Tanzania Safari Clothing — What to Wear & Why It Matters

Wear khaki, beige, olive, and brown. These colors blend with the landscape, do not attract insects, and do not show dust. Avoid black (absorbs heat), white (shows dirt), bright colors (attracts tsetse flies), and blue (attracts tsetse flies, especially in woodland areas).

A safari day involves extreme temperature swings: 5°C at dawn, 30°C by midday, cool again after sunset. You need layers you can add and remove throughout the day.

• Base layer: Lightweight, moisture-wicking t-shirts (merino wool or synthetic)
• Mid layer: Long-sleeve shirt and light fleece
• Outer layer: Windbreaker or safari jacket for morning drives
• Scarf/buff: Dust protection and warmth in one

Long pants are essential — even in the heat. They protect against sun, insects, thorns, and dust. Convertible zip-off pants are popular but unnecessary. A good pair of lightweight safari trousers is better.

Shorts are acceptable at lodges and for walking safaris in hot weather. But for game drives, stick to long pants.

• Game drives: Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots. You will step in and out of the vehicle.
• Walking safaris: Proper hiking boots with ankle support
• Lodge: Sandals or flip-flops for relaxing
• Evening: Smart-casual shoes for dinner at lodges

• Wide-brimmed hat — Essential for sun protection
• Sunglasses — Polarized, with UV protection
• Buff or scarf — Dust, sun, and cold in one item
• Gloves — Useful for cold morning drives (optional)

• Camouflage or military-style clothing — illegal in some African countries
• Black — absorbs too much heat
• Bright colors — attract insects and stand out to animals
• Blue — attracts tsetse flies
• Heavy cotton — takes forever to dry and is hot
• High heels or dress shoes — impractical

Read our full packing list or plan your safari with us.