Camping is a fun way to enjoy time outside with family, friends or even just by yourself. It means different things to different people. The idea of camping is romantic; you never immediately think of the things that could bring discomfort like some unexpected rain or a noisy crew at the neighboring site. This Packing List For Your Rwanda Camping Trip will make your experience more enjoyable.
Buying gear may seem like the biggest task, but make sure you know where you’re going to be camping first. Choosing a location is very important because you want to know what kind of weather to prepare for, as well as the wildlife that also calls the area home. Part of the joy of camping is needing very little gear to exist outdoors. But it’s also nice to have a comfortable, convenient and homey setup.
In Rwanda, most campsites packages include a picnic table, fire pit, firewood, a place to park your vehicle and a spot to pitch your tent. Some are also convenient for rooftop camping. Many of them have shared bathrooms and pit latrines though not all have running water. If it’s your first time camping, it might be best to borrow or rent some of these camping essentials but as you become a more experienced camper, you may find that part of the fun is figuring out what to bring along to meet your needs.
For the campsite
To set up your campsite, you’ll always need a tent for shelter, inflatable air mattress/sleeping bag, blankets . Items like chairs and pillows add an extra touch of comfort. Check your campground amenities before you pack.
Most drive-up campgrounds will provide a picnic table, fire pit and sell firewood on site. You may also need headlamps, a lantern with extra batteries, string lights and lighter.
For entertainment, pack some board games, playing cards, a portable projector for movies and portable speakers. If you drink alcohol, you may pack your own or check with the campsite if they have a bar. You’ll need a tent repair kit in case your tent gets any tear and wear.
Toiletries
When packing toiletries for camping, bear in mind that you only need items like a bar of soap, toilet paper, toothpaste and toothbrush, soap, body wipes, deodorant, disposable towels, flip flops, sunscreen and hand sanitizer for basic hygiene.
First aid kit
Be prepared for cuts, bug bites, common cold, allergies and food poisoning while on a camping trip. That’s why it is advisable to have a first aid kit with you that includes pain killers, Antihistamines, band aids, gauze, cotton, alcohol wipes, tweezers, cold medicine, stomach medicines, insect repellents and personal Medications.
Clothes
Before packing clothes for your camping trip, check the weather forecast to be sure of the weather. Pack clothes that will keep you warm during the cold nights and cool during the sunny days. A must have is hiking boots, Cargo pants, long and short sleeved shirts/T-shirts, socks, hats, sweaters, rain coats/Jackets, Sleepwear, swimsuit etc. Do not forget sunglasses.
Camp kitchen and cooking
A few campsites in Rwanda have dining and bar amenities but for most of them, you have to figure out your meals . You will need to bring along a few camp kitchen essentials for cooking and cleaning up after. You’ll need a stove(gas), matchbox/lighter, cooking pans, a knife, eating utensils(preferably disposable cups, plates, Forks and spoons) instant coffee, biodegradable soap, cleaning sponge, water purification tablets, trash bags, table clot, serviettes, water bottles, Thermos flask, bottle openers, chopping board and spices.
Food
It’s helpful to plan what meals you want to make while camping and draft a food shopping list beforehand. Noodles, tea, eggs, hotdogs, and pasta are always easy-to-cook camp classics. If you do not feel like cooking, you can always have dinner at a restaurant outside the camp and snack later on in the night. If the campsite has a restaurant, you may not need to cook.
Camping is all about survival and enjoying the outdoors. Do not expect high end comfort unless you book a campsite with already pre existing comfortable camping amenities. Take the time to read customer reviews on the big-ticket items like tents, hiking boots, camp stoves, and car camping structures. If needed, call the campsite manager to talk through your options.
