I am coming Home! Kenya my little Heaven

Travellers Blog • December 6, 2023

Kenya is the ultimate destination for a family vacation, offering an incredible mix of wildlife safaris, cultural experiences, pristine beaches, and scenic landscapes. This 20-day itinerary provides a comprehensive guide to exploring Kenya while ensuring seamless travel with Kenya Airways, comfortable stays at premium hotels like Serena and Eka Hotel, and reliable car rentals from www.riderentals.co for easy and flexible movement across different destinations.

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

  • Flight: Arrive in Nairobi via Kenya Airways from New York (JFK) to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO).
  • Car Rental: Pick up your pre-booked SUV from www.riderentals.co at the airport for smooth transfers.
  • Hotel: Check-in at Eka Hotel Nairobi for a relaxed evening and enjoy dinner at the hotel's fine dining restaurant.

Activities:

  • Take a short city tour if time allows.
  • Visit the Karen Blixen Museum for an introduction to Kenya’s colonial history.
  • Relax at the hotel, adjusting to the time difference.

Day 2: Nairobi - Explore the Capital City

  • Hotel: Serena Hotel Nairobi
  • Car Rental: Self-drive or chauffeur-driven rental from www.riderentals.co
  • Activities:
  • David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage – Meet rescued baby elephants.
  • Giraffe Centre – Get up close with Rothschild giraffes.
  • Nairobi National Museum – Learn about Kenya’s history and culture.
  • Kazuri Beads Factory – A shopping stop for handmade jewelry and souvenirs.
  • Dinner at Talisman Restaurant – One of Nairobi’s top fine-dining spots.

Day 3: Nairobi National Park & Bomas of Kenya

  • Morning Safari at Nairobi National Park – A wildlife adventure just minutes from the city.
  • Lunch at Carnivore Restaurant – Experience Kenya’s famous nyama choma (roast meat).
  • Afternoon at Bomas of Kenya – A cultural showcase of Kenya’s diverse ethnic groups.
  • Evening at Serena Hotel Nairobi – Relax with dinner at the poolside restaurant.

Day 4-6: Maasai Mara National Reserve – The Ultimate Safari

  • Flight: Charter a domestic flight or drive (5-6 hours) to Maasai Mara.
  • Hotel: Stay at Mara Serena Safari Lodge or Angama Mara for a luxury safari experience.
  • Car Rental: Use a 4x4 safari vehicle from riderentals.co for game drives.
  • Activities:
  • Morning & evening game drives – Spot lions, elephants, leopards, and rhinos.
  • Hot air balloon safari – An unforgettable sunrise experience.
  • Visit a Maasai village – Learn about traditional Maasai culture.

Day 7-9: Lake Nakuru & Lake Naivasha – Scenic Rift Valley Adventure

Day 7: Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park

  • Hotel: Stay at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge.
  • Activities:
  • Game drive to see rhinos, flamingos, and leopards.
  • Visit the Makalia Falls within the park.

Day 8: Drive to Lake Naivasha (2-hour drive)

  • Hotel: Stay at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort.
  • Activities:
  • Boat ride on Lake Naivasha to see hippos and birds.
  • Walking safari at Crescent Island – Walk among zebras and giraffes.

Day 9: Hell’s Gate National Park

  • Activities:
  • Cycling safari through the dramatic landscapes of Hell’s Gate.
  • Visit the Geothermal Spa for a relaxing soak in natural hot springs.

Day 10-12: Amboseli National Park – Kilimanjaro Views & Elephants

Day 10: Drive to Amboseli (5-hour drive)

  • Hotel: Stay at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge.
  • Car Rental: A 4x4 from www.riderentals.co for Amboseli’s rugged terrain.

Day 11-12: Safari in Amboseli

  • Morning & evening game drives with Kilimanjaro as a backdrop.
  • Visit a Maasai village.
  • Relax at the lodge, enjoying bush dinners and sundowners.

Day 13-15: Tsavo National Park – The Land of Red Elephants

Day 13: Drive to Tsavo West National Park (4-hour drive)

  • Hotel: Stay at Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge.
  • Activities:
  • Explore Mzima Springs – A lush oasis with crystal-clear water.
  • Game drive to spot elephants, lions, and hippos.

Day 14-15: Tsavo East National Park

  • Hotel: Stay at Ashnil Aruba Lodge.
  • Activities:
  • Visit Lugard Falls and the Galana River.
  • Spot the famous red elephants of Tsavo.

Day 16-20: Diani Beach – Relaxing on the Coast

Day 16: Flight or Drive to Diani Beach

  • Flight: Book a Kenya Airways flight from Amboseli or Tsavo to Diani.
  • Hotel: Stay at The Sands at Chale Island or Swahili Beach Resort.

Day 17-20: Diani Beach Activities

  • Relax on the white sandy beaches.
  • Snorkeling & diving at Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park.
  • Visit Wasini Island & go dolphin spotting.
  • Explore Shimba Hills National Reserve for a different wildlife experience.
  • Enjoy Swahili cuisine at Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant.

Day 20: Departure to New York

  • Flight: Return to Nairobi with Kenya Airways.
  • Last-minute shopping at Village Market or Sarit Centre.
  • Drop off your rental car at www.riderentals.co before boarding your evening flight back to New York.

Why Choose This Itinerary?

✅ Comprehensive Exploration – Covers wildlife, culture, nature, and beach experiences.
✅ Luxury & Comfort – Stays at top hotels like Serena, Eka, and Swahili Beach Resort.
✅ Convenience & Flexibility – Seamless car rental with www.riderentals.co and flights with Kenya Airways.
✅ Perfect for Families – Balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural learning.

This 20-day Kenyan adventure guarantees unforgettable family memories with a perfect blend of safari, nature, culture, and beach relaxation. Book your trip today and explore Kenya like never before! 🚗✈️🏝️

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!