Camping as an outdoor activity involves staying the night/more than one night in a protective shelter out in nature. It is a way of getting away from the hassle of urban life, to a more natural environment for a limited time. Recreational camping started in the late 19th century and became one of the most common outdoor activities all around the world. Plan for your Rwanda Camping Trip with 4×4 Car Rental Rwanda and be sure to have a memorable experience in Rwanda.
Camping in Rwanda is mainly done in game reserves and national parks. It is best to organize your camping trip during the dry seasons to avoid the inconveniences caused by rain. Camping gives you an opportunity to connect with nature, make new friends, reflect and take your mind off your daily hassles. Here’s everything you should expect on your camping trip in Rwanda.
Rugged roads
When you land in Kigali, you’ll notice that all the roads are paved and that the city is extremely clean and organised. This is partially because of Umuganda which is compulsory community cleaning carried out every last Saturday of the month. When you drive out of Kigali, the highways are tarmac but expect some steep corners because of the hilly terrain. The moment you branch off from the highway to the camping sites, the roads begin to get rough.
They are characterised by potholes, bumps, a lot of dust in the dry season and so much mud in the wet season. That’s why it is necessary to get a car that can manoeuvre these roads with ease. 4×4 vehicles are highly recommend because of their ability to withstand rough roads
Safety
Rwanda is considered one of the safest places to travel to in African so expect your camping to be safe. Also, camping sites are specifically located in locations that are not commonly accessible by wild animals. There are also game rangers to ensure the security of campers. Do not be tempted to stop your car, pitch your rooftop tent and sleep in the middle of nowhere.
Chances are you’ll get feasted on by animals and the park management will not be held responsible. Ensure to find out the licensed camping sites in the areas you’re visiting to be safe.
Limited number of people
Most camping sites in Rwanda are strict with the maximum number of people they can accommodate at a time. On average, each camping site can host 8-10 people but only very few can go up to 20 people. Ensure to book in advance especially during the peak season if June to September because slots are limited.
Network and connection
Camping sites usually have poor network or connection so you many nit be able to make phoenix calls or browse the Internet once you’re there. To beat the boredom, park a few board games and endeavour to download your favourite movies, music or shows before you head to the camping sites.
Pit latrines
If you’ve not used a pit latrine before, camping is the perfect opportunity for you. 90% of camp grounds have clean and well maintained pit latrines but only a few have Flash toilets.
Catering and bar service
A few camping grounds have functional restaurants and bars but most of them only have canteens that sell snacks and soft drinks. These are not enough to get you through the days and Night. Contact the management of your preferred camping site and find out if they have a kitchen and if not, you’ll have to pack your own cooking equipment like a gas cylinder, pans, food, spices etc.
You could also decide to eat before camping so that you just take a snack for the night.
Abrupt rainfall
Rwanda being near the Equator experiences rainfall and sunshine throughout the year. Even in the dry season, so not be surprised if it rains. If you’re camping the Volcanoes Mountains, expect rain any time. Make sure your tent is not leaking and always pack warm blankets and sweaters to keep you warm.
Fines for breaking rules
Rwandan camping sites have strict rules like they have restricted areas where you shouldn’t go to without a guide,. They also have a strict policy against Littering. After camping, make sure to collect all your litter and dump it in the collection points. Leaving your campsite messy comes with a fine which is an added cost that you didn’t plan for.
Bearing all that in mind, book your Rwanda Camping Trip in advance, have all your camping equipment ready, avoid breaking rules and while there, make a few friends over the Borne fire.
