Renting a vehicle with a roof top tent not only saves your time on your time that you would have used to pitch assemble or disassemble your tent, but also gets your much more organized since it keeps all the other camping equipment in the same place and it is budget friendly.
Classification of Rooftop Camping in Uganda
Roof top tent vehicles come in a number of types including the single tent for two people best for couples, the double tents (one for two people and the other for one person) among others.
SINLGLE ROOFTOP TENTS
A single rooftop tent is ideal for solo travelers or couples who don’t need a lot of space. It’s a more affordable option, and since it takes up less space on the vehicle’s roof, it can be used with smaller cars.
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DOUBLE ROOFTOP TENTS
Double rooftop tents are perfect for couples or small families who want to sleep together. These tents are typically larger than single tents, providing more space to move around in.
MORE DETAILSFamily Rooftop Tents
There are also Family rooftop tents that are the largest type of rooftop tent available with us. These offer enough space to accommodate several people comfortably. We have a 3 sleeper and 4 sleeper rooftop tents but they are very limited in quantity. Family tents are ideal for larger families or groups of friends traveling together.
Best Car Types for Rooftop camping
When considering a vehicle for rooftop camping in Uganda, it is important to choose a vehicle that can safely support the weight of the rooftop tent, the number of tents needed and provide adequate space for camping equipment and supplies. First of all, these should be 4×4 vehicles since they are popular for off-road adventures in Uganda. 4×4 vehicles are designed to handle rough terrain and can safely support the weight of a rooftop tent.
Our rooftop tent vehicle options are Standard utility Vehicles (SUVs) with roof racks since they offer more space than traditional cars and can safely support the weight of a rooftop tent. Here are the best suitable car types suitable for rooftop camping that we offer:
Land cruiser Prado Tx/Tz
- $85 and $100 Per Day with one (1) and two (2) rooftop tents respectively
This is the most preferred SUV among our fleet. Its robust size and other special features such as roof window, roof rack for luggage, ground clearance and power makes it ideal for rooftop camping. The Land cruiser Prado Tx is ideal for a single rooftop tent though due to budget constraints of some of our clients, we can make it accommodate two rooftop tents each for 2 people. It can also accommodate a family tent (3 – 4 people) though this is more recommended on other vehicle types.
Land Cruiser Prado TX with one rooftop tent
Land cruiser VX – A powerful 4wd SUV best for off roading.
Land cruiser V8, GX and VX
- $100/ $120 per day with 1 and 2 rooftop tents resp
These three vehicles are a bit the same in appearance but have just slight differences. The Land cruiser V8 is more of a luxury car though its old models are still ideal for Uganda adventure safaris and road trips. The Land cruiser VX also has the same features as the V8 but only differentiates in engine models and mostly diesel. Both are common in automatic transmission. Lastly the land cruiser GX is the same size as the last two but this is manual transmission and this gives it an upper hand in case there is a need to choose one among the three. All these vehicles support both single and double rooftop tent camping.
Land cruiser LX Hardtop
- $110 with one tent or $140 with double tents
- Manual Transmission, Not always available on self drive
- The best vehicle for African Roads
Lastly we have a Land cruiser LX commonly known as the hardtop. This is more of a wagon with a hard body designed mainly for African roads. The strength of this vehicle allow it maneuver even the hardest roads such as those in the Serengeti National Park of Tanzania with a lot of ease. It can support double rooftop tents and only available in manual transmission. It is available in 4 and 4 seater.
It is important to choose a vehicle that is suitable for your needs and budget, and to ensure that the rooftop tent is properly secured to the roof of the vehicle.
What is Included
Rooftop camping in Uganda typically includes a rooftop tent, a vehicle to transport the tent, and many others. When renting a car for rooftop camping with us at Car Hire Uganda, we include a number of equipment to make sure everything that you would need for sleeping comfortably, preparing food and serving is all in place. Here are some common inclusions in our rooftop camping vehicle rentals.
Vehicle and Rooftop tent
We provide strong and reliable vehicles that carry these rooftop tents accordingly. For instance, although we offer double tents on Land cruiser Prado TX, we always do not recommend it and highlight to the clients possible constraints for it. We always provide suitable vehicles for rooftop tents that include Land cruiser Prados, Land cruiser V8, Land cruiser GX/ VX and Land cruiser LX among others.
