How to Make Payments in Kenya While on the Road

BLACK LEOPARD 4X4 HIRE
Jul 21
2 min read

Travelling through Kenya on a self-drive safari? Whether you're picking up firewood in Samburu or fuelling up in the Maasai Mara, one thing makes everything easier: M-Pesa!

At Black Leopard 4x4 Hire, we provide every rental vehicle with a fully set-up smartphone, giving you access to mobile money, navigation, local calls and emergency help right from the beginning of your trip. Here’s everything you need to know about paying your way through Kenya like a local, and why our mobile phones are a game-changer for your trip.

What is M-Pesa?

M-Pesa is Kenya’s most widely used mobile payment system. It lets you send, receive and spend money from your phone, no bank account required. It’s how most Kenyans pay for everything, especially in rural areas where credit card facilities are rare.

With M-Pesa, you can:

Pay for fuel and vehicle services
Book and pay for campsites or lodges
Buy groceries, drinks, and park entry
Pay boda boda (motorbike taxi) riders
Tip guides or community hosts
Send and receive money securely

Your Black Leopard Travel Companion: The Mobile Phone

We don’t just hand over the keys, we give you the tools to travel smart. Every Black Leopard vehicle comes with a dedicated smartphone, preloaded with everything you need.

Why Do Our Vehicles Come with a Mobile Phone?

Stay Connected - Never miss a beat while on the road. Our phones keep you connected, make calls, send messages and check in with friends or family.
Use Data to Navigate - Get access to Google Maps, Tracks4Africa, park info, and local highlights, all from your fingertips, even in remote areas.
Pay Locals Using M-Pesa - No cash? No problem. Our phones come equipped with M-Pesa, so you can easily and securely make transactions anywhere in Kenya.
Reach Us in Case of an Emergency! - Need help or advice on the road? Call our team directly, we’re always just a phone call away.

Want to Start with Preloaded Funds?

If you'd like to hit the road with your M-Pesa wallet already topped up, just let us know. We can preload your mobile wallet with a set amount, based on your estimated spending.

Throughout your trip, you’ll also be able to:

Top up at thousands of M-Pesa agents
Send funds to the account from overseas (Wise or Revolut)
Ask our team to remotely assist with top-ups if needed

Travel Light. Pay Local. Stay Secure.

The days of carrying wads of cash are gone. In Kenya, a simple mobile phone does it all and we’ve already set it up for you. Whether you're buying charcoal from a roadside stall, paying your campsite fee, or tipping your safari guide, M-Pesa is trusted, fast and secure.