Message Forums

In my experience it is far better to to buy a tent designed for the country in which it is sold. For example, tents in the UK have evolved to allow for our inclement weather and so are very water-proof, have large indoor living areas, and SIG to eliminate drafts.

In the US tents have little or no living areas, SIGs to keep out the bugs, optional fly-sheets (just in case it rains!) and people buy separate screen rooms to allow for maximum bug-free ventilation while sitting 'outside'.

I would imagine that you would need a canvas tent to avoid build up of heat that you get in 'plastic tents', but it is unusual to find one with a SIG to keep out bugs. Maybe you need to look at two tents (as in US) - one for sleeping, and a screen room for living.

Sorry haven't given you any answers, just loads more questions!! But I grew up in Africa and so know about the storms ... and the stuffy weather that goes with them!!

Hi,

I think the advice given by B Chyrstie is spot on.  Tents are a piece of equipment and need to be fit for purpose.  Thats why there are so many on the market as we all have individual needs.

When I have seen info on camping safaris in Africa the tents all seem to be fabric - I guess this is for the heat.  But as already mentioned in the UK they do not tend to have a sig.  Maybe you could buy insect nets and camp beds to get around this? 

I also thought that to buy a fabric frame tent here and get it to Uganda would be very expensive as they weigh a tonne.  Which is exactly why more of us have turned to other fabrics - especially heavy when they get wet in the great British weather!

Why don't you contact one of the camping safari companies for advice when you get home?  They may even offer you an old tent to try out to see if your family like it.

Sorry not much help!

[кαяєи™]

Angus, you don't say what your budget is. I'm guessing that if you have been looking in Halfords it's not huge? Otherwise I'd suggest something like Outwell Norfolk Lake - but I may be right off the mark?

http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-1428744-10475506?url=http://www.outdoormegastore.co.uk/acatalog/Outwell_Classic_Tents.html

Why don't you look on the we-sites of safari companies that do tented safaris. that might give you some ideas of the kind of tent to look out for.

Alan

Angus - a SIG is a Sewn In Groundsheet - helps to keep bugs out, but at the same time does not allow the air to circulate. Yes, I suggested the Norfolk Lake because of the fabric, which is what makes it pricey (and the poles, but should stand up to stormy weather), but you could search for other polycotton tents.

Good luck in your search

Quote: Originally posted by angus2007 on 26/6/2007

---

B Crystie: Where did you grow up in Africa?

---

Zimbabwe (or Rhodesia as it was then). Did most of my secondary schooling there in Harare. Absolutely fab place for us kids to grow up! Although we lived in the city, we spent a lot of time out in the bush at some of the mission schools. Such a shame what has happened to the country since then.

Remember some great family holidays/safaris in an old VW which we had added a table to and called it a 'camper'. Us two kids slept in the van and parents slept in a small tent outside (or was it the other way round? My dad doesn't 'do' camping! ... so it must have been us in the tent!) Had hyenas raiding the barbecues and elephants trumpeting around the campsight all night!

Anyway, thinking again about your problem, I do think that if you need to buy your tent here I would go for a small basic tent for sleeping in and use a screen room for your living area. Even if it is bucketing down outside you will have some shelter from the rain, but not be encased in plastic in all that humidity. Once again, I think the american style tents might be better.

Just seen this on e-bay:

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-5232-2978-1/1?AID=9479574&PID=1428744&mpre=http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-5232-2978-1/1?AID=9479574&PID=1428744&mpre=http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Big-Sky-6-Man-Family-Camping-Tent-Extra-Large-Rooms-New_W0QQitemZ150134646879QQihZ005QQcategoryZ16041QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I can't imagine that it's a high quality tent, but it does have the built in screen room. Can't tell whether this area would be water tight in the rain or not though. 

Here's another possibility:

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-5232-2978-1/1?AID=9479574&PID=1428744&mpre=http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Hex-3-Man-Screen-House-Canopy-Camping-Tent-XXL-NEW_W0QQitemZ150134973737QQihZ005QQcategoryZ36119QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

A lot would depend on how many of you would be camping, and for how long, and how much kit would need to be stored in it. Also what weight you could carry back with you (assuming you're flying back)