Our rooftop tents come in 2 types that include the heavy tentco tents and the light ones. On a Prado TX, Tentco tents are suitable in single tent camping.
Camping Equipment
We provide bedding equipment with our camping gear that includes mattresses, pillows, extra bed sheets, sleeping bags and an extra soft blanket. Other equipment include;
– Cooking utensils; cooking gas, saucepans, frying pan, kettle, jerry can for water
– Serving utensils; water jar, plates, cups, simple water glasses
– Cutlery; knives, chopping board, forks & spoons, serving spoon, simple water filter etc.
– Ground dome tent for 2 people, flash light and a cooler box.
– 2 camping chairs, and one table among others.
Camping fees
We don’t always include fees for campsites in the rental price and thus you may need to pay for campsites separately. There are no additional fees. For insurance, the tents are not insured and that means that every damage to the tent is fined.
Key Notes on Rooftop Camping In Uganda
To enjoy the uniqueness and adventurous experience of staying an overnight in a rooftop tent in Uganda, you have to keep in mind a few things and these may include the following;
Equipment
After you have received your car with rooftop tent, inspect key equipment on the tent and ensure it’s well fixed on the vehicle to transport it. Even though the vehicles available for rooftop tent camping are proven, it should be in good mechanical condition since the tent asserts more weight on the car than it’s used to. The brakes at 100% efficiency.
Make sure the ladder that climbs up the tent is in good shape and stands firm to the ground once lowered. The tent should not be leaking and should have a water proof protective layer on top. The mattress in the tent should be clean and dry. The poles of the tent should be firm (not shaky) and their joints well-greased (for some tent types).
Inspect all other camping gear that you will need to be added on your camping list such as tables and chairs, cooking equipment, serving utensils and cutlery among others.
Campsites
It is important to be aware of safety considerations when sleeping in a rooftop tent, such as ensuring that the tent is properly secured and that the vehicle is parked in a safe location. It is also important to be aware of wildlife and to take appropriate precautions, such as storing food properly and not leaving the tent unattended.
Therefore, it is advisable to camp in a designated camping ground to curb all that. There are many campsites throughout Uganda that offer facilities for both ground and rooftop tents. In high seasons, it is important to research and book campsites in advance to ensure availability.
Sleeping in a rooftop tent can be a great way to experience the beauty and wilderness of Uganda, but it is important to be prepared and to follow safety guidelines to ensure a memorable and enjoyable trip.
Pros and Cons of Rooftop camping
Rooftop camping in Uganda is becoming increasingly popular among travelers who want a unique and adventurous way to experience the country’s stunning landscapes. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of rooftop camping, as well as a comparison with ground camping and different types of rooftop tents.
Advantages of Rooftop Camping:
- Elevated Views: One of the biggest advantages of rooftop camping is the elevated views it provides. From the top of your vehicle, you can see over trees and other obstructions, which can offer a stunning perspective of the surrounding environment.
- Safety: Rooftop camping is generally considered safer than ground camping since you are elevated off the ground and away from wild animals.
- Comfort: Rooftop tents can be more comfortable than traditional ground tents since they are elevated off the ground, providing a smoother and more level sleeping surface.
- Convenience: Rooftop tents can be quicker and easier to set up than ground tents, as well as easier to pack up and move on to the next location.
Disadvantages of Rooftop Camping:
- Limited Space: Rooftop tents are typically smaller than ground tents, meaning you will have less space to move around in.
- Weight Limitations: The weight capacity of your vehicle’s roof will limit the size and weight of the rooftop tent you can use, which could limit the number of people who can sleep in the tent.
- Access: Climbing up and down from the rooftop tent can be challenging, especially for older travelers or those with mobility issues.
Comparison with Ground Camping: Compared to ground camping, rooftop camping offers a unique experience and a different perspective of the surrounding environment. However, ground camping generally provides more space, is more affordable, and can be more accessible for people of all ages and mobility levels.
In conclusion, rooftop camping in Uganda can be a unique and adventurous way to experience the country’s landscapes. While it has its advantages and disadvantages compared to ground camping, the type of rooftop tent you choose will depend on your travel needs and the number of people in your group.
