There has been an increase in the number of people who prefer camping in Kenya over the last couple of years. It is not just the experience but also this outdoor activity enables us to escape the busy city lives and noise & pollution. If you are a first-timer, don’t worry — we have a list of some of the best camping sites in Kenya in our blog that you can check out.
New campers often learn things the hard way, and even the experienced ones tend to overlook certain things from time to time. Luckily, we got you covered so that you don’t have a bad experience when trying to go camping for the first time.
Having gathered a list of the common mistakes made by other campers, here are the top 7 tips on how to camp in Kenya like a pro:
1. Become Familiar With Your Gear
DO NOT wait until you’re at the campground for you to try out the new gear. Having gone out a couple of times, it is uncommon to see other campers fumble for hours as they try to figure out how to set up their camping gear such as tents.
Practice really does make perfect. You ought to set up tents in your backyard before going out camping. Check the operation of lanterns and camp stoves to make sure they work properly. You should also check your sleeping bag one night on the living room floor to see how well you sleep in it. Be a smart camper and become familiar with your gear
2. Buy a Tent That is Big Enough
Not unless you’ll be going camping alone (or backpacking), it is advisable to invest in a bigger tent. Space and comfort should be your priority in your choice of tents. For family camping, get a tent that’s rated two higher than the number of campers that would be sharing.
For instance, if you’re 2, a 4-person tent would do the trick, and if you’re 4 get one that can comfortably accommodate 6.
3. Make (and Use) a Checklist
One of the biggest mistakes made by people when going camping in Kenya is to overlook a checklist. It’s so easy to forget and it’ll be no fun getting to the campground and finding out that you’d forgotten something.
Stay organized and ensure that you leave nothing behind. The best way to achieve this is by coming up with a camping checklist beforehand.
You should use it while packing as you check off each item on the list.
4. Arrive at the Campground Early
Be a smart camper and arrive at the camping site early enough to become familiar with the surroundings, amenities, and rules. If you’ve never been camping before (or to that particular site) how will you even know? It is much easier when you can see what you’re doing and you’ll even have ample time to make other plans.
5. Plan Your Meals
You might be all excited about your first camping experience in Kenya and forget the machines. Well, it is okay to pack up lots of snacks, but you also have to plan your meals in advance. If the site doesn’t offer food and drinks, you’d better carry your own food and plan how it’ll be cooked or heated.
Figure out how many meals you’ll have and the number of people you’ll be serving. Ensure that it’s enough to last you until the very last day.
6. Bring Sufficient Clothing
Camping is all about being prepared. Do not neglect the idea of bringing in enough clothes. There are no laundry facilities (well, in most camping sites in Kenya), and also weather conditions might demand different attire.
A rain suit will come in handy when it starts to rain, a swimming costume for a dip, light clothing when it’s sunny or you’re going hiking, and a sweater for those chilly evenings.
7. Check the Weather Patterns
Camping is all about relaxing outdoors and having a good time, but all this becomes null if you’re met by foul weather. Ensure to confirm from the location if the weather is ideal for camping or you could just try elsewhere. Luckily, Kenya is a tropical climate area that seldom experiences extreme weather conditions in most parts of the year.
You’ll be able to camp in the country without worrying too much about the elements cutting your trip short.
Do you have any other tips for camping in Kenya? Let us know in the comment section below.
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