Camping in Kenya is an unforgettable experience. Kenya has some of the most awe-inspiring places to camp in the world. Pitch your tent at the bottom of the Great Rift Valley, on top of a volcano, in lion filled savannah or an elephant inhabited forest. Kenya camping is glorious, but you need the right camping equipment for Kenya, even if you are sticking to a site with excellent facilities.
So I’ve created the ULTIMATE guide to camping in Kenya, with a focus on camping equipment. Whilst there are a few shops where you can buy good Kenya camping gear, Kenya isn’t blessed with an abundance of camping supply shops in the same way South Africa and the UK are. We have Game, Decathlon, Builders Warehouse and Jumia, but for many items, you may need to import Kenya camping gear from abroad.
This blog is a labour of love, months in the making. I have fine-tuned my Kenya camping list and asked a panel of experts for their input. The blog is long but packed full of information. It includes a list of camping equipment and buyers guides. It is the ultimate Kenya camping guide. Enjoy shopping
Table of Contents
Cameras & Binoculars
You are going to want to take pictures when camping in Kenya. I love my camera and recommend it here but thought I’d get some insights from fellow photographers. Binoculars are another safari essential.
Canon EOS M50 – recommended by Erki from GENEM Travels
A mirrorless camera Canon M50 is one of the greatest entry-level beginner’s cameras. At a reasonable price, the camera has dual-pixel autofocus, DIGIC 8 image processor and it also has 4K video capabilities.
It will be an ideal beginners camera for both photos and videos. The vari angle touch screen makes vlogging and taking selfies easier. It also has built-in flash and mic input to connect microphones for better sound quality. The built-in autofocus system is one of the key features in this camera with three modes: face tracking, one-point, and zone autofocus.
The Canon M50 has interchangeable lenses and the standard camera lens is EF 15 – 45mm f/3.5 6.3. It also has image stabilization, which helps to avoid blurry images.
Overall Canon M50 is built up in a beginner-friendly way, with in-camera instructions to learn faster camera buttons and features. Its minimalistic design and lightweight is an ideal partner for camping or travelling.
Check prices for the Canon EOS M50 here
Canon Powershot SX740 HS
My recommendation is the Canon SX740 HS. I’m not a photographer, I wanted a simple point and shoot that zoomed in enough so that animals on safari could be clearly seen, rather than appearing as an orange lump in a bush. This camera has the most incredible zoom, my pictures have improved manifold since buying it and you can download them straight to your phone. By linking to your phone you can also take group shots using your phone as the camera button. Some stats: 40x optical zoom, 4K Ultra High Definition, 20. 3 Megapixel photos. Share and store photos with Wi-Fi and Auto Transfer
Check prices for the Canon Powershot on AMAZON here
Camera case
Don’t forget to protect your camera with a decent case. Isn’t this the prettiest?
Canon EOS 2000D
The best camera I can find in Kenya is the lovely Canon DSLR. Create detailed DSLR quality pictures and cinematic Full HD movies with ease, even in difficult low light situations, using the 24.1 Megapixel EOS 2000D. Share instantly and shoot remotely with Wi-Fi*, NFC** and Canon Camera Connect app.
Celestron 71346 8 x 42 Outland X Binocular
If you are looking for some high-end binoculars that wont break the bank then the number one pick for 2021 is the Celestron 71346 x 42 Outland.
BaK-4 Prisms w/ Phase Coating increases contrast and resolution for sharper more detailed images. 6.5″ Close Focus: Detailed, up-close observation of subjects. Ideal for watching birds, insects, plants, etc.
