Whether you are travelling to Kenya on a budget, love the outdoors, or want to stay flexible during your trip - camping and roadtripping with a 4x4 is a wonderful way to explore the country and experience a great sense of freedom. Check out our tips below to make the most out of your camping adventure in Kenya!
When renting a car with Roadtrip Africa, your vehicle can be outfitted with camp gear and all the essentials you need for a camping trip in Kenya.
Our Landcruisers can be equipped with two tents maximum. You can choose between rooftop tents or ground tents.
Both tents come with a full set of quality camp gear, consisting of:
TIP: bring a headlight and an extra fleece blanket. The sleeping bags provided are thin.
We also provide the option of renting an electrical fridge (55L) for €10/day. Ideal for those who fancy a cold drink in the bush or plan to camp a lot! *
Kindly note that Roadtrip Africa does not provide camp gear rental in Kenya as a standalone service.
* Please note that we don’t do field repairs or send a replacement vehicle when there are problems with the fridge. Wiring and piping are sensitive and suffer from bumpy roads and dust. The knowledge and equipment (Frigo gas) to repair fridges are sadly not available in the field. We understand it's unfortunate when the fridge stops working. In the rare case that this happens, notify us, and our Netherlands office will promptly refund your rental.
Rooftop tents are quick and easy to set up. Just watch this step-by-step instruction video, made by Muhire and Jackson from the Roadtrip Uganda team.
For many people, sleeping in a rooftop tent depicts the ultimate camping safari experience. However, a ground tent comes with its advantages too. There are a few factors that will determine whether a rooftop tent is the best choice for you:
The pros & cons of sleeping in a rooftop tent
A rooftop tent is the easiest way to sleep off the ground. This is helpful when your campsite is uneven, or when the soil is wet or rocky. People tend to prefer rooftop tents over ground tents in wilderness areas, as it puts some distance between themselves and wild animals lurking around at night. However, this is a FALSE sense of security and you will be just as safe in a ground tent that is properly zipped up. Although we understand that perception of safety plays a role here as well….
Pros of camping in a rooftop tent:
Cons:
Whether you choose a rooftop - or ground tent for camping in Kenya, both guarantee an unforgettable experience!
Wondering what to pack for your camping trip to Kenya? We advise you to keep the following in mind:
Forgotten something? Kenya's cities and larger towns have many well-stocked supermarkets and pharmacies where you can buy almost anything you need.
Lodges inside Kenya's National Parks can be quite expensive. Camping, therefore, can be a great alternative for budget travellers and adventures alike.
Numerous campsites are available throughout the country, ranging from basic bush campsites inside the parks to private campsites owned by lodge operators. The latter option provides secured sites with good amenities, such as a communal fireplace, restaurant, and sometimes even a swimming pool. Additionally, camping in Kenya is possible year-round due to its warm climate.
When looking for a campsite or budget guesthouse in Kenya, we highly recommend using the free app iOverlander, where every campsite is plotted and reviewed.
When camping in Kenya, there is no need to reserve your camping spots in advance. Your camping permit is obtained at the gate on arrival. Each national park has several public campsites, and you will always be assigned one when arriving at the park entrance.
Do you have more questions about camping in Kenya? Check out our car rental options or get in touch with us. Our team at Roadtrip Africa is happy to help you create the camping trip of a lifetime!