Are you wondering what to wear on Safari in Tanzania? In this guide we will tell you the best colors to wear on safari in Tanzania, how to pack a capsule wardrobe for a safari and everything else you should pack for a safari.
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How to Dress for a Tanzania Safari
When you are looking at how to dress for a Tanzania Safari there are a few considerations you need to take into account:
- the weather
- the wildlife you wish to see and
- the types of safari you wish to do
Weather in Tanzania
How you dress for a Tanzania safari will be influenced largely by what season you are traveling. And by this I mean the dry or the rainy season.
The dry season in Tanzania is June through October and the rainy season is from November to May. The rainest months being March, April and May.
If you are visiting during rainy season you will need to make sure you pack plenty of waterproof wear.
However other than rainy or dry the weather in Tanzania doesn’t change much temperature wise. Usually can expect the temperature to stay around the 28C degree mark. But obviously the air is much humid in the wet season.
Wildlife in Tanzania
Let’s face it people go on safari to see animals. And Tanzania has some very special wildilfe experiences. For instance Tanzania is amazing to see the wildebeest migration.
If you want to see the wildebeest migration in Tanzania then you will need to head there in June and July. The weather then should be relatively dry.
But if you want to see the calving then you need to go to January or February which will be very wet.
However if you want to see more elusive animals then you are best going in the wet season as animals are forced to the few remaining watering holes. This is the best time to see leopards for instance. However if this is your priority then you will need to add waterproof items to your Tanzania packing list.
Types of Safari in Tanzania
If you plan to do any walking while on safari then be sure to pack shoes that have a sturdy sole that can protect your feet from hazards on the floor.
Best Color to wear on a Safari in Tanzania
Now when we are usually putting together a capsule wardrobe one of the biggest decisions you have to pack is what color palette you want for your wardrobe. However this is not a problem when putting together you Tanzanian safari capsule wardrobe or a safari in Botswana or anywhere in Africa for that matter as there are definitely best and worst colors to wear on safari.
We have a complete guide to the best colors to wear on safari above but for purpose of packing a capsule wardrobe we advise sticking to the below colors:
- Khaki
- Brown
- Green
- Tan
- Beige
The reasons to stick to this color scheme are:
- to blend in with your surroundings so the animals don’t see you
- to deter mosquitos and tsete flies
What to Wear on Safari in Tanzania
So now you know the considerations when putting together your Tanzania Packing List we can get into the details of what we think you should include:
Long Sleeve Tops
We recommend having a mix of long sleeve tops that both pull over and button down in both shirts and blouses style.
I would mix a variety of the above color palette into your wardrobe so there is a bit of variety in your wardrobe.
Zippable hiking trousers
One thing we knew found on safari especially if you are travleing during wet season is that you legs get muddy and there are limited laundry facilities.
For this reason we recommend packing zippable hiking trousers. I would recommend taking at least two pairs of these trousers with you to give you time to dry a pair if they get rained on or need washing.
Hiking Boots
In my opinion there is only one essential pair of shoes to take on a safari in Tanzania and that is hiking boots.
Lodges don’t tend to be very formal places (unless stated on their website) so you won’t need heels or evening wear with you but hiking boots are needed for out on the savannah.
If you aren’t doing any walking safari or treks however you might be able to get away with walking shoes or hiking trainers instead.
If you are traveling during wet season we would recmomend taking waterproof hiking boots with you as there is nothing worse than wet feet on a safari.
Hiking Socks
There is nothing worse than getting a blister while out on a hike especially when you are on safari. Therefore be sure to pack plenty of thick or cushioned hiking socks and make sure you have worn in your boots before you arrive for your safari.
Click here to shop hiking socks
Light Weight Fleece
A light weight fleece that sticks to the above color palette is perfect for early starts on safari or for evenings in the lodge. And the bonus is this warm layer will not cost you much in luggage weight.
We recommend taking this no matter the month you are traveling in
Waterproof Poncho
This won’t be needed in the dry season but is an essential for those traveling to Tanzania during the wet season.
We recommend a poncho over a jacket as they are compact and lightweight and you really wont want to be wearing them for long after the rain as it is still quite warm and humid in Tanzania.
You can also use this to protect any backpack and camera equipment from the rain also.
Wide Brimmed Hat
It is very important to protect yourself from the elements when on safari. One of the best ways of doing this is by wearing a wide brimmed safari hat that will protect you from both the sun and rain if it happens.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are needed whatever time you travel to Tanzania as the sun is strong and need protecting.
Gaiters
If you are going safari during the wet seaosn we recommend adding some gaiters to your safari packing list as these are good for protecting your trousers in muddy or rainy conditions.
This will help keep your trousers a bit cleaner but will also add an added layer of protection from things like thorns and nettles.
