Are you wondering how to dress for your African safari?

Many of the items you used for your Kilimanjaro climb will serve you well on safari too, so you don’t need to pack a lot of extra gear. This crossover between Kilimanjaro and safari gear means you can travel light and stay prepared for both experiences.

Here are tips on what you should wear for the best safari experience, with comfort, safety, and practicality in mind.

1. Avoid Tee Shirts, Tank Tops & Shorts

You might be tempted to wear a tee shirt or tank top with shorts during your safari. Many people do. However, just like on Mount Kilimanjaro, it’s better to cover up than to expose your skin to the elements. Long sleeve shirts and pants protect against sunburn, insect bites, and scratches from vegetation (when the vehicle drives close to brush and trees). Even under the canopy of a pop up roof, the sun’s rays still can hit passengers directly, making full coverage preferable.

2. Choose Moisture-Wicking Clothing

The weather on a safari is typically warm in the day. Moisture-wicking base layers are best to keep you dry and comfortable in these conditions. We recommend lightweight, quick-drying, breathable fabrics that offer comfort in the heat while still covering your skin. If they get too sweaty or dirty, you can give them a quick handwash at the hotel and hang them to dry overnight. For chilly mornings and evenings, add a fleece jacket and/or rain jacket.

Note that the baselayers, midlayers, and outer shell worn while climbing Kilimanjaro are great for use on the safari as well, so you don’t have to bring extra tops and jackets just for the safari. Your hiking pants also make functional safari pants.

3. Opt for Neutral, Earthy Colors

Neutral, earthy colors like khaki, brown, olive, and tan are commonly worn on safaris. These shades help you blend in with the natural surroundings, reducing the chance of distracting or startling wildlife.

Do not wear bright colors, especially our company color, royal blue, which attracts tsetse flies. Tsetse flies are bloodsucking insects found in sub-Saharan Africa, known for transmitting a disease called sleeping sickness (trypanosomiasis). Also, steer clear of camouflage patterns, as they are restricted to military use in Tanzania.

4. Wear Closed Toe Shoes

We know that many people like to wear flip flops and sandals on their vacations. But on a safari, it’s best to wear closed toe shoes. The disadvantages of wearing flip flops or sandals are numerous. First, you will be entering and exiting the vehicle many times throughout the day, so loose footwear with poor traction is problematic. Secondly, covering your toes and feet means they won’t be a target for bug bites. And lastly, with passengers constantly moving about the safari vehicle to get better sightlines to the wildlife, it’s not uncommon for feet to get stepped on.

We recommend wearing hiking shoes or boots for your safari (the same footwear you used for climbing Kilimanjaro). They protect your feet, are resistant to insect bites, and provide adequate mobility. Save your flip flops and sandals to wear around the lodges and tented camps if you like.

5. Bring a Wide-Brimmed Hat

A wide-brimmed hat is the best for sun protection around your head. Unlike caps, which leave your ears and neck unshaded, a wide-brimmed hat shields your entire head and neck from the harsh African sun. For added protection, consider hats made from UV-protective fabric. Be sure your hat fits securely on your head or has a chin strap so it doesn’t blow away in windy conditions.

6. Use a Neck Gaiter

A neck gaiter is a very useful item on safari. Not only does it block the sun from hitting your neck, but more importantly, it serves as a face mask.

Dust on safari can become a significant issue, especially during the dry seasons. The arid conditions mean that dirt is easily kicked up by the wheels of safari trucks on rugged, unpaved roads. With the windows down and the roof open, this dust gets into the vehicle quickly, making it unavoidable. The fine dust can irritate your nose, throat and lungs. To prevent this, pull the neck gaiter up to cover your mouth and nose. This simple piece of gear can help filter out the dust so you can breathe more easily.

7. Wear Sunglasses

When you’re out on a game drive for entire days, the bright sunlight, especially in open savannas, can strain your eyes. Additionally, prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause long-term damage. A good pair of sunglasses will not only protect your eyes but also enhance your vision, allowing you to fully enjoy wildlife viewing without squinting or discomfort.

8. Apply Sun Screen

The sun in Africa is generally strong. In Tanzania, which is located near the equator, UV rays are even more intense. Spending long hours in open vehicles means that your time under the sun can be high. Applying (and reapplying) a high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen will protect your skin from sunburn and long-term damage.

9. Use Bug Repellent

Furthermore, use bug repellent for protection from insects. Insect bites are not just a nuisance; they can pose serious health risks. Biting flies and ticks can cause irritation or infections. Mosquitoes can transmit malaria and tsetse flies can spread sleeping sickness. Your bug spray should contain DEET (30-50%) or picaridin, which provide long-lasting effects.

10. Carry a Daypack

During your safari, you will want a daypack to carry your daily essentials. A daypack allows you to have everything in one convenient place instead of scattered around the vehicle.

Inside, you can carry items like jackets, water, snacks, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, bug repellent, camera, phone, power bank, and charging cord. The right daypack should be lightweight, comfortable, and durable, with enough space to hold everything without being too bulky. Your Kilimanjaro daypack should work great for the safari.

Safari Packing List

Below is Ultimate Kilimanjaro’s recommended packing list for a multi-day safari.

Items numbered with a “+” can be adjusted upwards based on the number of safari days on your itinerary. Note that nearly all of these items are already included on our climbing gear list. The bold entries represent the additional gear list items to bring on your safari. You may want to add some dressier attire to wear to dinner.

Technical Clothing
1 – Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
1 – Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell, for cold temperatures at night
1+ Long Sleeve Shirt, for protection from the sun
1+ Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
1+ Hiking Pants
1 – Shorts (optional)
1 – Bathing suit (optional)
2+ Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric recommended

Headwear
1 – Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
1 – Neck Gaiter, for face coverage for dust and sweat

Footwear
1 – Hiking Boots or Shoes
1 – Sandals or Flip-Flops (optional)
2+ Socks, wool or synthetic,

Accessories
1 – Sunglasses
1 – Neck Pillow, for napping in the vehicle (optional)
1 – Daypack, small

Other
Toiletries
Prescriptions
Sunscreen
Lip Balm
Insect Repellent, containing DEET
Hand Sanitizer
Snacks (optional)
Headlamp or Flashlight
Camera, with zoom lens of 300mm or more (optional)
Binoculars (optional)
Electrical Outlet Adapter

Paperwork
Trip Receipt
Passport
Visa (available at JRO)
Immunization Papers
Insurance Documents