Wondering what to wear on safari in Tanzania? You’re in the right place.
Before I went on my Tanzanian safari, I thought packing would be the easy part. I had visions of breezy outfits and cute sun hats, maybe a tank top or two for the heat. But the reality of preparing for an African safari—especially in places like Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park—is that what you wear can make or break your experience.
From battling tsetse flies to layering up for early morning game drives, I quickly realized the importance of packing the right clothing. You’re not just dressing for style—you’re dressing for protection, practicality, and comfort in unpredictable conditions.
Whether you’re heading out in the dry season or the rainy season, choosing the right safari clothes helps you stay safe, comfortable, and fully present for the adventure of a lifetime.
Know Before You Pack: Key Factors That Influence Safari Clothing
One of the biggest lessons I learned on my Tanzania safari is that the best outfit depends on where you’re going, when you’re going, and what you’re doing. Your clothing choices should reflect not only the time of year, but also the landscape—from the misty rim of the Ngorongoro Crater to the sun-soaked savannah of the Southern Serengeti.
Time of Year & Weather Patterns
I visited in late June, during the dry season, when the skies are clear and the grasses are low—perfect conditions for wildlife viewing. Mornings were crisp and chilly, so I always wore a light jacket over my layers for our early morning game drives. Midday, though, it warmed up quickly. If you’re traveling in the rainy season or during the long rains, a lightweight rain jacket is a must. And no matter the time of the year, always pack for temperature swings.
Type of Safari Activities
You might spend most of your day in a safari vehicle, but you could also do a walking safari, tour a local village, or visit Stone Town or Mount Kilimanjaro afterward. The more varied your itinerary, the more intentional your clothing recommendations need to be—especially to respect local culture and customs when off the reserve.
Pro Tip: Always check the specific climate of each national park you’ll visit. East Africa has microclimates, and what works in one region might not in another. A flexible, layer-friendly wardrobe is your best travel companion.
Clothing Recommendations for Your Safari in Tanzania
If I had to sum up the secret to safari style, it would be this: stay neutral, stay covered, stay comfortable. I was surprised how quickly I abandoned any notions of looking “cute” and instead prioritized clothing that protected me from the sun, bugs, dust, and chill.
Here’s everything I packed—and what I wish I had or hadn’t brought:
Tops: Long Sleeves Over Tank Tops
Every packing guide told me to bring long-sleeved shirts, and now I know why. Even though the sun was blazing by noon, I stuck with breathable fabrics in neutral colors—like khaki, olive green, and beige—and wore long sleeve shirts daily.
Not only did they help prevent mosquito bites, but they also protected me from the dreaded tsetse fly. I once made the mistake of wearing dark colours (a black T-shirt), and the tsetse flies flocked to me immediately during a drive near Tarangire. Lesson learned: wear light-colored, long sleeves treated with insect repellent or insect repellant spray for extra protection.
As for tank tops? I brought two. I wore one during a hot afternoon at the lodge, but for the most part, they stayed in my duffel bag. The sun exposure just wasn’t worth it.
Pro tip: Choose tops made of linen or technical fabrics designed for hot climates. They’ll keep you cool without clinging to sweat.
Bottoms: Long Pants and Safari-Friendly Options
I packed three pairs of long pants, one pair of capri trousers, and a pair of knee-length shorts—and this ended up being the perfect balance.
Long pants are your safest bet for walking safaris, sunset drives, and days spent in tall grass. They shield you from thorny bushes, insects, and the intense sun. I opted for lightweight, quick-drying options that I could rinse out easily if they got muddy.
On warmer days at the lodge or during a visit to a local market, capri trousers or modest shorts came in handy. Just remember: short skirts, thigh-high shorts, or anything too revealing aren’t appropriate in most Tanzanian towns due to local customs, especially if you’re combining your safari trip with a stop in Stone Town or a beach resort.
Pro tip: Khaki or muted earth tones are the best way to blend in with the landscape and respect the “bush dress code.” Avoid camouflage clothing, which is actually illegal for civilians in Tanzania.
Fabric Choices: Breathable, Neutral, Layerable
You’ll want clothing made of breathable fabrics that wick sweat and don’t trap heat. Cotton-linen blends or moisture-wicking synthetics were my go-to. I kept everything in a palette of neutral tones—think olive green, khaki colors, and tan. These not only minimize bug attraction but also keep you cooler than bright colours or dark colours would.
At first, I worried all this neutral gear would look boring. But the photos actually turned out beautiful—there’s something timeless and elegant about safari clothing when done right.
Layers: For Chilly Mornings and Rainy Days
No one warned me just how cold it can get in the early mornings. On one game drive near Ngorongoro Crater, I wore a light jacket, a thermal long-sleeve, and still wrapped myself in a blanket. Once the sun came up, I peeled off layers and stored them in my day pack.
Footwear & Accessories: Comfort and Function First
If there’s one thing you’ll regret not getting right on safari, it’s footwear. You’re going to be stepping in dirt, dust, possibly mud, and sometimes hopping in and out of a safari vehicle multiple times a day. I brought three types of shoes—and each had its purpose.