Long length PJs
Mosquitos are most active at night. Be sure to protect yourself from mosquitos by having length length (in both arms and legs) pyjamas as this will help prevent you being bitten.
Swimwear
You will find most Safari lodges in Tanzania, particularly the luxury ones will have pools. In my opinion there is nothing more refreshing than a post safari dip in th epool. Don’t miss out by forgetting your swimwear.
You will also want to pack
Flip Flops
for walking round by the pool.
Dress / Leggings and Top
We recommend taking a Maxi dress with long sleeves, for evenings in Tanzania. It is nice to be able to change out of your safari clothes in the evenings into something fresh. But as many lodges aren’t formal you can opt for a dress or top and leggings.
Just be sure to keep yourself covered to prevent the chances of you getting bitten by a mosquito.
Underwear
Goes without saying.
What Else to Pack for A Safari in Tanzania
On top of thinking about what to wear on safari in Tanzania, you need to include the below on your Tanzania packing list.
Medication
We recommend taking malaria tablets with you on safari in Tanzania. Be sure to pack the right amount for your trip along with any other medications you need.
Documentation
Many places in Africa including Tanzania will require 6 months of validity left on your passport. Be sure to check the validity on your passports before you travel.
Camera and Lens
Trust me when I say that you will want to take many many photographs when on a safari in Tanzania. Be sure to have a good camera and if you require them additional lens.
Extra Batteries
You will go through lots of battery on a Tanzanian Safari. Be sure to bring extra power packs and batteries to get you through charging periods.
Chargers and Adaptors
Be sure to have all the chargers for all your electronic devices with you and be sure to have a plug adaptor, depending on where you are traveling from and to will depend on what type you will need.
Insect Repellant
As you have probably realised, insects are one of the main things you need to consider when packing for Tanzania. Be sure to pack plenty of insect repellant. And a strong one at that.
Mosquito Nets
Though many places in Africa will offer mosquito nets in your room, if yours doesn’t or you are worried about the quality be sure to pack one to take with you.
First Aid Kit
Though many reputable companies and lodges will have first aid kits as standards I always recommend carrying your own travel first aid kit with you just in case. We recommend taking one whereever you are traveling but think it is especially important when you are doing a safari.
Click here to shop travel first aid kits
Sun Cream
The sun can be strong in Tanzania and therefore you need to pack plenty of suncream.
Hand Sanitizer
This is very important when out on safaris in Tanzania on long days so you can clean your hands before eating.
Toiletries
We recommend taking your own travel size toiletries with you as wells tooth paste and tooth brushes etc as when out in the bush these are hard to come by.
Waterproof Bag
We always recommend taking a backpack that is waterproof with you to protect your belongings should you get caught in a rainstorm in Tanzania but this is particularly importnat for those traveling in the rainy season.
Water bottle
Handy for out on long days.
Headlamp
Depending on your lodge and activities you may be getting up very early in a place with no electricity. For moving around your resort site or on early morning treks a headlamp can be very useful.
Cash
Not everywhere you go in Tanzania will be a cashless country. Be sure to have some local currency with you and a way of keeping it safe.
Glasses
If you use them
Binoculars
The wildlife is spectacular on a safari. The big 5 are always fan favourites however you should not overlook the monkey and birdwatching on safari. To see these in all their glory you will want a good pair of binoculars with you.
Complete Tanzania Packing List
- Socks and underwear
- Long sleeved tops
- Lightweight, comfy trousers
- Hiking Trousers preferably zippable
- Leggings
- Top layer
- WAter proof poncho
- 1-2 outfits to chance into for evenings
- Jacket
- Hiking Boots and Hiking Socks
- Long Sleeve and long leg pjs
- Flip flops
- Sneakers
- Bikini
- Sunglasses
- Pashmina
- Sun hat
- Day bag/camera bag
- Medications
- Documentation
- Toiletries
- CAmera and lens
FAQs about what to wear on a Tanzanian Safari
What can you not wear on safari in Tanzania?
While there is no dress code for a Tanzania Safari, although we recommend staying covered to avoid getting bitten by mosquitos we also recommend not wearing bright colors to attract attention, white as it gets very dirty or blue nad black as it can encourage insects such as mosquitos and tseste flies.
Also we recommend leaving the perfume at home particularly flowery perfume as this can attract insects too.
What shoes to wear on safari in Tanzania?
WE recommend having hiking boots for a safari in Tanzania and maybe some light weight sneakers for at the lodge.
If you plan to spend time by the pool you will also want flip flops.
Is it OK to wear shorts in Tanzania?
Tanzania is a country of many faiths and therefore we recommend making modest choices for clothing. Therefore we would not recommend shorts for this reason.
Also shorts keep your legs bare which increases the chances of getting a mosquito bite.
Planning on doing a tropical beach vacation as part of your safari vacation? Check out our Mauritius packing guide or our Seychelles pack guide too!