What To Wear On A Tanzania Safari – The Ultimate Guide
Long trousers or shorts? T-shirts or tops? Flip-flops or sneakers? Or maybe even hiking boots? Your trip is booked (or you are about to book it), and you are standing in front of your closet not knowing what to bring. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. And that’s why we’ve created the ultimate guide to help you get packed.
31 January 2023
Let’s start with some good news: most of what you need you probably already have at home. Having said that, on a Tanzanian safari, our clothing recommendations are applicable year-round, but they alter depending on whether you’re climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or making your way to the world-famous Zanzibar Island.
This article will focus first and foremost on everything you need to know about what to wear (and bring) on your Tanzania safari. Before we have a look at actual pieces of clothing, let’s talk about the weather – the perfect conversation starter.
What Will The Weather Be Like?
The dry season, which lasts from late June to early October, is when you may see the most wildlife in Tanzania. In the Serengeti, late January to early February offers the best chances to witness the wildebeest calving and the migration, respectively. The “long rains”, also known as the major rainy season in Tanzania, extend roughly from March to May.
Recommended Safari Clothes
It is advised to wear loose, comfortable, and easy-to-wash clothing. The idea is to bring only what you need because most camps and lodges will wash your clothes for a modest cost. There is no need to dress up for safaris because they are casual – and even with your practical safari clothes, you’ll cut an Instagram-worthy figure!
Plan to wear layers so you can acclimatize to weather variations because, depending on the time of year, early morning game drives can be rather chilly while daytime temperatures can get quite warm. Instead of dark blue or black, which tends to draw tsetse flies, wear neutral or khaki-colored clothing so that you blind right in. Sunglasses, insect repellant, sunscreen, and wide-brimmed hats are essential. It’s recommended that you wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, socks, and insect repellant to prevent mosquito bites after dusk. Here is a checklist of every piece of clothing you should take and what to wear on your Tanzania safari. So you can refer to it while you pack for your trip.
- T-shirts and tank-tops
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Shorts
- Light long pants or convertible long-short pants
- Warm fleece pullover or jacket
- Bandana
- Heavy sweater, gloves, and toque if traveling in the cold season
- One swimsuit – for the pool in your accommodation or the Indian Ocean
- Cotton socks and underwear
- Pajamas
- One pair of comfortable walking shoes
- One pair of sandals or flip-flops
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
Our most popular safaris
In case you haven’t booked your safari yet, have a look at some of our most popular itineraries and get inspired. Soon, you’ll come back to this article, since you’ll be packing for your dream safari!
Extra Items To Pack for your trip
Tip #1: Pack light when you travel to Tanzania, and only bring the most necessary. And should you forget something at home, you can probably get it there as well. Here are some extra essentials you can check off your list when packing for your vacation.
Documents, money, and other necessities
- Credit cards and ATM bank cards
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate if necessary
- US dollars in large and small bills
- Passport
- Plane tickets
- Travel Insurance Policy
- Emergency Contact Numbers
- Safari itinerary
- Small flashlight or headlamp
- Camera, extra memory cards, batteries, and charger, if applicable
- Ziplock bags for toiletries, camera equipment, snacks, and so on
Everything for your wellbeing
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Insect repellant
- Eye drops and extra contact lenses or spare glasses if necessary
- Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer
- Tissue paper and a small travel towel
- Personal toiletries
First aid kit
- Tylenol
- Anti-malaria pills
- Cold and allergy medicine
- Itch medication
- Band-aids
- Stomach ache remedy
- Antibiotic cream
- Anti-diarrhea medicine
- Prescription antibiotic for travelers diarrhea
- Prescription medications
What Clothing to Wear In Zanzibar?
If you decide to explore Stone Town or any other part of Zanzibar other than the beach resorts before your safari, it’s best to dress modestly. Women shouldn’t dress in short skirts, thigh-high shorts, sleeveless shirts, or exposing shirts. However, Capri trousers or at least knee-length shorts, and of course long dresses and skirts are fine. For men, knee-length shorts or pants are appropriate.
Can-brings for your beach holiday in Zanzibar
You already have your swimsuit in your suitcase, as well as sun protection, sunglasses and a fancy hat! Depending on how you want to spend your time on this almost-too-beautiful-to-be-true island, we have a few more tips on what to bring.
- Journal – Write down what you’ve done, what you’ve seen and which animals you’ve met on your safari.
- GoPro – If you want to go snorkelling or diving, this would be ideal to capture all the tropical fish you’ll encounter… figuratively, of course.
- Book(s) – Imagine relaxing on the white beach with the sound of the waves and a good book in your hand… if you want to learn more about Tanzania, we can recommend these.
- Headphones – Should you want to listen to your favorite music or podcast while chilling at the beach.
Final Thoughts on what to wear on a Safari
The main thing to remember when packing clothes for a Tanzanian safari is comfort. With this guide, you’ll be able to dress perfectly for your vacation and be ready for your life-changing adventure. And should you want to add a Kilimanjaro trek on your list, have a look at here to find everything you need to know about the preparation and, of course, on what to pack!
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