When you’re planning your next trip to Tanzania, you may be wondering what to wear on safari. The answer is simple: wear whatever you want! Tanzania is a country full of natural beauty and unique landscapes, so it’s important to bring along clothes that are both comfortable and appropriate for all kinds of weather conditions. Whether it’s hot or cold, breezy or rainy, you can always find something in your closet that will work for this kind of trip. The best part about safaris is that you get to spend time in the wild, so there’s no need to worry about how formal your clothes need to be. If anything, they should be casual enough that they won’t get ruined by mud or dust—even if that means wearing jeans instead of slacks! So go ahead and pack up those hiking boots and rain jackets; we guarantee that wherever you go in Tanzania, there will be plenty of opportunities for adventure!

When you’re on safari in Tanzania, you’ll want to wear clothing that’s comfortable and easy to move in. You may think that your safari is going to be a relaxing trip, but you should still be prepared for lots of walking and standing. You should also plan for extremes in temperature when you’re on safari. It can get very hot during the day, so bring lots of lightweight clothing options that are easy to layer. If it’s wintertime and you’re going on an evening safari, bring a jacket or sweater with you so that you can stay warm while watching the animals come out at night. When it comes to safari attire, there are a few things you want to keep in mind. First, wear comfortable shoes. You’re going to be walking for a long time and you need to be able to do it comfortably. Second, bring sunscreen and wear it throughout the day. Third, don’t forget your camera!

When you’re going on safari in Tanzania, you want to be comfortable, but also look the part. You don’t want to wear jeans and a t-shirt, because that’s not how people dress in Africa. Instead, you should wear loose-fitting pants and a shirt that covers your shoulders. If it’s cold at night, bring along a sweater or sweatshirt. If you have long hair, tie it back so it doesn’t get caught in their mouths or stuck in the seats of the jeep. You can wear sandals if you like; they’ll protect your feet from getting cut up by rocks and sticks while hiking through the bush. If they don’t have any sandals available at your hotel or hostel, bring along some flip-flops with rubber soles so they don’t hurt your feet when walking on sharp rocks or stumps.

What to Wear on Safari in Tanzania

Whether you’re planning a trip to Tanzania or just dreaming about it, you’re probably wondering what to wear on safari in Tanzania. Well, we’ve got you covered!

Tanzania is known for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, so there are a lot of options when it comes to what to wear on safari in Tanzania. You’ll want to bring comfortable clothing that will help keep you cool in the heat and still be able to protect you from bugs—and we’ve got some great tips for how to do that.

Hello and welcome to my blog on what to wear on safari in Tanzania.

I work as a safari guide in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, and I love helping my clients find the right look for their trip. It’s important that you feel comfortable, but also that you don’t look out of place in this amazing part of the world.

We’ll cover everything from shoes to sunglasses, so let’s get started!

What to wear on safari in Tanzania is a question that I get asked all the time.

I’m going to be honest: it’s not an easy question to answer. There are SO many things to consider when dressing for a safari—the climate, the type of animals you’ll see, and your own personal style. But there are some general rules I follow when planning my safari outfits, and I’ll share them with you here!

When you go on a safari, you need to be prepared for anything. You never know what will happen. You could get lost in the jungle and have to spend the night there—you might get attacked by lions or elephants or snakes! And of course, you want to look stylish while you’re doing it. So here’s a list of clothing items that are perfect for your next safari adventure:

A safari is one of the most exciting adventures you can have.

You get to see wildlife like elephants, giraffes, and lions in their natural habitat. But there’s also something else: You get to wear a lot of clothes.

And by “a lot,” we mean “more than you’ve ever worn before.”
A safari is an essential element to a memorable holiday to South Africa. Make sure that you are packing correctly to get the most out of your adventure. The experts at Africa Travel have been sending people on African adventures for 30 years. They have shared their advice so that you know what to bring, what not to bring, and what to bring back.

The type of clothing to take on your safari holiday will depend on the time of year and what type of safari you are going on. Nevertheless, there are some essential tips that are universal.

