WHAT TO WEAR ON A SAFARI IN TANZANIA
What to wear on a safari in Tanzania / Image: @ellenaalice
Once you've booked your animal-spotting adventure and commenced your preparations, the question of what to wear on a safari in Tanzania will likely cross your mind.
Luckily, most of the clothes you'll need to pack are probably already sitting in your closet, so you won't have to start shopping frantically as your departure date approaches. Nevertheless, it's important to separate the essentials from the items that will just take up space in your suitcase.
To make this process a little easier, we've compiled a foolproof list of what to pack for a safari in Tanzania. In addition to our picks for the most practical clothes, you'll also find some must-have accessories and our tried-and-tested packing tips too.
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What to wear on a safari in Tanzania / Image: @austindistel
The Weather in Tanzania
Before you start looking into what to bring on a safari in Tanzania, you'll need to consider the weather at the time of your visit. This can be somewhat confusing, as Tanzania has three distinguishable climate zones.
Most safaris in Tanzania concentrate on the northern regions (It's within the northern regions where you'll find legendary parks like the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater) which, along with much of the east coast, are characterized by a subtropical climate. Conditions here tend to be warm and humid, and heavy downpours are commonplace during the wet season.
A more untouched Tanzanian safari spot is the country's western lands. Thanks to its cooler mountain climate, the areas near Katavi and Mahale Mountains National Park enjoy more distinct seasons and often experience lower temperatures and more frequent rains.
Central Tanzania is the hottest and driest part of the country. The arid, desert-like conditions make it uninhabitable for most animals and plants, so it's unlikely you'll be embarking on a safari here!
A Breakdown of the Seasons in Tanzania
To get a better idea of what to add to your Tanzania packing list, you'll need to consider the timing of your visit. Tanzania has two main seasons: the dry season from June to October and the wet season from November to May.
June to October - The Dry Season
Typically considered the best time for a safari, June to October are easily the most popular months of the year to visit.
The temperatures throughout the dry season usually hover at around 54℉ to 77℉, depending on the time of day, making for pleasant conditions for game drives and nature walks. You can look forward to plenty of sunshine and limited rainfall, though the evenings can be on the chillier side at times.
November to May - The Wet Season
Tanzania's wet season runs from November to May and is unlike that of many other countries. It consists of periods of both light and heavy rains, with a few drier months in between the two.
From November to January, Tanzania experiences ‘Vuli’, known as the short rains. The humidity starts to pick up, and temperatures rise to 75℉ and 82℉. Though rainfall is frequent, it rarely rains all day.
Between January and mid-March, the rains ease up in the northern and eastern parts of Tanzania. As this brief dry spell comes to a close, it signals the beginning of ‘Masika’, Tanzania's longer rainy season. This stretches until the end of May and temperatures sit at 65°F to 84°F. The rain is heaviest at this time and the humidity can be overbearing, which means that it's the least popular time for safaris.
What to wear on a safari in Tanzania / Image: @pieterbouwer
Clothing Packing List for Tanzania
Now that you've learnt a little more about the best time of year to safari in Tanzania, it's time to start thinking about the attire you'll need.
Selecting the most appropriate clothes for a safari in Tanzania is much more straightforward than you might think. A general rule is to stick to comfortable, loose-fitting and fast-drying items.
While you may not have given much thought to what colors to wear on safari in Tanzania, this is actually something worth considering. Opting for neutral tones like beige, khaki and brown will help you blend in more easily with your surroundings. Leaving your white clothes at home is advisable, as trying to wash the dirt and dust out can be troublesome. Darker colors like black or navy will attract tsetse flies, whose bites can be painful and even lead to health implications.
Below, you'll find a comprehensive packing list for what to bring to Tanzania for a safari.
What to Wear in Tanzania for Men
T-shirts and tank tops made from breathable material
Long-sleeved shirts to protect from the sun and mosquitos
Shorts
Long pants with detachable ends
Lightweight cargo pants
Warm sweatshirt or fleece
Thermal vest
Waterproof rain jacket
Swimwear
Comfortable underwear
Thick socks
Warm pajamas
Cap or wide-brimmed hat
Sunglasses
Belt bag
What to Wear in Tanzania for Women
The recommended clothing for women in Tanzania is much the same as that for men, but with a few additional items.