Best Shoes for Safari
For game drives and walking safaris, I lived in my closed-toe shoes. A pair of lightweight, waterproof hiking shoes gave me the grip and comfort I needed when walking over uneven terrain. They also protected my feet from thorns, biting ants, and the occasional insect bites. If you’re doing more adventurous safaris—like around Mount Kilimanjaro or Ngorongoro Crater—this is a must.
At the lodge, I switched to a pair of sandals or flip-flops to let my feet breathe. They were great for showering, lounging, and those relaxed evenings around the firepit.
Pro tip: Break in your walking shoes before your trip. You don’t want your safari experience overshadowed by blisters.
Essential Accessories
There are a few important items that I wouldn’t travel without:
- A wide-brimmed hat for sun protection
- A strong insect repellent for exposed skin (DEET or natural formulas)
- Lip balm with SPF
- A lightweight day pack for layers, snacks, and sunscreen
- Extra memory cards, extra batteries, and a zoom lens if you’re bringing camera equipment or camera gear
I also brought a first aid kit, prescription medications, and credit cards in a waterproof pouch—just in case. Don’t forget a safari guidebook, either. It’s a great way to learn about the wildlife you’re seeing in real time.
How to Pack: Smart Tips From My Own Safari Bag
Packing for safari is a bit of a puzzle—especially when you consider the weight restrictions on small charter flights between national parks.
Most of the time, you’re limited to 15–20 kg (33–44 lbs), and your bags must be soft-sided. That meant my trusty hard-shell suitcase stayed home, and I packed everything into a sturdy duffel bag and a small hand luggage backpack.
Bag Choices & What to Avoid
Soft, lightweight luggage is key. I used a soft-sided bag that could squish easily into a crowded safari vehicle or small plane. Plastic bags are banned in Tanzania (even zip-top ones), so I used fabric pouches and reusable stuff sacks to organize my things instead.
If you’re moving between safari parks and beach resorts like Zanzibar or visiting Stone Town, make sure your bags can handle dirt roads and being tossed around a bit.
Packing Essentials I’m Glad I Brought
- A full Tanzania safari packing list printed and checked off
- Evening wear: one loose maxi dress and one nicer shirt for dinners at safari lodges
- My first aid kit with altitude tablets and Imodium (thank me later)
- Pair of flip-flops for camp showers
- Light jacket and lightweight rain jacket
- Comfortable clothing I could wash easily (many lodges offer laundry services!)
Pro tip: You don’t need as many outfits as you think. I rotated 3–4 safari clothes outfits the whole trip. Just be sure your clothing dries fast, is breathable, and matches the conditions.
What Not to Wear on Safari (Mistakes I Made So You Don’t Have To)
Even with all my research, I still made some mistakes—and I want to save you from repeating them.
First, let’s talk bright colors. One day, I wore a coral pink shirt to “mix it up” for photos. Within minutes, I was swarmed by tsetse flies, especially around shaded, wooded areas. These flies are aggressively attracted to dark colours and anything bright or bold. Trust me—neutral tones are your best friend.
I also packed a cute tank top and short skirt thinking I’d wear them at the lodge. I never did. The mosquito bites were not worth it, and showing that much skin just felt out of place, especially when interacting with safari guides or visiting nearby communities with different local customs.
And while camouflage clothing might seem “safari chic,” it’s actually illegal in Tanzania unless you’re military—don’t risk it.
Lesson: Comfort, respect, and practicality always win.
Bonus Tips for a Great Safari Experience
Packing the right clothes is just one piece of creating an unforgettable safari experience—but there are a few more things I’m so glad I knew (or wish I’d known).
- 🧼 Laundry services: Most mid- to high-end safari lodges offer same-day washing. This means you can pack light without stressing about running out of clean safari clothes.
- ☀️ Sun protection: Beyond your wide-brimmed hat, don’t forget sunscreen, lip balm, and polarized sunglasses. The sun in East Africa is no joke, even in cooler months.
- 🎒 Day pack: I used mine daily for layers, snacks, and camera gear. Choose one that’s soft, secure, and fits under your seat in the safari vehicle.
- 💳 Credit cards are widely accepted at lodges, but always keep a bit of Tanzanian shillings for tipping your safari guides or buying souvenirs.
- 🧢 And above all: dress for adventure, not for Instagram. The wildlife doesn’t care what you look like—but your comfort will shape the trip.
Even during the dry season, I brought a lightweight rain jacket—just in case. In the rainy season, you’ll definitely want one, along with a backup change of clothes in case you get caught in a downpour.
Pro tip: Dress in layers you can add or remove easily. A warm fleece, a thin windbreaker, and a sun-protective shirt go a long way when stacked together.
Final Thoughts: What I’d Do Differently Next Time
Looking back on my Tanzanian safari, I can honestly say my trip was unforgettable—and being well-prepared made all the difference. Still, there are a few things I’d tweak next time.
I’d bring a second light jacket for layering (mine was constantly in use), and I’d pack fewer “just-in-case” pieces. The best way to pack is to focus on comfortable clothing you’ll wear every day—not the one outfit you might wear once.
I also learned the value of high-quality insect repellant (and applying it before you feel a bite), as well as the importance of respecting local culture in both dress and behavior.
So whether you’re going in late January, late June, or any other time of the year, let your clothing serve your comfort, protection, and presence. That’s the best chance you have to fully enjoy the wild beauty of a Tanzania safari.
