AbiriKenya

The debate if it is important to keep these primitive arts of camping alive, or whether in a well-ordered system camping should be done indoors, never really gets out of style. Closer to home, camping is much more than a call by nature, it’s a great way to truly enjoy Kenya. With many a possibility, it is an inexpensive and delightful do-it-yourself holiday. In the warm Kenyan sun, it is a way of life many adventure-seekers fondly remember. Camping in itself is a fulfilling outdoor activity to carry out whether alone or as a group. And in a place where safari could be added to just about any sentence, camping is allowed in most of the key national parks, bringing you appreciably close to these iconic natural settings.

Camping is Kenya, lying across the Equator, is practically a year-round extravaganza, although it would be prudent to avoid the rainy season between March to mid-May, and October to November. Wherever you camp, make sure you are within the designated zones and you have selected the spot you will pitch your tent before sundown. Needless to point out is the fact that you should be well conversant with setting up your camp and location beforehand. A few dry runs at home is practice enough for most travellers.

To begin with, for space, fold down the rear seats, clear the cargo bay, and lay down an inflatable camp sleeping pad or foam mattress. A cheap and widely available wooden cargo pallet, filled in spaces, is sturdier and more efficient. Add a neat kikoy, windshield custom magnetic sunshade, or stretchy window covers to block light and let air circulate.

Blankets: Pack season-appropriate sleeping bags, pillows, and thermal blankets. Cooking gear: Pack a portable gas or butane camp stove, a lightweight pot, a pan, and a basic utensil set (spatula, tongs, knife, and cutting board). A cooler box doubles as both safe storage and keeps food fresh. Carry as much water as you can, allocated at planning.

Power station: Carry a portable power station or bank to run lights, small fans, or charge devices. Lighting: Keep a headlamp, flashlight, or ambient lantern easily accessible. Storage bins: Use stackable hard-top boxes or collapsible totes to keep kitchenware, clothes, and toiletries separate and rattle-free. Emergency kit: Pack a first-aid kit, a portable jump-starter, a multi-tool, a small shovel, wet wipes, repellant, and trash bags.

Where the climate is generally hot be sure to pitch your tent with the largest window facing prevailing wind. Do not camp across or too near game trails. Ensure adequate control of camp fires by placing stones around the fire. Build or light fires only in well sited fire pits or rings. If possible locate where there is a good ‘reserve’ of wood available not only for firewood but also for pioneering gadgets. The general rule of thumb is to burn dead wood only: Do not cut live trees or branches. Always seeks the official guidelines.

Camping: tents of course preferably with sewn groundsheets and mosquito netted windows; inflatable mattress or sleeping pad; sleeping bags or blankets; pillows and light sheet; air pump; camp lights and torch; folding chairs and table.

Camp kitchen: stove; stove fuel; paraffin or lint for starting fire; funnel; water jug; metal bowl for washing up and heating water; water bottles; cooler-box (large cooler for food and small cooler bag for drinks); ice for cooler; dishpan; bio-degradable dish soap; dish towels; dish cloth and scrubber; paper towels; garbage bags; aluminum foil; zipper-lock bags and re-usable containers.

Clearing camping sites and chopping firewood: a panga, a spade or small axe should do the job. Having all three is better. For cooking: cooking pots and pans; mugs; large bowl; cutting board; spatula; serving spoons; knives; a can opener; grater; camp stove toaster; coffee press/maker; and food.

Toiletries: sunscreen; bug repellent; towels; wash cloth; soap and shampoo; toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss; deodorant; razor; hairbrush; lip balm; hand sanitizer; wet wipes; and a small hand mirror. Toolkit: duct tape; rope or twine; small whisk and dust pan; screwdriver or multi-tool like a Swiss Army Knife; sewing kit. First Aid Kit. If you have them, or can afford them, binoculars will enable you to enjoy the camping experience.

Water: Carry plenty of drinking water.