Wear neutral colours, natural fabrics and layers. That is the whole rule. On a game drive you are in a vehicle, so comfort matters far more than looking like a documentary presenter.
The one thing people genuinely underpack is warmth. Arusha is at 1,400m and the Ngorongoro crater rim is at 2,300m. A 6am drive at the rim in July is 8 to 10°C with wind. By 11am on the crater floor it is 28°C.
Colours, and which ones actually matter
| Colour |
Verdict |
| Khaki, olive, beige, brown, soft grey |
Ideal. Hides dust, keeps you cool, works everywhere |
| Navy and black |
Avoid for walking safaris and anywhere near Lake Eyasi or Tarangire bush. Tsetse flies are drawn to dark blue and black |
| Bright white |
Fine in a vehicle, filthy by day two |
| Camouflage |
Do not bring it. Camouflage clothing is restricted for civilians in Tanzania |
| Bright reds and neon |
Fine in the vehicle, poor on foot |
The layering system
- Base: breathable t-shirt or long-sleeve shirt in cotton or a technical fabric.
- Mid: light fleece or merino for the first hour of every morning drive.
- Outer: windproof jacket. A light waterproof shell from March to May and in November.
- Legs: lightweight trousers. Zip-off styles are practical if unfashionable. Shorts are fine midday.
Footwear
Closed shoes for game drives, because of dust and thorns. A pair of trail shoes or light hiking shoes covers everything on the Northern Circuit. Sandals for camp in the evening. You do not need boots unless you are climbing Kilimanjaro or Meru.
How much to bring
Three to four outfits is enough for a week. Every lodge and camp we use offers same-day or next-day laundry, usually USD 1 to 3 an item, and camping trips have a wash bucket. Light aircraft to the Serengeti have a
15kg total baggage limit in soft bags, which is the real constraint on fly-in trips.
Situation by situation
| Where |
Wear |
| Morning game drive, Serengeti |
Long sleeves, fleece, trousers, hat |
| Ngorongoro crater rim, 6am |
Fleece plus windproof jacket, long trousers, closed shoes |
| Crater floor, midday |
T-shirt, sunhat, sunscreen |
| Walking safari or Empakai |
Neutral colours only, no black or dark blue, closed shoes, long trousers |
| Hadzabe or Datoga visit at Lake Eyasi |
Modest, covered shoulders and knees, closed shoes |
| Lodge dinner |
Smart casual. No lodge we use requires a jacket |
| Stone Town, Zanzibar |
Shoulders and knees covered out of respect, especially in Ramadan |
| Zanzibar beach |
Swimwear at the resort, cover up when walking through villages |
Small things that make a real difference
– A wide-brim hat that will not blow off through an open roof hatch. – A
buff or light scarf for dust on the Ndutu plains and the road to Kogatende. – Sunglasses with proper UV protection at altitude. – One pair of long trousers you do not mind ruining on a walking safari. – Insect repellent with DEET for dusk, and long sleeves at dinner.
What to leave at home
Camouflage, heavy jeans, a big suitcase on any fly-in leg, high heels, and more clothes than four days’ worth.
