A roof tent or rooftop tent is an accessory that may be fitted to the roof or bed of a motor vehicle that allows the users to sleep in relative safety and comfort above the vehicle and leaves the internal load space free. Vehicles with rooftop tents have become quite popular in Rwanda among travelers interested in camping. Learn about the best places to visit with a rooftop rental in Rwanda.
Hiring a car with a rooftop tent is relatively cheaper than hiring a tent at the camping site. It is also easier to set up the tent and it shields you from ground animals like snakes and other wild animals. The following are the best places you can visit with a rooftop rental in Rwanda.
Twin Lakes Recreational Island
This is located at Lake Burera and Ruhondo in the northern province of Rwanda so close to Volcanoes National Park. It is about 99km from Kigali and a 2.5 hrs drive. It is a beautiful recreation site right on the side of the lake and there are 6 spots with picnic tables, one pit bathroom which is very clean The lake is swimmable and has very clear water.
Be warned that the road leading to the camping site is bad with a very big pothole which most visitors like to call a trench so you need a 4×4 car with high ground clearance to navigate successfully. It is a very quiet and peaceful place with no garbage. Perfect spot to set up your rooftop tent and enjoy camping, fishing, nature walks, birdwatching, kayaking and motorcycling. Note that there’s no cell signal here.
Imuhira Eco Tourism
Based at nyamasheke on the shores of Lake kivu, Imuhira eco tourism centre is a 40 minutes drive from Nyungwe Forest National Park. Perfect spot for kayaking, and tourists interested in cultural immersion will enjoy this spot.
Catering and camping services are very affordable. To enjoy cultural dance performances in the evening, you will pay 30 dollars. Nature walks and bird-watching are 20 dollars and the water tour is 50 dollars.
Shakani Camping Spots
This is located on the shores of Lake Shekani in the southern direction of Akagera National Park. It offers basic facilities to visitors staying overnight for example toilets and washrooms. It is the only campsite that has Flash toilets.
Tap water is not safe for drinking so pack own bottled water. Firewood is provided at reception if you need them but youre required to bring your own camping equipment and supplies since there’s no restaurant except a small shop that sells snacks. It is one of the very few lakes in Akagera NP where fishing is allowed.
Get amazed by the variety of animals, birds and catch all your fish on your fishing tour which is the main recreation activity. The most amazing thing about this fishing expedition is that you get to take home all the fish you catch or you can decide to remain behind for roast of your tilapia of catfish.
Other activities include birdwatching and nature walks. The best months to camp here are June-September or December to February which are the warm months. Also grasslands are shorter making game viewing better as animals come to drink water at Lake Shekani.
Mutamba campsite
The campsite is located in Mutumba Hills North of Akagera national park. It overlooks Gishanju loop which hosts a variety of water animals like hippos, crocodiles and water birds. Mutumba hill is the highest point of Akagera National Park and this gives you a perfect view of the park and its surroundings .
Hiking is the major activity here and is usually done in the morning and evening hours when the sun is not so hot . There’s a hippo beach where you get to gather a glimpse at the huge concentration of hippos and it is one the three best view spots designated for people to get out of the car. :
Muyumba
Located at the edge of the ridge overlooking lakes Ihema and Shekani south of Akagera National Park. Muyumba camp offers midrange camping equipment like mosquito nets and complementary bottled water. It gives a fantastic view of the lake especially sunsets in the evening and sunrises in the mornings.
There’s a fire place where guests can gather and share stories and catch up on the safari experiences. It is also a very good opportunity to make new friends. There is a fully functional restaurant that prepares delicious meals including breakfast, lunch buffet and dinner with a fully stocked bar. This site also has free WIFI, laundry and housekeeping services are available upon request.
Remember to research the campsite to see if you’re allowed to pitch a rooftop tent and book in advance. Check the rooftop tent condition and pack all the necessary camping supplies. Do not attempt to feed the animals, do not leave camp fires unattended and avoid Littering. By following these guidelines, be sure to have a splendid and memorable time on your rooftop adventure.