Comfortable supportive sports bras and standard bras
Casual lightweight dress (optional)
What to wear on a safari in Tanzania / Image: @marnovais
What Shoes to Pack for a Safari in Tanzania
Much like the suggested clothing for a safari in Tanzania, practical options are best for shoes too.
Selecting a pair of durable, walkable shoes is imperative. Depending on the itinerary for your safari, you might find that you spend quite a lot of time on your feet. This doesn't mean you'll need to dust off your hiking boots, though they're a great option if that's what you're most comfortable wearing, but it's best to wear sneakers or sports sandals.
Just one pair of supportive shoes is all you need. However, if you have sufficient space in your suitcase, bringing along a pair of flip-flops to wear around the lodge in the evenings is always a good idea.
Additional Accessories to Bring
Finding the right clothing and footwear is just one aspect of packing for a safari in Tanzania, as there are a whole host of travel accessories that you'll need to think about.
This includes everything from helpful gadgets to your favorite toiletries, so we've broken this section down into three separate categories.
Essentials:
Passport
Cash and bank cards
Travel documentation (plane tickets, visa information if required)
A copy of your travel insurance policy
A printed outline of your safari itinerary
Vaccinations records
Medication (with prescriptions where necessary)
First aid kit (painkillers, band-aids, etc.)
Feminine hygiene products (if necessary)
Toiletries:
Sunscreen with a high SPF
Lip balm with SPF
Aftersun cream
Insect repellent (suitable for Tanzania)
Antibacterial wipes and creams
Hand sanitizer
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Dental floss
Hairbrush
Razors, tweezers, etc.
Contact lens solution (if required)
Shampoo and conditioner (most lodges supply these for guests, so you'll only need to pack these if you use a specific type or brand)
Personal toiletries (deodorant, perfume, creams, ointments, etc.)
Travel accessories:
Power adapter (plugs in Tanzania are typically the three-pin variety, the same as in the United Kingdom)
Phone charger and cables
Power bank
Camera, charging equipment, and memory cards
Flashlight
Binoculars
Document wallet
Ear plugs
What to wear on a safari in Tanzania / Image: @marissacristina
Packing Tips
Now that you know what to wear on a safari in Tanzania and which accessories to make room for, you can start to look forward to your incredible adventure without worrying about what to pack.
Before you set off on your excursion through the wild and wonderful safari parks, here are a few extra tips about packing for Tanzania.
Bringing your newest, costliest and most prized clothing is not advised, so it's better to go for alternatives that you won't be worried about dirtying.
Though it might seem like a good option for a safari, wearing camouflage clothing anywhere in Tanzania is illegal, excluding military personnel. If you're spotted in camouflage, you'll likely face a fine and have this clothing confiscated.
Many lodges and campsites offer laundry services. With this in mind, you can pack light and re-wear your clothing rather than trying to squeeze in enough garments for the duration of your trip.
Natural fabrics like cotton and linen don't dry quickly, so sticking to synthetic materials like polyester and nylon is more practical.
Because temperatures can dip considerably at night, including clothes that layer easily is essential.
Even if you're visiting during the dry season when rainfall is minimal, don't forget to pack a rain jacket. Just as there's a chance of rain-free days during the wet season, downpours are still possible during the drier months.
Your Fail-Safe Guide for What to Wear on a Safari in Tanzania!
With any luck, by now, you'll feel well-informed and at ease about what to take to Tanzania.
Safaris are not usually the most glamorous getaways and there's no strict dress code for Tanzania safaris, so the key is to keep things simple and comfortable. In most cases, you won't need to purchase any new clothes ahead of your trip.
In short, don’t worry too much about what to wear on a safari in Tanzania - this will allow you to focus your time on the magnificent expedition you're about to undertake!
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