • Enashipai Resort & Spa – A luxurious lakeside escape.

2. Maasai Mara’s Private Camps

  • Mahali Mzuri (owned by Richard Branson)
  • Elewana Sand River Camp

3. Malindi & Watamu’s Luxury Villas

  • Lion in the Sun Retreat (ex-home of Flavio Briatore)
  • Manda Bay Resort (Lamu)

Traveling? Hire a luxury car in Nairobi or Mombasa from Riderentals.co and experience the smoothest, most stylish ride.

Why Riderentals.co is the Best Way to Hire a Car in Kenya

For a luxury weekend, the right car is essential. Riderentals.co offers:

✅ Luxury car rental in Nairobi, Mombasa, and other major cities
✅ Self-drive car hire in Kenya for full flexibility
✅ Chauffeur-driven cars for VIP transport
✅ SUVs for weekend getaways to Maasai Mara or Naivasha
✅ Sports cars for motorsport events
✅ Airport transfers to Wilson, JKIA, or Mombasa International Airport

🚗 Call Lina (Bookings Office) at +254714877948
🌐 Visit www.riderentals.co to book your ride

From elite brunches to luxury getaways, make every weekend unforgettable with Riderentals.co—Kenya’s #1 car rental platform.

Your adventure begins with the perfect ride. Book now! 🚘✨

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!