Five things we tell everyone renting a rooftop tent

The Defender and the Hilux campers come with a rooftop tent. The first night is always the slowest, so here is how to make it easier.

1. Practise in the yard

Open and close the tent once before you leave Nairobi. It takes ten minutes with us watching and saves an hour in the dark.

2. Park level

A slope you don’t notice while driving feels steep when you sleep. Use the levelling blocks in the boot and put your head on the higher side.

3. Ladder on dry ground

In the rainy months, set the ladder on a flat stone or the mat we provide. A ladder sinking into mud at 2 am is not fun.

4. Bags stay in the car

Keep only bedding in the tent. Shoes, food and bags go in the locked car. Monkeys and hyenas are curious, and they are good at zips.

5. Close it dry when you can

If you pack the tent wet, open it again at the next stop to dry out. Otherwise it starts to smell by day four.

Ask us for the short video guide. We send it to everyone after booking.