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Car Rental with Roof Tent In Uganda - Pros and Cons
Car rental with Roof tent – Pros and Cons: Car rent with roof tent is by no doubt one of the bests amazing ways to explore the beauty of Uganda as a safari destination. There’s plenty of camping sites near the National parks and remote areas too! But before you go ahead and book an African Self drive safari car with a roof top tent, it’s important to know the pros and cons of this idea. So read on for a comprehensive guide to Car rental with roof tent Uganda as well as some tips on how to make the most of your trip!
Car Rental with Roof Tent In Uganda - Pros and Cons
PROS: Of renting a Car and roof tent in Uganda
- No need to pack extra luggage or equipment. If you’re looking for a convenient and affordable way to travel, then renting a car in Uganda with roof tent is the perfect solution. This versatile piece of equipment can easily accommodate up to 6 people, making it perfect for family vacations or small group gatherings. Plus, since everything stays clean and organized inside the car rental tent, there’s no need to worry about losing keys or sunglasses! Apart from being an excellent choice for traveling by car, renting a roof tent also makes sense when staying in one place without having to move your vehicle every day. You can simply book your car rental online and be ready to explore new places without all the hassle of packing extra luggage or equipment.They provide an unique African safari experience that is not possible if one books a tour full package with a safari company
- Some car roof tents can accommodate up to 5 persons or small families, making them perfect for special occasions or safari get aways that won’t cost you a leg.
- Having your own car and roof tent is ideal for both camping and car hire, providing flexibility in your travel plans. You can choose to stay longer in a campsite if you like it and as are they often empty unlike the lodges where you must specify you check-in and checkout dates
- Although booking a car with roof tent in Uganda require some level of knowledge about using a tents, camping equipment, changing tires and setting up camp, rooftop tents won’t take you much time to set up but you will have nearly the same comfort of the hotels and lodges.
Car roof tents are pretty convenient With car rooftop tents such as iron man, you will be able to quickly set up your camp anywhere you want and you car can be allowed to park in many places unlike using the traditional ground tents. Car roof tents take a very small space as they are mounted on your 4×4 Roof. In Uganda you normally won’t have to book for your campsites and as a result, you have all the freedom to go where you want and any time you wish!
Safety and security : Renting a roof tent and a car in Uganda means you have an extra protection against wild animals in the campsites. Wild animals such as snakes, snails, bugs and others are commonly coming to campsites at night and can easily come onto your tent if on the ground. There is also a chance of flooding and mud on the ground. With a roof tent, you will quickly notice a difference, the feeling of comfort, security and safety is unmatched.
In Conclusion,
The advantages of renting a car with roof tent are many, if you’re an adventurous person looking at exploring Africa in an outdoor and exciting way camping in small villages under the stars then this is for you! If you have some questions drop us a line and we’d be happy to help.
Cons of car rental with roof tent - Car Rental with Roof Tent In Uganda - Pros and Cons
1. Roof tents are so expensive.
You might have probably looked online to checkout the prices of one of the roof tents before and chances are you have seen that most are out of your range. Even if youre a seasoned camper or a newbie, the prices of roof tents might surprise you.to be honest, almost everyone will agree that a roof tent is an expensive investment yet its the best thing ever.
Rooftop tents have gone viral on social media. Rooftop tents are popular even if conventional tents do not suit your lifestyle
2. Rooftop Tents Kill Gas Mileage:
Even with the most lightweight car roof tent you will rent in Uganda for your self-drive safari, your gas mileage will drastically reduce while driving with a roof tent. It’s just simple physics that your 4×4 will be less aerodynamic on highways and in the National parks such as Bwindi Forest National Park. These tents normally weight 50 kgs each, it gets worse if you’re renting a car with family roof tents or double roof tent. Some clients have complained about cars taking more gas that usual when having roof tents. Renting a Fuel hungry V8s land cruisers and several other SUVs means you will have to make more trips to the gas stations
3. Roof Tents can be challenging to park
A number of clients without prior experience of setting up roof tents have rented a car with roof tent in Uganda and their complaint about the difficulty in setting up and putting back the roof tent. Some say its time consuming to put up everytime they have to stop in a camping ground or campsite. However, to me I think it’s still the price you pay for the adventure you get and also with the ground tent, you still need time to set it up. While some brands are straightforward to set up , other types of rooftop tents are hard for beginners.