Check prices on Celestron Outland on AMAZON UK here
Check prices on Celestron Outland on AMAZON UK here
Generic High Clarity Telescope 20X50 Binoculars With Night Vision
Looking for a reasonably priced generic binocular that will be delivered to your door tomorrow then try these from Jumia
Electronics
Garmin inReach Mini Satellite Communicator – recommended by Mark from Summer Camp Hub
For those camping in the wilderness or on safari, it is important to prepare for the worst. A satellite communication device can send out your location if you were ever to get lost or hurt yourself and needed emergency assistance. It is a must-have item for any serious Kenyan camper. The Garmin inReach Mini Satellite Communicator is so simple and easy to use that any person of any age can easily figure out how to use it. It’s a great choice, especially for those who camp with small children and are worried about any of them or the group as a whole getting lost. It sends out an SOS message at the touch of a button so people can easily find you. You can add a custom message to send to someone along with your location if you want to give people updates on where you are located without freaking them out.
Portable Charger – Recommended by Alice from Adventures of Alice
One of the must-have Kenya camping items is a portable charger. If you know you’re going off the grid for a few days or if you’re travelling light, ensuring you have access to a backup power source is so important. Many people rely on various technological devices when they travel; this includes smartphones, iPods, GPS watches and even cameras which can all be charged via a portable device.
There are plenty of types of portable charger that you can buy online. From the tiny pebble smart stick to a large 20k portable power bank, which charger you choose will depend mostly on your needs. However, most of the batteries above 15,000mAh, whilst able to charge more devices for longer, are quite big and heavy.
The heavier ones can weigh around 300 grams to over 500 grams, so may not be ideal for carrying around. But, on the other hand, if you know that you’re not going to be around a plug for a while, that type of portable charger might be the must-have camping item that you need. With many of these, you’ll need to remember to charge them before you leave, but you can buy solar-powered ones too, so you may be able to charge your charger as you go.’
iPhone charger iWALK 3350mAh
I love this little iphone charger. There’s nothing more important to charge than your phone, in my opinion. Portable Compact Built-in Connector Docking. No need to carry cables. directly plug into your iPhone to charge. Tiny size, fits into your pocket.
VEGER Slim Ports Portable Charger- 25000mAh Power Bank
Huge capacity-25000mah power bank with external cables enough power to keep you going for the weekend. Fast charging output – looks lush.
Pealiker Solar Charger 25000mAh – recommended by By Theodore Romeo from camperfront.com.
When you’re enjoying your Kenya camping experience with your friends and family, the last thing you want is your electronic devices running out of battery. Especially your touch lights and smartphones, which you should use in capturing all the moments.
Unfortunately, there’s no direct line to electricity when you’re out in nature. Once your portable batteries and chargers run out of juice, it may be impossible to charge your devices.
And that is where the Pealiker Solar Power bank comes in. This uncanny camping item leverages the sun’s strength in warm weather, giving you a solar-powered charger to keep those devices of yours alive and running. The efficiency of solar chargers depends on the strength of the sun, which we have no shortage of in Kenya. So, you will have a reliable power source in warm weather when the sun is high.
Check prices for Pealiker Solar Power Bank on AMAZON UK here
JBL Flip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
What is life without music? Boring that’s what. I always take this little guy with me. It’s almost indestructible, sound is good, waterproof and rechargeable. There are others that are better but cost more, do you really want to take 100’s dollars worth of music equipment with you to the bush? Take this guy, he’s right here in Kenya on Jumia.
Lights and torches
Sun King Pro 200 – Emergency Solar Lantern With USB Mobile Charging
You can buy a great little lantern from Jumia that uses solar power to both light your way and charge your iPhone. Whilst the light is great for a quick boost of your phone it doesn’t have the full charger capacity of a powerbank, so I would use this as a backup and not a replacement. The light works very well.
Generic Portable LED Rechargeable Torch
All torches are not equal, some are rechargeable like this super bright high lumens LED Flashlight. Plug it in and never worry about batteries again
Buy Rechargeable Torch on JUMIA
Illumatt Outdoor Lightweight LED Headlight
You can buy some decent head torches from Decathlon but if you are too far to travel to the nearest shop then this one on Jumia works just as well
Kenya camping chairs, mats and sleeping bags
Crazy Creek Camping chair – recommended by Sarah Cherit
This camping chair, unlike normal folding Kenya camping chairs, is by far the most convenient one I’ve had. It folds up flat just like a cardboard box, is lightweight and easily packable with the handle to almost any occasion.
