Camping is one of the best recreational activities to engage in. It is a raw way to experience the outdoors in a calm, quiet, and relaxed environment.
Contrary to what you might think, there are actually several different types of camping in Kenya. Each of them varies slightly, as they have different styles and rules to go with them.
From the classic form of camping to the more luxurious style – glamping – there is a way to connect with nature whether alone or with your buddies perfectly.
Here are the different types of camping that you are likely to come across in Kenya.
#1 Classic Camping
This is the traditional and most common form of camping, where you head off to the outdoors and make your camp. Usually, there are no amenities like electricity, flush toilets, or tap water. You have to be self-equipped and borrow the rest from Mother Nature.
Some campsites may have the facilities provided but for an additional fee. Some of the places you can do classic camping in Kenya are Kilimambogo, Ngare Ndare Forest, and Aberdares.
#2 Glamping
Glamping stands for glamorous camping. This type of camping was introduced in the 1900s by wealthy European and American travelers who were visiting Africa.
Glamping is more like a five-star hotel in the bush. Amenities like private toilets, electricity and a hot shower are available. The shelters are made of the classy and elegant hut-like tents which shout their luxurious touch from a distance.
Seiku Glamping in Timau – close to Ngare Ndare Forest– is a good example of glamping in Kenya.
#3 Festival Camping
Have you heard of or attended the Kilifi New Year festival? In this annual event, you will experience the Festival form of camping.
Festival camping is a little different from the rest. The main reason for camping here is to beat the high accommodation rates and enjoy the music – and other activities.
In such events, there are communal facilities in designated areas such as shared showers, toilets, and kitchens.
#4 Adventure Camping
This is one of the most fun forms of camping. Campers would attend an adventure events like motorcycle racing, ultra marathons, cycling, or overland truck challenge. During the daytime, the campers engage in or watch the event and then camp at night.
#5 Backpacking Camping
This form of camping is gaining ground at a fast rate. The close you would come to it is camping during mountain climbing or hiking.
Backpackers carry light-weight gear – backpacks, clothes, tent, sleeping bag, mat, and other essentials – during the day and sleep at a campsite during the night.
Backpacker-friendly campsites are available in many parts of Kenya where these types of travelers are common. Some of the best facilities include Distant Relatives Eco Lodge in Kilifi, Mombasa Backpackers in Mombasa, and Wildebeest Eco Camp in Nairobi.
In these facilities, one can pitch their own tent on designated grounds or use the already set up shelters. Other amenities are available in the private and shared form.
There are other types of camping in other parts of the world that are not applicable to Kenya. However, camping is often personal and everyone has their own preference which may include combining two forms.
Share your camping experiences in Kenya in the comment section below.
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Photo by Michael Guite on Unsplash