What to Wear on Safari
The best way to get close to the wildlife is to blend in with your surroundings as much as possible by going neutral. Wear greens, browns, and khakis so as to not attract unnecessary attention. For South Africa, khaki is the recommended colour
Light-weight, breathable fabrics minimise noise when walking. Layers are a great way to pack light but stay warm. Temperatures can be cool on morning game drives, hot in the afternoon and cold at night. Layers allow you to remove clothing to make yourself comfortable as temperatures fluctuate
Airy, long-sleeved shirts with a collar will keep the sun off your arms and neck
Combat trousers are perfect with plenty of pockets to store your camera, sunscreen, and binoculars
A light jacket or fleece is great for an extra layer of warmth in case you need it. Fleece is great because it dries quickly too
Comfortable trainers are suitable for most safaris, even walking safaris. You can expect to be climbing in and out of the safari vehicle frequently and some light walking around the bush
Hats are a fantastic way to protect your head and face from the sun in an open-top safari vehicle and they have the added benefit of reducing glare for better game viewing
Sunglasses should be worn to block out harmful rays and polarised glasses will cut through the glare to make sure you don’t miss a thing
Don’t forget to bring a swimsuit if your lodge has a pool
For your evening meal, light colours are recommended so as to not attract mosquitoes. Linen trousers are the perfect way to look smart, stay cool, and prevent mosquito bites

What NOT to Wear on Safari
Don’t bring bright-coloured clothing or busy patterns. This will draw attention to you and scare off the wildlife
Avoid camouflage clothing as some African countries reserve this pattern for military personnel only
Dark colours attract Tsetse flies, so stay away from dark blue or black clothing – they have a painful bite!
White coloured clothing will quickly show dirt and dust, so try to go neutral instead
Formal wear is not necessary as most lodges and camps have a relaxed dress code. Bring a smart, clean outfit to wear to dinner, but there is no need to go too formal
Heavy hiking boots take up too much room in your suitcase and aren’t necessary for most safaris unless you have been told that your itinerary includes walking through the rainforest or harsh terrain
Too much clothing! Pack light – most safari lodges offer laundry facilities. You can also save space with convertible clothing like zip-off trousers that turn into shorts or a zip-off fleece that turns into a gilet
Now that you know what to wear, make sure you know how to pack. Most safari operators will ask that you only bring one suitcase, one overnight duffle bag, and one day pack. You might think you need more, but you won’t. Less is more on safari and you won’t even feel like you are roughing it – you will be well looked after at your lodge. If you are on a fly-in safari, you must pack in a soft-sided bag. Large, rigid suitcases don’t easily fit on the light aircraft, which means that your luggage could be refused or delayed. Limit the risk of your luggage going missing by packing essentials and one safari outfit into your daypack, which you can bring as hand luggage on the flight or ground transfer to your safari lodge or camp.

The last thing to remember when packing is to leave extra space in your luggage for souvenirs. South Africa offers so many wonderful mementoes for you to remember your trip, you don’t want to have to worry about how to bring them home.

What to Bring Back
South Africa is famous for its wines, so you will want to bring back some to enjoy once you get back home. Some wineries allow you to blend your own wine, create your own labels, or cork your own sparkling wine. Most countries allow you to bring back two bottles of wine per person, but it is best to check with your local authorities.

Brandy lovers will be spoiled for choice in South Africa. Brandy is the largest selling spirit in South Africa and is subject to the most stringent production regulations in the world. It is aged for at least 3 years in French oak casks to produce the unique flavour
Amarula cream liqueur is also a popular souvenir because it has a wide appeal and features an elephant on the bottle
Ostrich eggs, intricately carved and turned into lamps are quite durable and very unique
Various wood carvings in the form of sculptures, bowls, and masks are great keepsakes and make unusual gifts

Safari Clothes for Africa
Safari clothes are a serious affair in Africa. Yes, it is a bit “old-fashioned,” but fashions like the proper safari outfit never die. Unlike certain parts of the world, you won’t be laughed at if you show up in all khaki on a game reserve.

