What to Wear on an African Safari

Khaki, beige, sand, olive green and light brown are the best colours for safari. They blend into the savannah, show less dust and look great in photos. Mixing a few neutral tops and trousers makes it easy to create comfortable outfits for every game drive without packing too many clothes for your safari trip to Tanzania.

Dark blue and black clothing is known to attract tsetse flies, which are found in some safari areas such as parts of Tarangire and the Serengeti and can give a painful bite. Dark colours also absorb heat in the strong sun. Choose lighter neutral tones instead, especially for long game drive days in warmer regions.

Bright white clothing looks fresh on day one but quickly shows red dust and dirt from safari roads. It can also stand out more to wildlife than softer neutral tones. If you love light colours, choose cream, sand or stone instead, which look clean for longer and still keep you cool in the hot African sun.

Military-style camouflage clothing is best avoided in Africa, as it is restricted for civilians in several countries and can cause unwanted attention at airports or checkpoints. Earthy neutral colours give you all the benefits of blending in without any of the problems, so leave camouflage patterns at home for your safari and choose earthy, natural shades instead.

Days are sunny and dry, with cool to cold mornings and evenings, especially in July and August. Pack light layers for daytime, a warm fleece or light down jacket for early game drives and a buff for dusty roads. Ngorongoro Crater can feel very cold at dawn, so bring an extra warm layer and a beanie.

Expect pleasantly warm days with occasional afternoon showers and greener landscapes. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothing and shoes that cope with some mud. Mornings are milder than in the dry season, but a light fleece is still useful for early drives and cooler evenings at higher-altitude lodges in the highlands, such as around Karatu.

This is one of the warmest times of year, with sunny days and green landscapes during the calving season in the southern Serengeti. Pack light, breathable clothing, plenty of sun protection and a light layer for early mornings. Insect repellent and long sleeves are helpful in the evenings, when mosquitoes and other insects are more active.

The long rains bring heavier showers, especially in April and May, along with lush scenery and fewer visitors. Pack a good waterproof jacket, quick-dry trousers, a warm layer and shoes that handle wet ground. Lodges usually offer laundry services, so you can pack light and wash your clothes easily during your stay at each lodge or camp.

Women can comfortably wear comfortable neutral trousers, shorts, leggings, shirts and T-shirts on safari, with a sports bra for bumpy roads. A light scarf is useful for sun, dust and cultural visits. Pack a maxi skirt or dress for evenings and Zanzibar, and choose modest clothing when visiting local villages, markets and towns during your trip.

Men will be comfortable in neutral long-sleeved shirts, T-shirts, lightweight trousers and shorts, with a fleece for cold mornings. Convertible trousers save space, and pockets are handy for small essentials. A collared shirt and long trousers work well for dinner at lodges, which are relaxed and do not require any formal wear or jackets for dinner.

Children need the same neutral, layered clothing as adults, with extra warm layers for chilly mornings and a hat that stays on in the wind. Pack spare clothes for spills and dusty days, comfortable shoes and swimwear for lodge pools. Long sleeves and trousers in the evening help protect young skin from evening insects and mosquitoes.

When visiting towns, villages, cultural sites and Stone Town on Zanzibar, please dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, out of respect for local customs. Swimwear is perfect on the beach and at hotel pools, but cover up when walking through towns. A light scarf or sarong is a very versatile and useful item to pack.