Of course, you could bring this foldable chair to camping in Kenya but it works great anyplace where you need back support like while fishing, having a picnic or even at a sports event. It’d be easy to carry even while hiking because of its size and weight.
Best of all, it’s quite comfortable and molds to your body. Because of how it holds you up, you can even rock back and forth on it a bit.
Check prices for Crazy Creek Camping chair on AMAZON here
Looking for a cheaper version of this chair then here’s one
If a standard camping chair is all you need (you aren’t going to be hiking with it then) GAME and Builders Warehouse have some decent options.
Self-inflating sleeping mat – recommended by Leslie from Mats and Rugs
A self-inflating sleeping mat (known as SIM) is a smart and lightweight piece of kit. Inside, it has a special valve that’s attached to the cell foam. When you open the valve the air automatically gets sucked in. Perfect choice for camping in Kenya.
There are lots of benefits to buying a self-inflating mat. A good camping mat will provide insulation against the ground, which makes your rest more comfortable compared to sleeping on the bare floor. The mat will make the ground below you more even, and act as a layer that keeps you warm and dry. Inflating and deflating are done automatically within just a couple of minutes. Self-inflating mats are usually very lightweight, you can easily compress it and roll it up, it doesn’t occupy a lot of space.
When choosing the best model, it’s good to consider the following features: a large valve for quick inflation (or two valves), non-slip bottom, insulation properties, and soft upper fabric. Look for the mat with compression straps, they will help you roll up the mat and fit it inside the bag.
If you’re looking for a nice sleeping experience, SIM is a great addition to your next adventure.
All mattresses aren’t made equal. You can buy Kenya camping gear and mattresses in Decathlon but they aren’t the best quality and you make end up feeling like you are sleeping on a slightly glorified yoga mat. The best mattresses are abroad I’m afraid. Try these.
KAMUI Self Inflating Sleeping Mat 5 cm Thick Pad Camping Pad Connectable with Multiple Mattresses for Tent, Couple, and Family Camping – on AMAZON here
Trail Outdoor leisure Double Self Inflating Camping Mat A double inflatable sleeping roll mattress 5cm Thick – on AMAZON here
Decathlon does several different self-inflating sleeping mats and pillows. They aren’t uber comfortable, so I brought one of these sleeping mats and my own comfy pillow from home. Hey! I’m old I gotta have some luxuries.
Kenya Camp beds
There’s a bit of standoff in my house. My husband likes a camping bed, I like to be able to sprawl all over the floor on a mattress. The only place I can find to buy camp beds in Kenya is Decathlon at the moment. The beds are ok but not particularly study. If you wish to import from the UK, the Highlander bed is fairly lightweight will cost you less to import.
Check out the Highlander Camp bed here.
Sleeping bags
GAME and Decathlon both do decent sleeping bags that will suffice for most Kenya camping. If you are planning to hike Mount Kenya or Kilimanjaro you will need a sleeping bag that’s made for colder climes.
Hike and Byke are the best – but ouch the cost! If you have the money buy thisL Hyke & Byke Eolus 800 Fill Power Goose Down Sleeping Bag. Keeps you warm to -10 & -15 Degree Cold Weather Camping and Hiking
A cheaper option but still a goodie is on AMAZON here.
Hammock
Don’t mock the hammock until you’ve tried it. String it up anywhere. Sleep, read, drink wine and it entertains the kids for ages. Decathlon does a great camping hammock. My favourite camping equipment Kenya.
Fires, stoves and cooking stuff
Collapsible firepit – recommended by Jenny from TraveLynn Family
As a family we travel a lot in our Mazda Bongo; a 4×4 camper where space is limited. The majority of our camping gear is collapsible, but our favourite and the most used item has to be our Hantehon Portable Camping Fire Pit.
