Ever dreamed of a camping trip in Africa? Heading into the bush, gazing at the stars and sleeping under the watchful eyes of wildlife— that’s camping in Uganda!
Travelling in peak season? Camping gives you more freedom and flexibility. Uganda is becoming a popular destination, and during peak months (July–Sept and Jan-Feb), many good hotels are fully booked well in advance. If you're planning late or prefer to keep your plans flexible, camping is a great option.
You can turn any of our 4x4s into a fully equipped camper vehicle. We provide rooftop tents and all the essential gear to make life on the road as comfortable as possible.
To find campsites or budget-friendly guesthouses, we recommend using the free iOverlander app. It lists and reviews almost every camping spot in Uganda — and the best part is, you usually don’t need to book ahead.
Curious about what’s included, how to set up your rooftop tent, or what to pack? Read all our tips below!
Also, don't miss out on our 10 camping tips on the Travel Blog to make the most of your time outdoors.
Our Nissan Navara and Suzuki Jimny vehicles can be equipped with either a rooftop tent or a ground (dome) tent. Also, the Land Cruiser can be outfitted with a rooftop tent, but then the pop-up roof can no longer be used. The Toyota RAV4 is only suitable for a dome tent.
Camp gear rental costs:
€25 per day for a rooftop tent setup (per vehicle)
€5 per day per person for a dome tent setup
The Nissan Navara is especially well-suited for camping. With its generous storage space and custom canopy with side drawers, it makes accessing your luggage and camp gear simple and efficient.
Electric fridge rental is available for €5 per day, with the Nissan Navara Land Cruiser only. Please note: due to the rough road conditions and limited availability of parts in remote areas, we cannot repair or replace fridges in the field. If your fridge stops working, let us know — our office will arrange a refund after your trip.
Cooking pots, frying pans, cutlery, corkscrew, can opener
Coffee plunger
Cutting board
Dish towel, detergent, washing line and pegs
Solar table lamp
Tip: Bring a headtorch and power bank — especially handy when you're camping regularly.
Note: At higher altitudes (like Fort Portal, Sipi Falls and Lake Bunyonyi), nights can get cold. Our sleeping bags are light, so we recommend packing an extra fleece blanket for added warmth.
How to set up a roof top tent
Setting up your rooftop tent is a quick and easy process, as demonstrated by Muhire and Jackson from the Roadtrip Uganda team.
What to take on safari - ground tent or rooftop tent?
Not sure whether to go for a rooftop tent or a ground tent? Both are excellent options, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. It really depends on what kind of traveller you are and what feels most comfortable for you.
Many travellers dream of sleeping in a rooftop tent — it’s often seen as the classic camping safari experience. But did you know that Roadtrip Africa also offers ground (dome) tents for rent? They’re just as practical, and in some cases even more convenient.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose.
Why choose a rooftop tent?
It’s an easy way to sleep off the ground — handy if the campsite is uneven, muddy, or rocky.
Some people feel safer being elevated, especially in wilderness areas. (Just so you know — animals aren’t interested in tents, and a zipped-up ground tent is perfectly safe too. Still, feeling secure is part of the experience.)
Rooftop tents are quick to set up and pack down — check out our how-to video to see it in action.
Things to consider:
You’ll need to fold down your tent each time you want to drive.
Rental fees for a rooftop setup are more expensive than for a ground tent set.
If you’re not so mobile, climbing the ladder can be a bit tricky.
Whether you choose a rooftop or ground tent for camping in Uganda, both guarantee an unforgettable experience!
What to pack for your Uganda roadtrip
Wondering what to pack? Here’s the good news: you can travel light.
Most essentials are easy to find in Uganda’s cities and larger towns, so there’s no need to overpack. Soft duffel bags are best for fitting in the car, and don’t forget a daypack for hikes and short excursions.
Here are a few must-bring items:
Insect repellent and sunscreen – You can buy them locally, but they’re more expensive, and there’s less choice.
Binoculars – they are not included in the car, so you might want to bring your own.
Fleece blanket– At higher altitudes (like Sipi Falls and Lake Bunyonyi), it cools off at night. Our sleeping bags are lightweight, so consider packing an extra fleece blanket for added warmth if you tend to get cold easily.
Headlight.
Power bank -especially handy when you're camping regularly.
Audio and USB cables – Your car has a port for charging devices, but make sure to bring your own cables. Check the car spec sheet page on this website to verify what is needed for the car you're hiring.
Offline entertainment – Download your favourite Spotify playlists or audiobooks before you travel. Long drives, campfire evenings or nights in your tent are perfect for a good story (thrillers work great!).
Navigation apps to download before you go:
Maps.me – for offline GPS navigation
iOverlander – to find campsites and traveller tips on the road
What about guidebooks? If you're into wildlife, we also recommend bringing Mammals of East Africa or Birds of East Africa. They’re great for spotting and identifying animals during your safari.
