A tent is a portable shelter made from fabric or other light materials. It uses poles for support and is secured with ropes and pegs anchored to the ground.
Tents protect you from the weather and are often used for camping, outdoor trips, and expeditions.
Tents come in many designs and sizes, from simple shelters for one person to large tents with several rooms.
People use tents for various purposes, such as camping, military operations, and emergency housing.
According to Wikipedia, a tent is “a shelter consisting of sheets of fabric or other material draped over, attached to a frame of poles, or connected to a supporting rope.”
Types of Tents and How They’re Classified
Many tents come in different shapes, sizes, and features designed for specific uses.
To classify tents, we examine two main factors.
One is the tent’s shape and structure. Secondly, the uses of the tents.
This classification can help determine the optimal location for tent users.
It also provides an indication of which manufacturers produce each type and helps you choose a durable tent for outdoor activities such as camping.
In this article, we’ll cover the different types of tents, their uses, and look at examples from Mount Kilimanjaro and safari tents in Tanzania.
Types of tents according to shapes and structures
1. Geodesic camping tent
These tents perform well in extreme weather conditions. They are large and can fit three or four people. A geodesic tent is an improved dome tent. It has more poles that cross, making the tent more stable. These tents are good for mountain climbing and outdoor camping. They are high-quality tents and usually cost more than other camping tents.
2. Dome tent
Dome tents are easy to spot. They have two poles that cross to form two semicircles over the tent.
Their design differs from that of other tents. Dome tents are available in various sizes and can accommodate six to eight people.
Easy to set up, offers adequate airflow, and provides ample space. These are the best fit for family safaris or short trips, whether to the beach or for other outdoor activities.
3. A-frame/ Ridge tent
The name of this tent reflects the design of this tent. An A-frame tent is a simple design; when pitched, it resembles the letter A.
Modern A-frame tents are a bit different from older versions.
The modern A-frame tent is lighter. Previously, the Ridge tent was made of canvas and supported by metal or wooden poles.
These tents are easy to set up but have limited space. They can also be heavy when packed, making them better for permanent camping.
4. Pop-up tent
These pop-up tents are lightweight and great for summer camping. They are very easy to set up and take down, often in just a few seconds. These tents have springs that make them pop into shape as soon as you take them out of the bag. Tents cost less than other types, but they don’t handle extreme temperatures well.
They can fit four to six people, so they’re a good choice for group trips.
5. Tunnel tent
Tunnel tents are cylindrical, which makes them distinct from dome tents.
They are long and can fit families or groups, whether on safari or vacation.
Tunnel tents use exterior poles and ropes that are staked into the ground for extra stability.
Tunnel tents handle bad weather better than pop-up tents, but they are heavy and bulky.
You’ll need a vehicle to move these tents if you’re camping in different places.
6. Bivvy tent/Bivouac tent
Bivy tents are small and light, made for wild campers and short hikes. They are mainly used in emergencies.
They’re good for travelers or campers who want to carry as little as possible.iBivouac tents offer some protection from the elements, but they aren’t meant for extreme weather.oYou can buy these tents in either a ridge or tunnel shape.. Roof-top tent/ Car top
These tents are made for adventurers, researchers, filmmakers, or anyone on a road trip. They’re easy to spot; tents are perfect for people who love road trips.
The car’s roof acts as the ground for these tents, which can be set up and packed away quickly.
Some cars are equipped with roof bars that can be used to secure car-top tents, which often include a ladder for easy access. It’s a unique and stylish way to camp. style.
8. Cabin tents / Family
If you want a budget-friendly tent for your family, cabin tents are a great choice. These tents are made from canvas, polyester, or nylon and use aluminum poles. When set up, they look like a small cabin. Cabin tents give families enough space to even set up a bedroom inside
Despite the cabin, tents are not sufficiently durable to withstand extreme weather during your camping trip.
9. Backpacking Tent
It is a high-quality tent for multi-day camping trips. With limited space to accommodate only one or two people.
These tents are designed for campers who prefer lightweight camping. Backpacking tents are small and light, with fewer poles than other tents. They can be either ridge-shaped or tunnel-shaped. If you want something simple, choose a backpacking tent.g tent.
Types of tents according to uses
We classify tents by examining factors such as size, space, durability, shape, weight, and price. Based on their use, tents fall into two main groups: mountain tents and safari tents.
What is a Mountain Tent?
The mountain tent is built to last and can handle extreme weather. They are mainly used for wilderness camping, especially at high altitudes or in cold places.Provides space for storing supplies and for sleeping. In terms of design, mountaineering tents are similar to other tents. The main difference lies in the materials used during construction.
Difference between mountain tents and other types of tents?
The material used
The materials used to construct the mountain tent are more durable than those used for summer camping or safari tents.
These tents are priced high due to construction costs.
- The complexity of the mountain tent’s construction makes it heavier than other tents, such as summer camping tents.
- Using a range of nylon blends for the canvas increases the weight of the mountain tent.
- The material is also heavily coated to prevent rain and snow from adhering to the tent’s exterior.
- Different layers of coating are applied to the canvas to protect against rain or snow. Check on the Mount Kilimanjaro tents section.
Mountain tents use mesh doors.
As a complement to fabric doors, mesh doors are common in mountaineering tents.
Once the fabric door is sealed with zipper pulls, the mesh doors can be used instead for ventilation.
Many mountain tents have a single door, so the mesh doors used are single.