This lightweight fire pit comes in a small carry bag, that you can easily fit into a rucksack. No tools are required to put it together, you just connect the stainless steel legs (which are anti-heating) and fold them out to create a frame, then an anti-heating steel mesh is attached to the top, which is what you built your fire on. This mesh is meticulously woven to limit ash and debris from slipping through.
It is very easy to clean and then pack away back into the bag (just leave your fire to cool down before you safely dispose of the ashes). You can also buy a tripod to hang a grill pan or pot over the fire for cooking.
Campstove – recommended by Olivia from Girl With Blue Sails
When camping in Kenya, it’s always nice to bring some comforts of home. When looking for ways to spruce up a trip, one must have camping item is a camp stove. Camp stoves come in multiple shapes and sizes, so there are plenty to choose from to fit specific camping needs.
Camp stoves run on propane, so it always helps to pack a few propane cans as back up. Most camp stoves have one to two burners on which you place pots or pans. This makes it possible to make just about anything. From boiling rice in a pot to sizzling a steak in a pan, having a camp stove leaves room for plenty of culinary creativity in the campground.
If you are lucky, Carrefour occasionally has a Kenya camping stove in stock – similar to this one on Amazon
Buy the Coleman camping stove on AMAZON here
Alternatively use one of the gas-fired Jiko’s that you can pick up at most petrol stations in Kenya. It is cumbersome to lug around and has only one gas burner but is a good option for a Kenya camping stove.
Overmont Ultralight Camping Cookware Set Camping cookware – recommended by Luke from Wild About BC
When you head out camping in Kenya, one of the big things you need to consider is how you are going to feed yourself while you are in the great outdoors. Whether you are car camping or backcountry camping in the wilderness, you will still want the ability to cook up some amazing food.
To do this you will need a small stove and some camping cookware. Camping cookware, which usually includes pots, pans, plates, mugs, utensils etc. comes in all shapes and sizes depending on the type of adventure you have planned. You can get ultra-lightweight sets that allow you to cook up a warm meal at the end of the day.
Most camping cookware sets pack together in the main pot for easy packability and transport too. Make sure you are prepared to cook some delicious meals on your next trip by taking a great camping cook set with you.
The Overmont Ultralight Camping Cookware Set is a great choice as it is lightweight and comes with the pieces you need to cook while camping.
Foldable Toaster – recommended by Cecily from Groovy Mashed Potatoes
There are many easy and affordable meals you can make with toast, like toasted sandwiches for lunch or avocado toast for breakfast. But how do you toast your bread when you are camping? This is where a foldable toaster comes in handy. Only weighing 0.26 pounds, it’s easy to carry and simple to use. You just unfold it and place it on top of a small open flame or on top of your camp stove. You can fit up to four pieces of bread on it and they will toast from the heat underneath in a matter of minutes.
The stainless steel toaster is excellent to use for campervan cooking or can be brought along for your camping adventures in a tent. One of the best things to make is toasted breakfast sandwiches. Toast an English muffin, fry up some bacon and eggs and you have a delicious start to your morning!
Buy the foldable toaster from AMAZON here
Electric car travel kettle – recommended by Jürgen & Martina – PlacesofJuma
One of our favourite Kenya camping items for a perfect trip is our electric travel kettle which you can use in cars or all kind of campers. This little travel gadget is especially useful for long journeys and strenuous excursions with motorhomes, campers and cars. And we love the fact that we don’t have to look for a restaurant or gas stations when we drive somewhere.
Connected to the cigarette lighter, it boils water in only 10-16 minutes while driving. Perfect if you want to make yourself and your family a tea, some milk or a hot chocolate on the way. Amazing is also that you can do some cooking. Instant noodles, ready to serve soups and even boiled eggs can be prepared with a good electric travel kettle. This is a great thing, especially if you need something warm instead of a cold sandwich. With that feature, a travel kettle makes travelling, but also camping in nature much easier and comfortable!
