Roof-top tent Vs Ground tent camping on your self-drive safari in Rwanda.

While on your self-drive safari in Rwanda, the most affordable and budget option of accommodation is camping. Camping is an exciting outdoor activity that allows you to spend your vacation while staying overnight in a tent. As a recreational sport, it appeals to people of all ages. Suppose you are a nature lover, and planning a safari to Rwanda, especially in the dry season. In that case, the most affordable and reliable option is camping in a ground or rooftop tent.

This activity provides a unique opportunity to engage with the authentic African wilderness, ensuring an unforgettable experience that transcends the comforts of home. Embark on camping adventures to experience the breathtaking landscapes, including rolling hills and tropical rainforests, among others.

Rwanda’s campsites are strategically located in the most scenic locations, ensuring safety and comfort for visitors.  Most of the camping in Rwanda is mainly done in Akagera National Park, the only savannah park in the country. Some of the camping sites in Akagera National Park include Muyumba camping site, Mutumba camping site, Shakani campsite, and Mihindi camping site. Nyungwe National Park also offers camping close to Uwinka guest Center, Volcanoes National Park provides camping at the Red Rocks campsite in Musanze, and camping can also be done at Machoe Ecolodge close to Lake Kivu.

Roof top tent Vs Ground tent camping

Many people find it difficult to decide which is best: a rooftop tent or a ground tent. Both options come with their own set of pros and cons, and several factors will influence which one is most suitable for you.

Advantages of Rooftop Tent

Fast to set and pack.

You will undoubtedly save time and effort with this roof tent because it opens in about 30 seconds and closes in slightly longer than average, while setting up a standard ground tent may be quite challenging, especially in wet weather, because they usually have both an inner and an outside tent to be assembled. For the same reasons, they also require more time to put other camping gear aside.

Strong and more durable

Roof top tents with a hard-shell roof are usually sturdier and less noisy, and can withstand strong winds. Rooftop tents are designed to be entirely leak-proof and waterproof, even in the heaviest rain, because their fabric is typically thicker and more durable than ground tents. This ensures that you will have a more restful night’s sleep, even if chaos unfolds outside.

Flood proof

With a rooftop tent, no need to worry about getting swept away by floods during heavy rains. Though this would be a problem with ground tents. So, if you’re going somewhere with adverse conditions, these might be your lifeline from a possible nasty cleanup.

Better views

The views from a rooftop tent are more spectacular than from the ground tent because of its elevated location on top of your car. Rooftop tents with two doors and two windows not only offer 360-degree views, but they also make those breathtaking landscapes look even more spectacular.

Extra storage space

Rooftop tents allow you to store your belongings inside when they’re closed, providing you with extra space in the vehicle compared to traditional tents. This means that when you’re ready to leave a stopover quickly, you can just leave your bedding in the roof tent and head off on your next adventure.

Protection from animals and bugs

Roof tents are great because you don’t have to stress about sharing your space at night with bugs and critters, after all, they’re up off the ground.   You can fold the step ladder for more safety during the night.

More camping places.

There’s no need for expansive space, level, dry, and gentle when setting up for the night with rooftop tents, unlike with ground tents. Having a rooftop tent provides you with greater options for camping, allowing you to explore various wild and free camping locations where you can set up your stop.

Maintains warmth

Good roof tents have a hard fiberglass shell and thicker canvas than most regular tents. This makes it stay warm at night. During those cold winter trips, such a tent could save your life.

Advantages of a ground tent.

Easy storage

You can easily store a ground tent in your wardrobe since they pack down to a smaller size! If you find yourself a bit short on space and can’t afford an extra small storage unit, a regular ground tent might be a great alternative for you. Unlike the rooftop tents, which have to occupy some space in your store or garage. Many people prefer leaving them on top of their vehicles where they can be affected by too much sunshine.

They can be used to camp in more remote locations

Having a standard ground tent gives you the freedom to explore more distant areas of the wilderness, such as hiking up mountain routes that your car can’t reach with a rooftop tent.

Can accommodate more people

Some ground tents are large enough to accommodate eight or more people, which isn’t something you can do with roof tents. If you have a big family or plan to stay with friends in your tent, a spacious ground tent might be just the right fit for you. but if you have lots of people staying with you, then it’s really your only option besides sleeping in a hotel, getting both a roof tent and a ground tent, or of course, leaving a few unlucky folks out in the cold.

They are lighter

Ground tents are super lightweight and easy to transport, making it a breeze for one person to carry and load it into their car, all set for an adventure, which is not the case for rooftop tents, which require two or more people to load to load and set them onto the vehicle.

All in all, both choices are good, and your choice comes down to which is more useful to you: ease or versatility? A contrast of rooftop tents shows that they are the most mobile, while ground tents offer more room and flexibility. A rooftop tent might be the best choice for an exciting trip where you’ll be moving around a lot, but it’s better to have a ground tent for longer breaks and family trips.

Want to hire a 4WD with a rooftop tent or ground tent? Self Drive Rwanda has got you covered. The ultimate way to explore different travel destinations in Rwanda and the whole of East Africa, our vehicles come fully equipped with navigation and recovery equipment, a fridge/freezer and cooking equipment, a table and chairs, and a reliable rooftop tent with a comfy mattress. Ready to start your adventure?