While we are not seasoned guides, we have spent a year of our lives in the bush. We have been to all of the major parks of Southern and East Africa and put our favorite clothes to the test. We have a severe addiction to finding and testing the best garments on the market to form the best safari knowledge possible.

This article can dispel some myths about what to wear on safari and back it up with solid packing advice. For more reading, check out our Africa packing list and tips. Let’s get down to some expert advice on what to wear in Africa and where to buy safari clothes.

What Clothes To Pack For A Safari?
Botswana Travel
You don’t need an endless collection of safari clothes in your luggage. We’re big fans of versatility and minimalism. When you overpack for a safari, it can become a burden. You are likely traveling to the wilds of the African bush. An entire wardrobe of clothes is unnecessary. In addition, the standard form of transportation is a small Cessna bush plane or overland truck, so a heavy suitcase of clothes will not work.

We break down the clothes that help you look the part, but any safari expert will agree there is no set dress code or safari outfit. Let’s start with some safari packing lists and what to wear on safari and then progress to recommendations for safari clothes.

What Season To Go On Safari?
Balloon Safari Masai Mara
Weather plays a significant role in what you wear. Most African climates do not have your standard four-season environment. In most of Africa, seasons vary between dry and wet seasons, especially in Eastern Africa. The dry season in East Africa is hot. However, Southern Africa’s opposite, where the dry season means cool evenings and mornings.

Then it flips. The rainy season in East Africa brings cooler weather patterns and perpetuates constant spring-like weather in Tanzania and Kenya. In contrast, the rainy season in South Africa can coincide with its hottest months. The hottest temperature in Southern Africa occurs before the first rains as humidity slowly creeps up, leading to dramatic thunderstorms.

The season impacts what you’ll wear to stay comfortable and the color of your clothing. We suggest you wear khaki, brown, and tan during the dry season. Then, it’s time to bust out the browns and greens in the rainy or green season. You dress to match the vegetation.

Where To Go On Safari?
Safari Shorts

The first decision in packing for a safari is where you go on safari. Africa has a vast range of landscapes, vegetation, and climates. It would help if you packed for where in Africa you’re headed; that’s pretty straightforward.

We have another post on the best destinations to go on safari along with our favorite parks, camps, and lodges. While you’re at it, you can read up on our favorite safari animals to see while traveling. It’s tough to decide where to go on safari as you have a wide range of options!

You have three primary regions for a safari divided into Southern, Central, Eastern Africa. Southern Africa tends to be arid and sees a wide range of temperature shifts. Central Africa is typically hot and humid but can receive cool evenings. East Africa is your classic destination and is famous for its perpetual spring.

In Southern Africa, the climate varies across the region. Summers can be blisteringly hot while winters are freezing in the back of a game vehicle. Many visitors show up in the winter, thinking they’ll be in the hot bush, only to find zero-degree weather in an open car. Yikes!

The key to a comfortable safari outfit is layers. We often pack and wear layers to adjust to the wide range of temperatures you can experience on a typical day. While the morning can be freezing in arid locations like Botswana by midday, it can be hot, so layers will save you.

Packing list for Southern Africa
5 x Athletic socks
2 x Wool socks
2 x Pairs of pants
3 x Quick-dry shirts
1 x Short sleeve shirt
1 x Jacket
1 x Fleece
Plenty of undergarments
1 x Warm hat
2 x Long sleeve shirt
1 x Shorts
1 x Bathing suit (Men’s) (Women’s)
1 x Sandals
1 x Safari Boots
1 x Safari Hat

What To Wear In Central & East Africa?
What Safari Clothes To Wear Zambia

Here the weather is more temperate year-round. It is known as the “never-ending spring.” However, morning game drives can still be chilly, so convertible pants and a light jacket are great options.

Always come prepared for rain, given the time of year. We’ve been in several of the famous thunderstorms of Africa, including a flash flood in Tanzania!