We can recommend the super cool kettle from SPARDAR. Ingenious here is the digital temperature display and the high-quality, scratch-resistant stainless steel used as material for the inside and outside walls.
Knives, spades and First Aid Kits
A Whitby MINT Emergency Knife – recommended by Richard from RJ on Tour
On a Kenya camping holiday, a great knife is a must-have tool to take. They have a variety of uses and always come in handy. Whitby Knives make some great quality knives suitable for adventures that come in many sizes, including the MINT Emergency Knife. I purchased my latest knife from a specialist outdoor sports shop in Looe, Cornwall, after a mackerel fishing trip. It proved invaluable for preparing the fish I caught ready to cook for my evening meal. The short and sharp three-inch blade makes light work of fish, vegetables or meat.
A good knife makes life easier. The MINT Emergency Knife folds up, has a sharp blade, and a serrated one for cutting rope or wood. You can also attach it to a karabiner, thus making it easy to find. They can also be used with a flint for use as a fire starter while on an adventure, a great backup to matches or a lighter. Be aware though of local laws when carrying a knife.
Buy the Whitby MINT Knife on AMAZON
Leatherman Multitool
“You can’t go wrong with a Leatherman”, says my Dad, and he’s right about most things. Leatherman is the original and best multi-tool. This durable multi-tool features replaceable wire cutters, regular and needlenose pliers, a powerful 7.37 cm lockable 420HC stainless steel blade and a 420HC serrated knife. Everything you need for setting a campsite; including can and bottle openers, wood and metal files and large and small driver bits.
First Aid Kit – recommended by Debbie from WorldAdventurists.com.
Camping is an incredible way to get into nature and away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, that also means that you’re likely to not be a quick jaunt away from emergency items like gauze, painkillers, antiseptic wipes, and bandages. So, make sure you take your emergency supplies with you. You can either build your own first aid kit or make a small investment in a quality first aid kit that will put all your worries at ease.
You will want to choose a first aid kit that has good quality supplies and will help to treat small and large injuries. Also, consider taking a basic training course. Knowing how to use the items in a first-aid kit is as important as having them. A first aid kit will be of better use if you know how to use what’s inside.
Never go on any camping adventures without this critical camping essential! First aid isn’t something to be taken lightly, especially not when camping in Kenya.
Spade
When is a spade not a spade? When it’s a life-saving device. Seriously, I can’t count the number of times I’ve been knee-deep in mud, trying to dig the car out with my hands. Invest in a spade folks! I’m serious.
Jumia has a lovely camping spade here – although it is shipped from abroad
Showers and washing
Camping shower
I can manage without a shower for a day or two, but any more than that and camping becomes miserable. If you are headed to a larger Kenya campsite then many of them have showers, whether they be permanent shelters or bucket showers, but the further you head into the wild the less likely you are to be able to wash. And surely camping in Kenya is all about heading into the wild. Be the most popular person in your friendship group and bring along one of these portable bucket showers. Simply fill with hot water and off you go.
Buy this one from JUMIA (shipped from abroad)
Or this one from AMAZON – which heats itself (groovy!)
Microfibre towel – Victoria from www.guideyourtravel.com
A micro-fibre travel towel is an absolute must-have on any camping trip. These towels come in all sorts of sizes and colours and are quite affordable at around 10-30$. Micro-fibre travel towels have a lot of benefits. First of all, they are very lightweight and easy to pack. They don’t take up a lot of space and can be put at the bottom of a backpack or anywhere you need them. Secondly, they are incredibly fast-drying and much less likely to collect a bad smell and need frequent washing. Just put them into the sun and they’ll be dry in no-time. Another great benefit of micro-fibre towels for camping is the fact that they can be used as a beach towel or picnic blanket as well. They don’t get dirty very easily so you can use them for a lot of different purposes. The Genovega towels come in all shapes and sizes and their own special bag.