Most campers have said its worthy it for it is flexible and provides a lot of adventures while others say it’s not worthy it
4. Less privacy with the roof tent in some camping sites in Uganda
Going on a camping tour in Uganda with your car and roof tent means you will also lose some kind of privacy. At some point you by probably having to change cloths in the roof tent or you 4×4.
Conclusion
Renting a car and a roof tent in Uganda and Africa for that self-drive African adventure is not for everyone. It’s for those adventurous souls open to discovering what the continent has to offer in their own way!
Rooftop Tents Vs Ground Tents – What should I rent in Uganda?
When it comes to camping, rooftop tents have absolutely a lot of advantages over ground tents. They are easier to set up and take down, offer comfortable space, and come with less hassle when renting from car rental companies. One disadvantage of rooftop tents is that they can be quite heavy to carry around on the car that means they reduce on the fuel consumption of the car too.
Pro’s of Hardshell Rooftop tents
If you are considering to hire a car and roof top in Uganda, then hardshell rooftop tents are probably a great option for you. These roof tents can be set up quickly and easily,
The only disadvantage is that they normally don’t come with great ventilation unlike the soft shell roof tents; however, this shouldn’t be a problem if you plan on spending most of your time outdoor exploring the country. Moreover, these tents are weatherproof and provide protection from the elements – whether it’s rain or sun. They also make an excellent choice if you want to car hire in Uganda as they offer great value for money.
Take Home Point of Car with Rooftop Tents Uganda:
Car rental with Roof tent – Pros and Cons: The difficulty in locating camping sites in some areas, such as Entebbe and Kampala, and the discomfort of camping in Uganda during rainy weather are just a few of the drawbacks of doing so.
However, camping in a rooftop tent can be much more comfortable and a good alternative to sleeping on soggy and muddy ground. In conclusion, rooftop tents in Uganda are a fantastic choice for those looking to comfortably camp while exploring the wildlife and landscape of the country. Additionally, since the rental car package includes everything you need, you don’t need to worry about packing extra items. Therefore, whether you’re preparing for a brief or extended trip,car rental with roof tent is a great choice for convenience and cost-efficiency.
12 Things on Your East African Self Drive Safari
12 Things to Bring on an East African Self-Guided Safari
When packing for an East African self-drive safari, make sure to start with the necessities. With so much to put together for a successful East Africa self-drive safari in 2021, we recommend that you pack light. Consider the following essentials when planning a self-drive tour in Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, or Tanzania:
Google maps
If you’re planning a self-drive safari in East Africa, Google Maps is a must-have. When you have Google Maps at your disposal, it is much easier to find your way to your destination, especially if you get lost. They are simple to download and use even when you are not connected to the internet. Using the My apps application, you can create your own map and highlight stop points.
GPS Device
You can still use your smartphone instead of carrying a GPS unit if you have one. However, GPS can save you a lot of time, especially when switching between apps or exiting navigation to look for a new location. It is the best way to navigate because it does not require internet.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen It is critical to protect your skin from the sun while driving, which is why sunscreen with a high SPF should be a must-have on your East Africa safari vacation. This is especially important when visiting hotter safari destinations such as Kidepo Valley National Park in northeastern Uganda.
Repellent for insects
Insect repellents are extremely useful for self-driving because they protect your skin from biting insects such as mosquitoes. They should be mandatory when going on a game drive, hiking, or camping. However, before using, always read the instructions.
Excellent camera
Cameras are necessary for any trip, not just self-drive tours. You’ll need a good camera to capture incredible images while exploring. Make certain that it is waterproof.
Torch/Lantern
A torch is required if you intend to go camping or even at night. Furthermore, you never know what might happen with the car you rented at night, which is why you need a good torch or headlamps.
Food and beverages
Food and drinks are two essentials to remember when packing for an East Africa self-drive trip. Yes, hunger can strike at any time of day while driving, but with your food and drinks, you are sure to enjoy your safari. You can get food and drinks at the nearby supermarkets or stores.
First-aid supplies
Some travelers may think a first aid kit is obvious, but they are more likely to forget it. Consider it a must-have when packing for your East African self-drive safari tour. While on vacation, it serves as your on-the-spot pharmacy.
Binoculars
A pair of binoculars is a must-have item for avid birders. They can be extremely useful, especially if you want to see birds clearly. More so, not all wildlife is near the tracks. You might need to spot the leopard resting high on the tree branches.
Appropriate Clothes.