Packing list for Central and East Africa
5 x Athletic socks
Plenty of undergarments
2 x Short sleeve shirts
4 x Quick-dry shirts
1 x Pairs of pants
1 x Rain jacket
1 x Fleece
2 x Shorts
1 x Sun hat
5 x Athletic socks
1 x Bathing suit
1 x Safari Boots
1 x Safari Hat

Safari Shirts
safari clothes for women
The perfect safari shirt will make all the difference in being comfortable throughout the day. A synthetic shirt will give the most practicality, while cotton or linen shirts have a more timeless look.

Organic textiles like cotton, wool, or hemp can provide an excellent base for warmth on a cold morning or a fantastic evening. Synthetic advantages mostly relate to quick-drying, stain resistance, and keeping cool. We recommend long sleeve shirts as it provides UV and bug protection.

Below is a collection of some of the best safari shirts we’ve found on the market. It is a guide about what to look for; the best fit for you may not be on this list. We’d also suggest you check out our post on safari shirts.

The Tamiami II from Columbia is a perfect shirt for a safari. It comes in long, short-sleeved shirts that look great and offer excellent value. It features a nice blend of synthetic materials that allow the shirt to dry and quickly provide excellent ventilation in the hot sun. A long-sleeved shirt allows for greater comfort, moving from chilly mornings to hot days.

The shirt’s functionality is excellent, with a rear vent for heat management and double breast pockets for storing gear or small items. Sometimes, it can be tough to find good technical shirts, but Columbia has some great options. It’s affordable, performs well, and looks pretty good, so it’s an excellent option for safari clothing.

Unless you’re driving across Africa like us, you’ll be safe. The clothes you pack should be for comfort, not some rugged adventure. If it doesn’t feel comfortable, you may as well leave it at home.

You’ll want to pack light. The days are often busy, so multiple wardrobe changes aren’t in the mix. Solid clothes that are casual yet stylish enough to wear to dinner in a lodge over a five-course meal.

Versatility can include the right material, fit, and functionality. For example, a good long sleeve shirt can keep you warm in the morning but cool during the day in a way that short-sleeve or tee shirts fail.

Durability

This one is key. Africa can be hard on clothes, even on a short trip. Climbing in and out of a safari vehicle can easily rip a weak pair of pants or shorts. Look for clothes for Africa that stretch a little.

You also have a lot of dust and sun exposure. If you’re involved in conservation efforts, on a walking safari, or spending any time outside of a game vehicle, you need decent safari clothes that will hold up to the elements.

The best way is often to stick with solid name brands that we trust when ordering online or to shop in your local store, although that can be difficult with limited selections.

Material

With a safari, you’ve come to see nature, and that’s just what you will encounter. So, your clothing needs to be well suited to the environments of Africa. We go for solid natural materials like hemp, linen, leather, or wool for our outdoor wear.

Manmade materials such as nylon or polyester are other great options as they are excellent at moisture management and protection. The only material we’re not massive fans of is cotton, but it’s often the softest and warmest material with great value. I always read the tags and materials on outdoor apparel before I make a purchase and consider its intended purpose.

Practicality
Linyanti Concession – Botswana
Things like having pockets can make or break good safari wear. Where else will you stash things like lip balm, sunscreen, or even a pair of binoculars?

The day-to-day wear of clothes is the most important part because if you feel uncomfortable in the bush, you’ll likely look ridiculous. You aren’t walking the runways of Paris but spending time in the bush. Care about your look, but not too much.

Camouflage
Cameron Gorilla Trekking Green Safari Clothes
Safari clothes should blend in with the environment. You should wear beige, green, and brown colored clothes. They are the staple colors of safari wear because they blend into the environment and can provide a better game viewing experience.

While wearing bright colors such as red is said to scare off animals and make you stand out. This may or may not be true. Only the animals know for sure. Of course, the Maasai Warriors in Kenya and Tanzania have been wearing red for centuries!

That being said, neutral colors do a great job at hiding dirt and dust, which there will be plenty of on a drive or walk through the bush. White clothes aren’t going to stay white very long, and dark colors are believed to attract tsetse flies. Trust us, you do not want to become familiar with tsetse flies!

