What to wear on safari in Kenya and Tanzania

Are you planning a budget to mid-range trip to Kenya and Tanzania and wondering what to wear on safari? You’ve come to the right blog!

Before I went on my bucket list trip this past September, I looked at so many resources for ideas on what to wear on safari during this time of the year. I found it really difficult to find a comprehensive guide that answered all of my questions on exactly what to pack for a trip in September, as well as finding information that was applicable for budget to mid-range travellers. I went looking for safari utility jackets and hiking boots as recommended by other sources that I ended up being able to do without.

While there are many guides available that detail very specific outfit items, these are usually quite pricey and not something I saw fitting into my budget – especially when it may not be necessary. Quite frankly, I’m not going to spend hundreds upon hundreds on safari clothes for a trip that I’m unlikely to wear often (or again). So if you, too, are someone who doesn’t want to spend a lot of money on a new wardrobe or you’re not planning on doing a lot of trips like this one, I’ll give you some ideas below of what clothes from your wardrobe will do just fine, as well as some ideas for new clothes purchases that might also fit into your everyday style.

 

What to keep in mind when selecting clothing items for your trip

• Colours you should opt for are neutrals: beige, tan, brown, green and khaki. I also took a few white pieces.
• Colour that should be avoided are black and blue. While you’ll see plenty of people wearing these colours, you should avoid wearing them in areas where the Tsetse fly is prevalent as they are attracted to these colours. The Tsetse fly can bite and they are known to be carriers of the “sleeping sickness” so we really want to avoid being bitten as much as possible.
• Dark clothes are not ideal as they attract the heat so if you’re going during the warmer months, try to pack lighter-coloured options instead.
• Do not bring or wear camoflauge patterned clothing. This is illegal in some countries in Africa and is reserved strictly for military personnel.
• The weather can be unpredictable in September – we had really hot days, moderate days, rainy days and some very cold nights. Aim to dress in layers so that if the weather changes throughout the day, you aren’t stuck in clothes that don’t suit the temperature.
• Wear long sleeved shirts and long pants that are made from breathable, lightweight fabric. While it can get very hot on safari, long tops and pants will protect you from the sun and mosquitoes.
• Opt for comfy clothes as you will be spending long periods of time sitting in safari vehicles and you’ll want to feel comfortable.
• Looser fitting clothes are preferable. Especially if it’s quite hot and sticky, you’ll likely be more comfortable in something more flowy. (Also, if your on a game drive and you need to use the bush toilet (or “bushy bushy” as they like to call it), something that’s easy to get down and back up quickly is ideal.
• Casual dress is recommended. We stayed a budget to mid-range accomodation (lodges, hotels and camping), which were super casual. We would usually just change out of daytime clothes into something more appropriate for the night (it tended to get a little colder and the mosquitoes came out as the sun went down).
• Kenya’s dry seasons run from December to March (summer) and then again from July to October (winter). The rainy seasons run from April to June and November to mid-December. Depending on what time you’re visiting you may need to opt for item that suit more warm weather or cooler weather (or rainy weather).
• Tanzania’s also has two dry seasons: The longer dry season begins in June and ends in October, with another smaller dry season from January to February. The rainy season generally runs from March to May, with a smaller rainy season from November to December (similarly to Kenya). Again, depending on what time of the year you’re visiting you may need more warm weather or cooler weather (or rainy weather) clothes options.

 

What I packeda

For a better idea of exactly what to pack, here’s what I had in my suitcase for 12 days (10 of those days on the group tour). For reference, I generally travel light using a hand-luggage-sized suitcase as my check-in luggage.

1 x fleece jumper
I took a light coloured one and it got very dirty very quickly, highly recommend khaki. I’d also recommend a zip-up option versus a pull-over.

3x lightweight fabric pants
I packed 1x beige and 2x green linen-blend pants.

1 x lightweight fabric shorts
I took a beige linen pair but I’d take a second khaki pair if I was going for longer.

 10 x t-shirt/ singlet tops
I would suggest taking a mix of these based on your preference. I took 3x t-shirts (1x khaki, 1x white and 1x black) and 5x singlets (3x brown, 1x khaki, 1x beige, 1x green and 1x white).

1 x lightweight long sleeved linen shirt
I took a beige linen button-up shirt and I wore it almost everyday over my singlet tops. If you’re likely to do the same, I’d recommend taking a second one.

1 x bikini
Some accomodation may have a pool so it won’t hurt to pack a pair of bathers if the opportunity arrises.

1 x sleepwear
I actually forgot to pack mine for this trip but self-explanatory. Luckily, I took more tops than I needed on my trip so I repurposed!

Underwear
For underwear, I read that most laundry services won’t wash these for you. Because I was going for a shorter trip, I took enough for the days I was there but if you’re heading away for longer and you don’t plan on packing enough for the entire trip that’s no issue just be prepared to hand wash these yourself.
Sports bras are also recommended for game drives as the roads can be extremely bumpy.

5 x socks
Unless you’re wearing your closed in shoes everyday, you won’t need to many pairs (and you can always wash them). I’d recommend a pair of sleeping socks, a few over-the-ankle socks and below-the-ankle socks.

1 x boots
When bringing boots, make sure they’re worn in, the laces remain tied and they aren’t too heavy. Heavy boots will not only weigh down your luggage but your feet/ legs.

