A roof top tent is a folding tent that attaches to the roof of your car, truck, or SUV. It is a self-contained unit that is packed into a hard-shell container. When it’s packed up and you’re driving, it only adds a few inches of height to your vehicle but when it’s opened up and ready to use, it expands into a full-size tent. Here is where to camp with a rooftop tent in Volcanoes National Park.
Rooftop Tents
Roof top tents haven’t been around quite that long, having been invented in the mid-20th century. Even though they’ve been around for over half a century, many people have never slept in one while camping. We are more accustomed to the traditional tents which date back to 40,000BC.
Roof top tents offer several advantages compared to a traditional tent for example
- They’re fast and easy to put up and take down
- They’re more comfortable and secure
- They offer a consistently flat surface
- They have built in mattresses
- They provide a better view
- They’re easy to keep clean.
Camping and overnight stays inside the Volcanoes National Park is not allowed. However, there are a few establishments outside the park where you can park your car and set up your rooftop tent and the include the following.
Kinigi guest house
This lodge is located within about 11Km from the town of Musanze (former Ruhengeri). It is owned and managed by Association de Solidarité des Femmes Rwandese (ASOFERWA), a community based organization for orphans and widows of the Rwanda Genocide.
The guest house is a project that was set to offer a profitable way that can raise funds for looking after orphans, women groups and the needy. It is not a designated campsite but you may camp in your rooftop with management approval.
Located down the road from the park headquarters, Kinigi guest house is ideal for visitors (pack packers) interested in spending less on accommodation while on their adventure. It is just a two minutes drive to the park’s briefing point which is also the starting point for gorilla trekking.
The guest house has spectacular views and great facilities. Amenities here include a restaurant, bar, shared bathrooms with hot water, WiFi and fire place.
Apart from gorilla trekking and golden money tracking experiences, visitors can also take part in other activities like cultural visits that involves visiting the neighboring communities, bird watching and others
Gorilla Mountain view lodge
Found in Kinigi sector, Ruhengeri Musanze district in the Northern Province of Rwanda, close to Volcanoes national park, this lodge is situated in the perfect base for Gorilla trekking and its 10 minutes drive from the park headquarters.
The lodge is convenient with ambient accommodation and business friendly to guests with the beautiful views of the volcanoes. There are fireplaces at the lodge where guests relax and share stories/ experiences about the trip.
Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
This is not a campsite per se but if you speak to management you will be allowed to set up your rooftop tent on their premises. Le bambou gorilla lodge offers different services and facilities which include;
- A restaurant in the main building that serves different meals both international and African- inspired cuisine like breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Well-stocked bar with shared lounge with variety of refreshments including local beers ,cocktails, wines, spirits and international beers ,
- Free parking space
- WIFI available at the lodge that enables visitors to keep in touch with their families and friends,
- Business centres with meeting place
- Craft shop
Important to note is that since camping is generally not allowed in the park, there are no establishments exclusive for camping but you’ll find other accommodations around the park. Accommodations range from budget, midrange to luxury depending on your needs and budget and you can choose from the following
- La Palme Hotel
- Bisate Lodge
- Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
- Virunga Lodge
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Lodge
- Mountain Gorillas Nest Lodge
- Best Vie Hotel
- Faraja Hotel
- Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
- Etc
In order to access the Volcanoes National Park, you do not need to pay park entry fees but you’ll be required to provide you Gorilla Trekking Permit which is issued by the Rwanda Development Board. Always remember to carry it with you at all times since you’ll not be allowed to trek gorillas without it. Contact us for more information about Where to camp with a rooftop tent in Volcanoes National Park.
