If the post on some of the best campsites in Africa peaked your interest, there are a few things you will want to consider before embarking on your next African camping adventure. One is the tent you will choose.

There are a lot of options, but most fall in one of two categories: roof top tents or ground tents.

Roof Top Tents

If you are driving a 4×4, a roof top tent is the best option. If you are renting, typically they will be available at an extra cost.

If you are driving your own vehicle, new roof top tents start at about $1000 through popular companies like Eezi-Awn. You can also find used rooftop tents on classified sites or by asking around at local camping suppliers. We were able to find a used one for less than $300.

Easy Set-Up
Roof top tents are popular in Southern Africa because of the ease of set-up and the comfort they offer. Most have a four-inch foam mattress and have room to leave all of your bedding inside, making setting up camp a breeze.

The terrain in Africa varies greatly depending on where you are, with this tent it doesn’t matter if you are in a parking lot, on volcanic rock, or in the desert, you will have the same sleeping experience.

Depending on your 4×4 you may be able to fit two rooftop tents on the vehicle, accommodating up to 4 people total.

Roof-top Tents Make Your Vehicle Top Heavy
Outside of the cost, the only downside is the weight. Rooftop tents are very heavy and can make your vehicle top-heavy. This can be a problem if you are doing heavy-duty 4×4 driving. However, most likely, you will have enough gear in your vehicle that will balance out the weight.

Ground Tents

If you are backpacking through Africa or traveling with a group, a ground tent will be your best option.

Small Size Makes Backpacking Tents a Great Option
Lightweight, backpacking tents are available that are easy to carry. Typically these are small, fitting a max of two people.

These are popular among people that are either taking public transportation, or on bike or motorcycles because of their size. Three-season tents with a compression sack start about $100.

Ground tents are a great option because you can camp almost anywhere there is a small piece of land big enough for your tent. Some campsites won’t have space for a rooftop tent, or an RV, but they’ll nearly always be able to find room for a small ground tent.

However, the terrain in some parts of Africa can be difficult to sleep on for long periods of time. If you are traveling during rainy season, even the best tents won’t be able to keep you dry during an African rainstorm.

Invest in a Quality Sleeping Pad
Almost all of us can handle a few days of uncomfortable sleeping, but if you are planning a longer African camping trip, consider investing in a sleeping pad. There are a variety of options.

If you are backpacking, there are sleeping pads you can carry in your backpack and blown up with air. While they aren’t always cheap, you will be thankful for a good sleeping pad when the terrain isn’t so forgiving.

Thinking about an African camping trip? There are several tour companies that offer camping trips that last from a few days to a couple of months. For those, all you need to do is pack your bags and go.

But, for those that prefer a DIY experience, here is some high-tech gear that will enhance your African camping experience.

Tracks4Africa

Just because you’re in Africa, it doesn’t mean you have to abandon your GPS and switch back to paper maps.

Tracks4Africa is a must if you are driving yourself in Africa. Started because of the lack of good GPS maps for Africa by a group in South Africa, you just buy a SIM card through their website and load it on to your Garmin GPS.

Once it is loaded, you will have access to the maps, but also other information, including: road conditions, rest camps, restaurants and even scenic viewpoints. Because it uses crowd sourced data, Tracks4Africa also offers up-to-date travel information on their website.

What I love about Tracks4Africa is that because it is user submitted, the information is actually very accurate. While guidebook editors may only contact a camp ground once a year to confirm information, if a camper finds prices have changed or the campground closed, they are able to update the website as soon as they have internet access.

Tracks4Africa also sells paper maps, great for back-ups in case you have issues with your GPS and for planning routes.

Satellite Phones

Cell phone coverage in Africa is typically quite comprehensive. But if you have an emergency in a remote area, it is a good idea to have a satellite phone.

Satellite phones are definitely an investment. But, consider them insurance. If you do have an emergency where you don’t have cell phone service, you will be happy you have it. You can purchase the phones new, or used through an online auction site like eBay.