1 x sneakers
If you’re not bringing boots, definitely make sure to pack sneakers. If you pair them with socks that go past your ankles, you’ll have better coverage from mosquitoes who seem to find that area of the human body one of their favs!

1 x sandals
Lots of other sources of information say to leave open-toe shoes at home but I found these most comfortable on games drives. Shoes that could easily slide off came in handy when we were allowed to stand on the seats to look out of the top of the vehicle.

1 x lightweight scarf
I always travel with my scarf. It’s a really versatile item because it cover your shoulders, protect from sun, acts as a light blanket, keeps your neck warm early in the morning or at night, can be used as a sarong or bathers cover-up, etc.

1 x hat
A wide-brimmed hat would be recommended to ensure the most protection from the sun.

 

What other items you might consider taking

Rain/ waterproof jacket: I took a poncho instead (which would have worked for me just fine) but I didn’t use it as we didn’t have too much rain.

Leggings: These would be handy as layers for more colder nights, but also a comfortable option for day wear.

Beanie: If you’re travelling during colder months, a beanie might be an additional accessory to pack for early morning game drives and nighttimes.

Long-sleeved t-shirt: If you’re travelling during colder months, a long-sleeved t-shirt (in place of a t-shirt or singlet) might be a good additional layer to pack.

 

What items you should reconsider taking

Jeans: While these are a staple in wardrobes at home, on safari they can be a bit of a pain since they take longer to dry and are quite a heavy fabric in hot weather.

Dresses and skirts: These are nice to have but if you’re packing light, I’d leave these at home and opt for pants/ shorts. Pants and shorts make getting in and out of vehicles much easier, as well as standing up in the vehicle when it’s windy because you won’t have to worry about the wind giving the animals and your fellow adventurers a show.

 

What I’d do differently if I had to pack again

What I wish I’d taken:

• A sweatshirt or an additional fleece – I wore mine almost every night and it was white so it got dirty very quickly. A sweatshirt would be a nice comfort item to take along.
• Less beige/ white as everything got SO DUSTY.

What I wish I’d left behind:

• Boots. I read some many suggestions that you should take boots on safari. I ended up buying some specifically for this trip and I didn’t even wear them (even though they make an appearance in outfit ideas below). I lived in my sandals and wore my converse when I needed closed-in shoes – and the boots took up SO much room in my bag. However, if you’re more comfortable in boots/ have walking boots – go for it but if you don’t, you don’t have to spend the extra $$ if you’re only buying them for the trip.
• Too many tops – I ended up washing and wearing a few of the same tops so I probably could’ve done with just 3 x t-shirts and 5 x singlets.

If I had to pack lighter:

Most charter flights have extremely strict weight restrictions. I didn’t have to take one of these flights on my recent trip, but if I did, here’s what I’d remove:

• 1 x long linen pants
• 4 x t-shirts/ singlets
• boots

 

Outfit ideas

Above left
Long-sleeved shirt: Kmart
Singlet top: City Beach
Long linen-blend pants: Kmart
Sandals: Famous Footwear 

Above right
T-shirt: Stradivarius (no longer stocked)
Long linen-blend pants: Kmart
Sandals: Famous Footwear 
Hat: Sportsgirl

Above left
Singlet top: Cotton On (no longer stocked)
Long linen-blend pants: Target
Sandals: Famous Footwear 

Above right
Long-sleeved shirt: Kmart
Singlet: Target (no longer appearing online)
Long linen-blend pants: Kmart
Sneakers: Converse

Above left
T-shirt: Stradivarius (no longer stocked)
Long linen-blend pants: Kmart
Sandals: Famous Footwear 

Above right
Long-sleeved shirt: Kmart
Singlet: Cotton On (no longer stocked)
Long linen-blend pants: Kmart
Sneakers: Converse

Above left
Long-sleeved shirt: Kmart
Singlet: Target (no longer appearing online)
Linen-blend shorts: City Beach
Sandals: Famous Footwear

Above right
Singlet top: Cotton On (no longer stocked)
Long linen-blend pants: Kmart
Sandals: Famous Footwear 

Above left
Long-sleeved shirt: Kmart
Singlet: Cotton On (no longer stocked)
Linen-blend shorts: City Beach
Boots: Rivers

Above right
Long-sleeved shirt: Kmart
Singlet top: Target (no longer appearing online)
Long linen-blend pants: Kmart
Sandals: Famous Footwear 

Above left
T-shirt: Kmart
Linen-blend shorts: City Beach
Boots: Rivers
Hat: Sportsgirl

Above right
Long-sleeved shirt: Kmart
Singlet top: Cotton On (no longer stocked)
Long linen-blend pants: Kmart
Boots: Rivers

 

Other things to keep in mind

• There are usually laundry services at some lodges, hotels or camps if you’re packing lighter.
• If there is no laundry services at an accomodation, you can always hand wash items. I would recommend bringing along some clothes washing detergent sheets (super easy to pack as they’re thin and light since they aren’t liquid).

 

If I’d missed anything out, I’d love to hear from you if you have any additional questions on what to wear on your trip to Kenya and Tanzania.

If you’re planning to go to Kenya and Tanzania, you might also wish to check out “8 money tips you NEED to know for Kenya and Tanzania“