For example, when gorilla trekking, it is advised to wear long pants and greens. When on foot, wearing colors that blend well into the environment and a good pair of safari boots is always advised.

Tips On Safari Clothes

Safari Clothes Are Not Required – You do not have to wear special safari clothes. The majority of time on safari is spent in a vehicle where clothes choice does not matter much.
Blend – Attempt to blend in. Remember to wear a safari outfit and clothes suited for the environment.
No Animal Prints – Don’t wear animal prints or some ridiculous getup. You’re not bushwacking through the African jungle. This isn’t Jumanji. You’ll spend most of your time in the back of a vehicle. So, wear comfortable clothes that will not stain by dirt, offer sun protection, and are comfortable from the heat or cold.
It Can Get Cold – Mind the weather. It can get really, really cold in the back of a game vehicle in Africa early morning or at night. Make sure to pack a nice jacket. I didn’t recommend any here – anything that breaks the wind should do.
Ditch Dark Blue – DO NOT wear blue in Eastern Africa. Blue attracts the Tsetse fly, which is not a myth.
Don’t Overpack – You only need a handful of shirts and pants. You are in the African bush, and there is no need for multiple wardrobe changes. However, it goes without saying to always pack ample underwear and socks.
Relax – Keep it simple at five-star lodges in Africa. Things are still casual.
Sunglasses – A good pair of sunglasses will save your eyes from staring at landscapes all day.
Layer – Make sure to pack in layers. It will go from cold in the morning to hot at night and then back to evening time.
Light Rain Jacket – Bring a light rain jacket, depending on the season. Most Safari companies and lodges come prepared in this aspect and will provide their guests with nice thick ponchos, but if you’re doing it on your don’t forget a rain jacket.
Pockets! – We love clothing with pockets to carry sunblock, chapstick, flashlight, camera, or binoculars. It’s better than having to juggle around a bag. We already have our safari cameras to contend with in the back of a game viewer.
Clothing Brands We Recommend

Where to buy safari clothes? It’s tough outside South Africa to find a store that carries safari clothes. I would recommend you shop online. At the end of the day, we like to choose quality. A good safari outfit is versatile, long-lasting, and timeless. Spending the extra dough to buy decent brands is always a good idea. One of the best brands in our opinion is Patagonia.

Safari Outfits for Ladies

Here’s a list of some examples of what clothes I recommend you pack for a safari. I’ll break down all of these categories with suggestions to help you craft the perfect safri outfit.

Tops
Pants
Shorts
Dresses
Swimsuit
Jackets
Footwear
Hat
Bags
Accessories
Safari Tops
Safari Clothing

I recommend you pack at least a few safari shirts for your trip. Ensure at least one is a long-sleeved shirt, as it is excellent for protection against pesky mosquitos (malaria is a thing). A technical synthetic shirt can look great and is practical.

Cotton gets dirty fast and weighs more, so go with synthetics unless you like stinky/oily clothes. You hear the word layers a lot, but the vast majority of the days are very hot. Many arid climates famous for safari can see pretty cool evenings and mornings.

A stylish jacket or down jacket is super handy to have on hand for those chilly days. I advise looking at the season for where you plan to go safari. We’ve seen temperatures in South Africa near freezing in the back of a game-viewer, so it was frigid!

Best Safari Shirts for Men and Women
Classic Linen Shirt
White Linen LS Shirt
I like to pack a technical long-sleeved shirt for a safari, but it’s tough to beat a classic shirt from materials like hemp, linen, or rapeseed. They look excellent and practical as they have antimicrobial properties and will stay fresh longer when you sweat. Linen is a perfect option as it has a timeless look for your trip.

Pair a linen shirt with sandals, shorts, chinos, jeans, or shoes. It will always work. Linen shirts are versatile clothing that works for any trip, whether at the beach, museum, archaeological site, or safari. It’s tough to find decent linen shirts online


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