We are considering buying or building a roof tent for our upcoming year travelling from Kenya to Namibia and back. We are 2 adults and 2 kids ages 8 and 5. What are your thoughts on roof tents versus a tent on the ground? And do you know where to buy one in Kenya or Tanzania?
Thanks!
The obvious down side with a roof tent is that once you're parked, you don't want to go through the dismantling of a tent to be able to use your vehicle. So if you're going to be somewhere for 2-3 days or so, and if you'll want to move around the local town/city/park, etc, you'll have to redo the process a few times. Its a bit tiresome when you want to go for a morning game drive in Etosha, say, and then come back to your spot for an afternoon nap, or something like that :) But with the roof tent on the vehicle that we used, it was a 5-10 minute process. The extra five minutes because the zipper on our tent was really terrible and required some coaxing to start up. There are a couple of stores in Nairobi that deal with camping gear. Found this older post that could lead you in a direction.
http://www.jambonairobi.co.ke/activities/hiking/outdoor-gear/outdoor-gear-kenya/
Hi,
You may be better of to rent one first.
I do not think they are that easy to build.
The roof tent also prevents creepy crawly things from joining you!
We have one - there are pros and cons but on balance I wouldn't be without it.
Some pros ...
It feels much nicer being up off the ground when you are surrounded by a herd of elephants or you know there is a snake around.
It can function as a night-ime hide in game parks.
Up higher you catch a breeze.
With practice they are easy and quick to put up and down.
It is nice to be able to leave your bedding up there rather than cluttering up the car.
Some cons ...
Even if they are easy to put up and down it is nice not to have to do so - especially when you are off on an early morning game drive.
They can catch the wind. We have had it flip closed (not with us in it!) in windy conditions.
They are heavy and it is not ideal to have weight on your roof - this is especially so if you're looking at having two.
They are very expensive. Here in the UK now you're looking at £1500. Much cheaper in SA - not sure in Kenya etc. They will be SA imports so likely to be more expensive. Remember to also cost the roof rack.
I'd agree with the above. Maybe hire one first and see how you get on.