For a single trip, minutes can be purchased in denominations of 100. These are costly, starting at about $1 per minute. Using the phone frequently? You can also sign up for a monthly contract. There are also companies that offer satellite phone rentals. Starting at a few dollars a day, this can be a great option for a shorter trip.

If a phone isn’t enough, you can also use satellites for internet access. These nifty devices aren’t cheap, but they are a great way to stay connected, sharing photos and stories with family and friends at home, all while exploring the African bush.

When we got our 4×4 stuck in the mud in the Serengeti, we were very happy we invested in our satellite phone!

Compressor Camping Fridge

These days, there are a lot of modern conveniences readily available in many cities in Africa. Unfortunately, ice isn’t one if them. If you are hoping for a cold coke on the road, you will need to look into a camping fridge.

There are a lot of different options for coolers while camping. But, only one will be able to withstand temperatures in Africa. If you want to bring a camping fridge on your camping trip, you’ll definitely want to consider one with compressor technology.

More expensive and heavier, this is the best option for a long trip, especially if you are planning on traveling through places with extreme heat, like Namibia. These easy to get in South Africa, but are quite expensive. If you have patience, you can find used compression fridges for sale on 4×4 forums or camping websites.

The investment is worth it because your food will stay colder longer, and this fridge will last much longer than the cheaper, thermoelectric version commonly sold in the United States. Most now come with digital thermostats and even get cold enough to freeze your food.

If you have been looking for a new, unusual place to go camping, you should consider Africa. There are wonderful campsites scattered throughout the continent. Here are a few of my favorites:

Kruger National Park - South Africa

The Kruger National Park in South Africa is surprisingly affordable. Locals know that the best way to see the Kruger is by self-driving.

Fly into Johannesburg, rent a car and road-trip to Kruger National Park. No need for 4×4 here, the majority of the roads within the park are paved and easily accessible by car.

There are over a dozen fully equipped campsites throughout the park.

Game viewing is the most popular activity in the park, but there are some great 4×4 trails and impressive bird watching. You will love the opportunity to spot animals from the safety of your car as you roam through the African bush.

Barra Lighthouse – Mozambique

Dreamed of waking up to a spectacular view of the Indian Ocean? If so, Barra Lighthouse is the place for you. Situated on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea, this is a campground you won’t quickly forget.

Activities include fishing, trips to local villages, scuba diving and snorkeling and ocean safaris.

Only accessible by 4×4, you can also contact the campsite for a ride from Inhambane.

Serengeti National Park – Tanzania

Most famous for the Wildebeest migration from December to July each year, the national park is one of the most infamous safari destinations in the world. With 5700 acres, it’s not surprising that the Serengeti is home to millions of animals.
Camping in the Serengeti National Park is a once in a lifetime experience for many.

In addition to the game drives, there are a number of activities visitors can enjoy: hot air balloon safaris, walking safaris, and picnics in the bush can all be arranged.

The Serengeti is a great experience for the hardcore camper. Camping is very basic; at many sites you’ll need to provide everything, including your own water.

Sossusvlei - Sesrium Campsite

Have a photographer in the family? This campsite is picture perfect. Surrounded by the Namib Dessert and a short drive to Sossusvlei, one of the most photographed and visited sites in Namibia.

The campsite offers a general store to stock up on basics. There’s a restaurant with a bar. The swimming pool is a great way to cool off on a hot Namibian day.

A trip to Sossusvlei wouldn’t be complete without hiking Dune 45 at sunrise. Allow about 30 minutes to hike to the top, and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular 360° views of the soaring dunes.

Other activities include: hot air balloon rides at sunrise, game drives, and hiking.

Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in the world, offers wonderful camping options. Campsites are scattered along the Zambezi River giving you the unique opportunity to not only visit the falls, but also go on river cruises and participate in adventure sports.

Don’t forget your rain jacket for this one, midst from the falls leaves visitors soaked!