Comfortable clothing should be considered when packing. Pack the appropriate clothing for your safari, particularly long-sleeved shirts, trousers, safari shorts, t-shirt, sweater, rain jacket or poncho, and so on.
Toiletries
Toiletries are also necessary to pack for your East Africa self-drive tour. Hand sanitizers, toilet paper, wipes, shampoo, hand lotions, spray, and a variety of other items are included.
Comfortable shoes
You will need comfortable and strong shoes depending on the activities you intend to participate in. When hiking or walking, you should wear waterproof hiking boots or shoes that provide ankle support. Saddles are not suitable for mountaineering or gorilla trekking but are appropriate when you are relaxing by your camp site.
Getting ready for your first self-drive safari
If you’ve been thinking about going on an African safari, you may have read articles about what to expect or what to pack and come away feeling utterly unprepared for your self-drive safari because the article was geared toward a luxury safari. While white flowy dresses look great in photos, they aren’t the most practical clothing to wear when setting up and breaking down your rooftop tent or going on a bushwalk. So, if you want a practical guide for your self-drive camping trip rather than a fashionable packing list, this article is for you. In this article, we will teach you how to prepare for your self-drive safari. Just a quick note: we’re not going to go into detail about how to plan your trip or how to choose the best destination. I’m sure we’ll write a post about that at some point, but we’re assuming you already know where you’re going.
Choosing the right vehicle for your self-drive safari
If you’re going camping, I’d say yes. Not necessarily because of the 4WD, but because these cars, such as the Toyota Hilux, are larger cars that are ideal for rooftop tents. It’s a pickup truck, so you have a lot of space in the back for all your camping gear as well as a fridge. Some have a double fuel tank which is great for a country like Uganda where the next fuel station can be hours away. They have high clearance and better suspension so you’re good if there are a lot of stones on the road. Check the requirements for renting a car in the country you’re visiting. You may need an international driver’s license, and there may be minimum age requirements, maximum speed limits, and rules prohibiting you from driving after dark.
What you'll need for a self-drive camping trip
When looking to rent a car, make sure to look at what is included in the price because not all car rentals include the same things. You may need to add a fridge, pillows, and sleeping bags (at an additional cost, of course), which are all necessary for a camping safari. Another difference is many other cars have a spade and an axe, which are great additions. Even if you are not camping, a fridge can be a useful addition because not all shops in National Parks are equal. While the shops in some national parks are well stocked, others are not. So stock up before entering the park. However, it will also help you keep your lunch, snacks, and drinks cool while driving. For some vehicles, there is a second battery, which is for the fridge. This is done so that the fridge does not immediately drain your main battery when you aren’t driving
Plan your route and reserve your accommodations.
Which accommodations/campgrounds to choose are determined by your travel style and budget. Before booking your campsites, you should be aware of the size of the National Parks and distances between the camps, how many days you have inside the park, and what time you will arrive. So let’s take a closer look at each of these.
Time of Arrival
Some national parks and the camps within are fenced off, so you must work with the open and close times of these fences. These times are frequently related to when the sun rises and sets, so they vary throughout the year. So make sure you know when the park’s gates close and what time you expect to arrive. When you arrive with hours until closing, all you need to do is make sure your first camp is not too far inside the park. You will often be able to find an overview of travel times between camps and the gates and the camps on the national park’s website to assist you decide.
When you’re in a hurry, you should plan ahead of time because you might be denied entry if you arrive at the entrance gate too late. So, when choosing a campsite for your arrival day, keep in mind your arrival time as well as the time it takes to get from the gate to the camp. Check to see if your campsite has its own reception. Some campsites do not have a reception, so you will need to check in at another camp, which adds time. Alternatively, if you are able to get to the park on time, you can arrange a cheap stay in accommodation just outside the national park’s gates, which you would not mind being charged for.
Driving Distances and Transfers
These national parks are massive, and the number of camps varies. So when booking your accommodations, begin with your arrival day and time to plan your first camp. Then, take into account the number of days you have available and go to the website of the National Park you’ll be visiting for a park map and a table with travel times between camps. Aside from the distances, you must also consider the speed limits within the park. Speed limits in the national park is Uganda is 40Km/hr. However, you will frequently drive slower in order to see as much game as possible, because there is an elephant on the road, or simply to avoid hitting anything that jumps on the road from one of the bushes. So you want to make sure you don’t have to drive like a madman to get to your camp on time, leaving you with insufficient time to observe the animals.
