Simba Tours
Practical info

Safari Clothing Guide

Khaki or green, layers and comfort — honest advice so you pack right the first time.

"Ladies always ask: do I really need to buy safari clothes? No, you don't. What you already have in light beige or green works fine. What I do recommend: a good sun hat, a light fleece and insect repellent spray."

— Laurene, Simba Tours

Right colours vs. wrong colours

✓ Recommended

Khaki/Sand beige
The classic safari colour. Goes with everything.
Olive green
Blends into the landscape, looks great in photos.
Brown
Warm tone, goes with everything.

✗ Avoid

White
Gets dirty instantly, attracts insects.
Dark blue/Black
Tsetse fly magnet, gets very hot.
Bright colours
Disturb animals and don't fit the landscape.

Complete packing list

👕

Upper body

  • •2–3 light shirts (khaki/beige/green)
  • •1–2 T-shirts in earth tones
  • •1 light fleece or vest (cool mornings)
  • •1 thin windbreaker or softshell
  • •Long sleeves for evenings (mosquitoes)
👖

Lower body

  • •2–3 trousers (safari-style or light chino)
  • •1–2 shorts for warm weather
  • •Convertible trousers/shorts (2-in-1)
  • •Leggings or thermal trousers for cold nights (Ngorongoro)
  • •Swimwear for Zanzibar and lodge pool
👟

Footwear

  • •Comfortable walking shoes or trainers
  • •Light sandals or flip-flops (lodge + beach)
  • •Socks in earth tones
  • •No heavy mountain boots needed for safari
🎒

Accessories

  • •Wide-brimmed sun hat or cap (essential!)
  • •Sunglasses with UV protection
  • •Light scarf or buff (dust + cold)
  • •Day pack for the vehicle
  • •Small bag for Zanzibar
🧴

Protection

  • •Sunscreen factor 50+
  • •DEET mosquito spray (30–50% for Tanzania)
  • •Insect repellent for clothing (Permethrin)
  • •Lip balm (dry air in open 4x4)
  • •Hand gel and sanitising wipes

6 expert tips

1

Layer up

Early game drives can be cool (10°C in Ngorongoro). By midday it reaches 28–32°C. Layers are key.

2

No denim

Denim dries slowly, is heavy and hot. Choose light polyester blends or linen.

3

Hat is not optional

In the open 4x4 you can stand through the roof hatch for hours. Without a hat you burn in minutes.

4

Long sleeves in the evening

Mosquitoes are most active at sunset. A thin long-sleeved shirt is more comfortable than spray alone.

5

Zanzibar = different clothes

On Zanzibar it is culturally respectful to cover shoulders and knees outside the beach and resort.

6

Internal flight baggage limit

Internal flights (Arusha–Zanzibar) often have a limit of 15–20 kg in a soft bag. Plan accordingly.

Clothing per destination

Tanzania has different climate zones. What you need in the Ngorongoro Crater is very different from what you need on a Zanzibar beach.

☀️

Serengeti / Tarangire

22–35°C by day

15–18°C early morning

  • •Light airy shirt (long sleeves)
  • •Light trousers or convertible
  • •Thin fleece for early game drive
  • •Sun hat — essential
🌡️

Ngorongoro Crater

12–20°C (altitude 2,300m)

Down to 8°C at dawn

  • •Thick fleece or thin jacket
  • •Long trousers always
  • •Rain jacket (morning mist)
  • •Scarf and gloves recommended
🏙️

Arusha / Moshi

20–28°C by day

Pleasant, no extra layers needed

  • •Light clothing, casual style
  • •Cover shoulders and knees in town
  • •Thin cardigan for restaurant evenings
  • •Comfortable walking shoes
🏖️

Zanzibar beach

28–34°C by day

Warm, tropical

  • •Bikini, swim shorts, sarong
  • •Airy dress or shorts and T-shirt
  • •Cover-up for village/restaurant
  • •Flip-flops + sandals — no safari shoes needed

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to buy special safari clothing?+
No. What you already have in light, earthy tones works fine. Khaki, beige, olive green — those are the colours. You don't need to buy an expensive safari outfit from a specialist store.
Can I wash clothes in Tanzania?+
Yes. Most lodges and hotels offer laundry service, often at extra cost. On Zanzibar this is also available. Allow €5–15 per kilo. Bring a smaller bag and wash along the way.
What do I wear in Stone Town on Zanzibar?+
Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim island. Outside the beach and resort it is respectful to cover shoulders and knees — for both women and men. A sarong, light skirt or long trousers are fine.
Are denim jeans suitable for a safari?+
Not ideal. Denim dries slowly, is heavy, uncomfortable in heat and attracts tsetse flies (dark colour). Better to choose light polyester blends, linen or rip-stop fabric.
What is the baggage limit for internal flights?+
Internal flights (e.g. Arusha–Zanzibar) often have a limit of 15–20 kg in soft bags or backpacks. Hard suitcases are sometimes not permitted on smaller propeller aircraft. Ask your travel advisor about the specific rules.

Ready to plan your safari?

Laurene helps you prepare from A to Z — from the right clothing to the perfect itinerary.

Plan your safari →View packing list