Planning a weekend at Lake Naivasha, a Mount Kenya climb or a school trip for 80 students? You don't need to buy a garage full of gear. Camping equipment hire in Nairobi gets you quality tents, sleeping bags, camp beds and cooking kit for a fraction of the cost of buying. Kifaru Kampers has been hiring out camping gear in Nairobi since 2014. This guide covers what to hire, how to choose it and what to pack for camping in Kenya.
Why hire camping gear instead of buying?
Good outdoor equipment is expensive, bulky and needs care between trips. Unless you camp every month, camping gear rental in Kenya usually makes more sense:
- Lower cost: you pay only for the days you use the gear.
- The right kit every time: a 2-person tent for a hike, a 10-person tent for a family safari, a gazebo for a birthday. You never have to compromise.
- No storage or maintenance: no mouldy tents in the store room and no broken poles to replace.
- Try before you buy: rent a tent first and, if you love it, look at our camping equipment for sale.
On a tight budget? See our guide to budget camping rentals in Nairobi.
Camping equipment you can hire in Nairobi
Kifaru Kampers stocks everything for a comfortable trip, from lightweight hiking kit to full luxury camping setups.
Tents for hire
2 to 10+ person dome and cabin tents, plus waterproof tents for the rainy season.
Sleeping bags
Medium and heavy-duty bags for cold nights at Naivasha, in the Aberdares or on Mount Kenya.
Camp beds and mattresses
Camping cots, foam mattresses, roll-up and self-inflating mats, and pillows.
Chairs and tables
Folding camp chairs, safari chairs and camp tables. See camping chair rental.
Gazebos and dining shelters
Shade and rain cover for camp kitchens, events, races and outdoor parties.
Lighting and cooking
Gas lanterns, stoves, cooking pots, utensils and cooler boxes.
Shower and toilet tents
Private sanitation tents and camp showers for remote sites and group camps.
Hiking extras
Headlamps, gaiters, raincoats and other accessories for treks and safaris.
See the full range on our camping equipment rentals page, or read our round-up of the best camping equipment in Kenya and Africa.
How to choose the right tent
Tent hire in Nairobi is the first decision for most trips. Get it right and everything else is easy.
1. Size: add one person
Tent capacities assume people packed shoulder to shoulder. For comfort, and space for bags, hire a tent rated one or two people more than your group. A couple is comfortable in a 3-person tent, and a family of four is better off in a 6-person tent.
2. Season and weather
Kenya has two rainy seasons: the long rains (March–May) and the short rains (October–December). In these months, choose a tent with a full rainfly, a sewn-in groundsheet and taped seams. In the dry season, mesh panels keep the tent cool and ventilated.
3. Hiking or car camping
If you're carrying the tent up Mount Kenya, Mount Longonot or the Aberdares, weight matters: choose a compact 2- or 3-person dome. For car camping at Naivasha, Hell's Gate or a safari campsite, a bigger cabin tent with standing height is far more comfortable.
Kenya camping checklist
Use this camping checklist for Kenya before every trip. Items marked "Hire" are available from Kifaru Kampers.
| Category | Essentials | Available |
|---|---|---|
| Shelter | Tent, rainfly, groundsheet, pegs and mallet, gazebo for shade | Hire |
| Sleeping | Sleeping bag (rated for the altitude), mattress or camp cot, pillow | Hire |
| Camp furniture | Camp chairs, folding table | Hire |
| Kitchen | Gas stove, gas, pots and pans, utensils, cooler box, water containers | Hire |
| Lighting | Gas lantern, headlamp per person, spare batteries | Hire |
| Hygiene | Shower and toilet tent for remote sites, biodegradable soap, toilet paper, rubbish bags | Hire |
| Clothing | Warm fleece or jacket (nights get cold), raincoat, hat, sturdy shoes, gaiters for treks | Some hire |
| Health and safety | First-aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen, personal medication, water purification | Bring |
| Documents | ID, park or campsite booking, KWS e-citizen receipts, emergency contacts | Bring |
Where to take your hired gear
Nairobi is a great base for camping. Some of the most popular spots our customers head to:
- Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate: about 2 hours from Nairobi. Lakeside campsites, cycling among zebra and giraffe, and cool nights.
- Mount Longonot: a classic day hike, often combined with a night camping at Naivasha.
- Mount Kenya and the Aberdares: high-altitude trekking where warm sleeping bags and insulated mats are essential.
- Maasai Mara and Amboseli: safari camping with wildlife on your doorstep. A shower tent and a good cooler make a big difference.
- Ngong Hills and Lake Magadi: quick escapes for a weekend under the stars.
For a full list with tips, read Best Camping Sites in Kenya.
Group, school and event tent hire
Planning for a crowd? We supply bulk camping equipment for:
- School trips and outdoor education: tents, mattresses and sleeping bags for whole classes.
- Corporate team building: complete camp setups with dining shelters, chairs, tables and lighting.
- Races, marathons and charity events: gazebos, shelters and sanitation tents.
- Church and youth camps, scouts and expeditions: durable gear at group rates.
- Garden parties and weddings: gazebo hire in Nairobi for shade, catering and seating.
Browse photos of past setups in our gallery.
How hiring works at Kifaru Kampers
- Choose your gear: browse our rentals or tell us about your trip and we'll suggest a kit.
- Get in touch: send your dates, destination and group size through our contact page.
- Confirm and collect: pick up your clean, checked equipment from us in Karen, Nairobi, or ask us to deliver it. We can also help set up and dismantle your camp.
- Enjoy your trip: camp with confidence, knowing your gear has been tested.
- Return: bring the gear back on the agreed date. We take care of the cleaning.
Have questions about deposits, damage or late returns? See our FAQs.
Tips for looking after hired gear
- Pitch tents on a clear patch of ground, away from thorns and sharp stones. Use the groundsheet.
- Never cook inside a tent. Keep stoves and lanterns well clear of fabric.
- Shake out sand and grass before packing, and keep pegs and poles together in their bags.
- If a tent is packed wet, let us know on return so we can dry it properly.
- Store food in sealed containers or a cooler. Monkeys and baboons are expert campsite raiders.
Ready to hire camping equipment in Nairobi?
Tell us where you're going and how many people are coming. We'll put together the right kit for your trip.
Get a quote Call +254 738 201701 WhatsApp us View rentalsFrequently asked questions
Where can I hire camping equipment in Nairobi?
Kifaru Kampers, based in Karen, Nairobi, hires out tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, camp beds, chairs, tables, gazebos, lanterns, cooking gear and shower and toilet tents for trips anywhere in Kenya. Call +254 738 201701 or email hire@kifarukampers.com.
Is it cheaper to hire or buy camping gear in Kenya?
If you camp fewer than three or four times a year, hiring is usually cheaper. You also avoid storage, cleaning and maintenance, and you can pick the right tent size for each trip.
How far in advance should I book camping equipment?
Book at least one to two weeks ahead. For long weekends, school holidays, December festivities and large group or event orders, book three to four weeks ahead.
Can I hire camping equipment for a school trip or corporate event?
Yes. We supply bulk tents, mattresses, gazebos, dining shelters and sanitation tents for schools, team-building events, races and group expeditions.
What sleeping bag do I need for Mount Kenya?
Nights on Mount Kenya can drop well below freezing, so choose a heavy-duty or sub-zero rated sleeping bag together with an insulated mattress or self-inflating mat.
Does Kifaru Kampers sell camping equipment as well?
Yes. Alongside rentals, we have camping equipment for sale in Kenya. Check the For Sale page for current stock.