Where to Go for Recreational Fishing in Kenya

Ngunu the fisherman • February 14, 2025

Kenya is a paradise for recreational fishing enthusiasts, offering some of the best fishing spots in Africa. Whether you prefer deep-sea fishing along the Indian Ocean, freshwater fishing in lakes, or fly fishing in mountain rivers, Kenya has something for every angler.

In this guide, we explore the top recreational fishing destinations in Kenya, the species you can expect to catch, and the best times to go fishing. And if you need reliable transport to access these fishing locations, www.riderentals.co is your go-to car rental platform, offering self-drive and chauffeur-driven vehicles to help you tour all the best fishing spots with ease.

1. Deep-Sea Fishing in Kenya

Kenya’s coastal waters are famous for deep-sea fishing, attracting anglers from all over the world. The warm currents of the Indian Ocean provide an excellent habitat for a variety of game fish.

Best Deep-Sea Fishing Spots in Kenya

a) Malindi & Watamu

Malindi and Watamu are world-renowned for sport fishing. The waters here are home to species like marlin, sailfish, tuna, and kingfish. The Malindi-Watamu Marine Park is a protected area that ensures fish populations remain healthy, making it one of the most productive fishing spots on the Kenyan coast.

Best time to fish: October to April
Fish species: Black marlin, blue marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dorado

b) Mombasa & Diani

Mombasa and Diani offer excellent deep-sea fishing opportunities with numerous charter boats available for hire. Anglers can explore the Pemba Channel, one of the richest fishing grounds in East Africa.

Best time to fish: August to March
Fish species: Barracuda, kingfish, tuna, marlin, sailfish

c) Lamu

Lamu is an undiscovered gem for fishing enthusiasts. The waters here are less crowded, allowing anglers to enjoy a peaceful experience while targeting big game fish.

Best time to fish: November to April
Fish species: Giant trevally, wahoo, sailfish, tuna

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2. Freshwater Fishing in Kenya

If you prefer freshwater fishing, Kenya’s lakes and rivers provide excellent options. From tilapia fishing in Lake Victoria to trout fishing in the highlands, you’ll find plenty of spots to cast your line.

Best Freshwater Fishing Spots in Kenya

a) Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest freshwater lake and home to some of the best fishing experiences in Kenya. The lake is famous for its Nile perch and tilapia, with plenty of local guides available to help you navigate the waters.

Best time to fish: Year-round
Fish species: Nile perch, tilapia, catfish

b) Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha is a great fishing destination just a short drive from Nairobi. It’s a popular spot for catching tilapia and black bass, and you can also enjoy a boat ride while fishing.

Best time to fish: October to March
Fish species: Tilapia, black bass

c) Lake Baringo

Lake Baringo is one of Kenya’s hidden fishing gems. The lake is rich in catfish and tilapia, and it offers a unique fishing experience surrounded by beautiful scenery and wildlife.

Best time to fish: June to December
Fish species: Catfish, tilapia, Nile perch


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3. Fly Fishing in Kenya

For those who love fly fishing, Kenya’s highland rivers and lakes provide the perfect setting. The country has several trout fishing spots where anglers can enjoy an exciting challenge.

Best Fly Fishing Spots in Kenya

a) Aberdare National Park

The rivers in the Aberdare Mountains, such as the Chania and Gura Rivers, are excellent for trout fishing. The cold mountain waters provide an ideal habitat for brown and rainbow trout.

Best time to fish: June to September
Fish species: Rainbow trout, brown trout

b) Mount Kenya Rivers

The rivers flowing from Mount Kenya, including the Naro Moru and Burguret Rivers, are perfect for fly fishing enthusiasts. The pristine waters and serene environment make for an unforgettable fishing experience.

Best time to fish: June to September
Fish species: Rainbow trout, brown trout


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4. Recreational Fishing Tournaments in Kenya

Kenya hosts several fishing tournaments that attract both local and international anglers. These events are a great way to test your skills, meet other fishing enthusiasts, and experience the thrill of competitive fishing.

Major Fishing Tournaments in Kenya

  • Watamu Fishing Festival – One of the biggest sport fishing events in Kenya, held annually in Watamu.
  • Mtwapa Fishing Competition – A thrilling deep-sea fishing contest held in Mtwapa.
  • Naivasha Black Bass Fishing Tournament – A freshwater fishing competition held at Lake Naivasha.
  • Pemba Channel Big Game Fishing Tournament – A deep-sea fishing challenge in one of Africa’s richest fishing grounds.

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5. Fishing Guidelines and Conservation Efforts in Kenya

Kenya is committed to sustainable fishing practices to preserve its rich aquatic life. Before you go fishing, make sure to:

✅ Obtain a fishing permit from the Kenya Fisheries Department or Kenya Wildlife Service (for fishing in protected areas).
✅ Practice catch and release, especially for endangered species.
✅ Respect local fishing regulations and size limits.
✅ Use eco-friendly fishing gear to minimize environmental impact.

Final Thoughts

Kenya is a dream destination for recreational fishing, offering a variety of fishing experiences across its lakes, rivers, and deep-sea waters. Whether you're looking for the thrill of big game fishing or the relaxation of freshwater angling, you’ll find the perfect spot to cast your line.

To make your fishing trip even more convenient, www.riderentals.co provides reliable car hire services, ensuring you get to all the best fishing destinations comfortably. Book your vehicle today and start your fishing adventure across Kenya! 🚗🎣

📞 Booking Office: 0714877948
🌐 Website: www.riderentals.co
📍 Contact Person: Lina - Bookings Office (+254714877948)

Happy fishing! 🎣 🚙

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!