Tents, poles, and structure
Poles, poles, and support structures set mountain tents apart from other types of tents.
- The external metal framework that defines the tent’s shape is the main feature of these mountain tents.
- This framework provides sufficient space within the tent interior.
Storage space
Enough storage space is the key feature of the mountain tent.
Apart from storage space, there can be plenty of rooms for sleeping and even for moving around during the day.
Mountain tents provide a separate chamber for storing supplies that can sustain a climber’s or hiker’s trip.
This chamber (vestibule) can also be used to store the equipment needed for campers’ survival during hiking or mountain climbing.
It can be either Mountain Everest or Mount Kilimanjaro.
Pricing of mountain tents
The durability of these tents is why mountain tents are more expensive compared to other types of tents.
Mountaineering tents are durable and last for many years. While providing enough living space for sleeping and storage.
Pitching a mountaineering tent is easier than pitching traditional tents.
Mountain tents are not limited to high-altitude use and can be used for casual city camping in warm climates.
Safari Tents
These are tents designed for camping trips in low-altitude environments, such as wildlife parks or beach holidays.
Safari tents can be operated either as tented camps or mobile safari camps.
Taking into account the purpose of these tents. Safari camping tents can be so heavy and large that they can accommodate more than 100 people at once.
If you visit safari destinations around the world, for instance, the Serengeti, you could find a lot of these safari camps.
The construction of safari camps can be complex and requires substantial materials to set up.
Some of these safari tents include a shower, a veranda, a sleeping room, and even small groceries.
Case study: Tanzania safari tents and tented lodges
Here is the case study for Tanzania safari tents and tented lodges.
Tanzania is the best destination in Africa for safari goers.
Whether you are planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro or witness the wildebeest migration in Serengeti.
Visiting Tanzania lets you experience camping more than anywhere else in East Africa.
There is no way to avoid any of the tents we have discussed in this article.
Tanzania offers many activities for its visitors.
The best national parks that guarantee the Big Five, the best sandy beach in Zanzibar, and the highest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro, at 5,895m.
Tanzania camping tents can be classified into two main categories: Mount Kilimanjaro climbing tents and safari camping tents.
There is a difference between these two categories. Let’s have a clear discussion for each category.
Mount Kilimanjaro Camping Tents
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa, 5,895m above sea level.
This mountain is the best destination in Africa. Because of its nature, Kilimanjaro offers 90% of camping accommodation for climbers, except for one route that provides huts.
Many trekking operators provide different types of tents during climbing, depending on crew size and the number of clients.
For smaller groups of clients, you will find geodesic or backpacking tents.
The best routes for camping are Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, and Umbwe.
These routes provide tents for accommodation.
These are mountaineering tents designed to withstand snow and adverse weather during Kilimanjaro climbing.
Including Mountain Hardware tents, Kailas X4 II Alpine tents, and others.
Mount Kilimanjaro tents can be mess tents, sleeping tents, or mobile toilet tents.
Food during climbing is served in the mess tents while sleeping in the other tents.
Many tour operators provide shared tents for two people.
Apart from camping on Mount Kilimanjaro, you can decide to sleep in mountain huts.
These mountain huts are available only on the Marangu route.
What do Kilimanjaro Mountain huts look like?
These huts are provided by Kilimanjaro National Park. Mountain huts are wooden A-frame structures.
Even though there are beds with mattresses, we recommend bringing your sleeping bag and pillow. These huts were built along the Marangu route.
Private toilet tent on Kilimanjaro
Private toilets in Kilimanjaro are by far the best option. It comes with a stand-sized toilet tent.
The chemical toilet unit also includes a seat and a flush mechanism. It is easy to assemble and disassemble. You can surely include this in your Kilimanjaro Gear List.
Read more about Mount Kilimanjaro toilets.
Tanzania Safari camping tents
Tanzania is a destination, and using tents on safari is the best option.
These tents can be either permanent or mobile-tented lodges.
These camping facilities can be priced the same as 5-star hotels in Paris or New York.
The construction of these safari camps is so unique and beautiful.
These safari tents offer services ranging from budget to luxury.
The camping safari tents can range from $100 to $2,000 per day.
Depending on which park you’re visiting in Tanzania for a safari.
These camping safari tents can be classified as budget or luxury.
While in Tanzania, you can be able to experience a budget camping safari by camping at Simba, Seronera, or Nyati camps. Campers who prefer backpacking tents.
If you are interested in luxury safari camping tents, you can choose a permanent tented camp.
These camping tents are available throughout the year in Tanzania’s national parks.
If you visit Ngorongoro Crater, you can stay at Ang’ata Camps and Tortilis Camps within the park.
If you are familiar with Serengeti, you can stay at either Whisper Camps, Tukaone Camps, Zawadi Camps, or Accasia Camps.
There is nothing so uniquely African as spending the night in a tented camp. It is a memory that will certainly stay with you.
Unlike in a brick-and-mortar lodge, you get to smell, hear, and feel the wilderness: there is simply nothing quite like it.
Read more about the Best places to stay in Serengeti
Conclusion
As we drive this topic home for “tents”. We hope you enjoyed reading about camping tents worldwide.
If you’re planning a camping trip anywhere in the world, remember that there is a tent for everyone’s taste and budget.
If you’re planning to visit Tanzania for a safari, either with family or as a solo traveler,
Blessing Safaris experts are ready to help you design an epic tent camping safari or Mount Kilimanjaro climbing.