Tents
Tents, tents, tents. I feel like tents are the bane of my Kenya camping life. There are so many beautiful tents out there and hardly any of them are actually in the country. The best tent around in 2021 that isn’t handmade or specially shipped in, is a lovely canvas two-man tent from Builders Warehouse. We got our two-bedroom family tent from GAME and I’m happy with it but I don’t expect it to last many years, and I wouldn’t like to be in it when it pours with rain. People are mixed about the Decathlon tents, they are mostly on the smaller side and look good for a couple of camping trips but not hugely sturdy… so what are your options?
- Buy Local: from Game, Builders Warehouse and Decathlon.
- Buy from Jumia – they sell a couple of 2 man tents online here.
- Rent a tent. Kifaru Kamper’s rents (and sells) a range of tents here. Visit Kifaru Kampers website here
- Or you can order your own bespoke tent, from East African Canvas here. Tents that dreams are made of.
- Buy from abroad: but it’s costly. Shipping companies like Something Random charges by the kilo and tents tend to be heavy.
- If you have the big bucks the Coleman self-inflating tent will be big enough for a family and light as it comes without poles. It’s on AMAZON here
- If your kids are older then I suggest this family tent with separate bedrooms. The Vango Odyssey tent is perfect. Buy on AMAZON here
- Tent
- Extra tent pegs
- Strong tape (if a pole breaks)
- Mallet
- Table
- Camp chairs
- Camp bed and or inflatable mattress
- Pump for mattress
- Sleeping bag
- Pillows (inflatable or bring your own for extra comfort)
- Sheets (extra comfort)
- Hot water bottle (you’ll thank me)
- Picnic blanket, Shuka or tarpaulin to sit on
- Hammock
- Sunshade tent / rain shelter
- Washing line, pegs & clothes wash
- Microfibre towel
- Headtorch
- Torches
- Lanterns & solar lights
- Water bottle
- Water Pump
- Camping stove or jiko
- Cooking grill / tripod
- Camping cookware inc – pots, pans, plates, cups, glasses, cutlery
- Cooking tongs
- Matches and/ or lighter
- Firewood (check the site first)
- Kettle
- Thermos
- Tea towel
- Tinfoil
- Foldable Toaster
- Kitchen knife
- Cutting board
- Doom – for all the creepy crawlies
- Dustpan and brush
- Rubbish bags
- Washing up bowl & washing liquid
- Kitchen roll
- Toilet paper
- Coffee pot
- Vegetable peeler, tin opener, sharp knife, wooden spoon & bottle opener (cork & lid)
- Camera and charger
- Phone and charger
- Kindles/ Ipads / Ipods and chargers
- Books
- Powerbank
- Sat Nav
- Walkie Talkies
- Binoculars
- Music player
- Kids games
- Jumper cables for car
- Spare fuel
- Tow rope
- Spade
- Sun Cap
- Sunglasses
- Suncream
- Ear plugs
- Clothes
- Toiletries
- First Aid Kit
- Leatherman / Swiss Army Knife
How to ship camping equipment Kenya
I lived in Kenya for 3 years before I shipped something over from the UK. I was unsure about cost and thought I could make do. I still do to a large extent but there are some things that we just can’t source here and I turn to Something Random. We aren’t affiliated, I earn no money for saying this but in my opinion they are the best. I ordered a replacement Kindle the other day and it took one week and less than 1000 bob to get here from the UK.
If you are apprehensive as I was then I’ll give you the steps below.
- Head to Something Random website at https://www.somethingrandom.com
- Register
- Order your items from either the UK or US store
- Take the order number you receive when you place your order on Amazon (or wherever). Go to the new confirmations section of the website and fill in the details of your order.
- Wait until you receive an email of delivery (this can take from 2 weeks to a month depending on time of year)
- Choose whether to pick up or get it delivered
- Et Voila
Helpful links for travel in Kenya
The below links are for services that I use myself and highly recommend. Some of them are affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
If you are thinking of booking a trip to Kenya, please book through one of these links and help me to keep bringing you blogs for free.
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