What Clothes are best for a Tanzania safari?
What Clothes are best for a Tanzania safari? In fact, the clothes that you take along on a safari to Tanzania are going to serve as your main protection against not just the African sun, but also against the bugs and the chilly mornings that come as a surprise in the savannah.
Most African countries, Tanzania included, are generally imagined as being hot all the time. Yet, since many of the parks in Tanzania, such as the Ngorongoro Crater, are situated at high altitudes, it can get quite cold in the morning before the sun rises.
A safari wardrobe should primarily be practical, simple, and completely in harmony with nature. Your choice of fabrics should be those that allow your skin to breathe, dry very quickly, and have a high resistance to dust, which is a major challenge while on safari in Africa. After spending just a few hours in a vehicle driving around the Serengeti, you will find yourself covered in a thick layer of fine “safari dust” that gets everywhere.
The Importance of Neutral Colors.
Their adherence to neutral colors such as khaki, tan, olive green, and light brown is the most well-known and favorite of the locals’ style rules of safari fashion, a fashion statement that goes beyond just looking the part of the Explorer.
As such, neutral colors not only help you merge into the midden and the fields but also prevent a wild animal from getting scared upon sight.
Consequently, you will have fewer restrictions while taking photos from your vehicle. Moreover, you are advised against wearing dark blue and completely black outfits, which are the colors that attract tsetse flies that are notorious for their painful bite and are found abundantly in the wooded areas of Tanzania.
Besides that, you should stay away from bright white that not only becomes dirty very quickly but also pops out strongly in the landscape and camouflage is generally not allowed since it is usually reserved for the local military and can lead to misunderstandings at checkpoints.
Layering for Temperature Swings.
The diligent first-timers’ mistake that is the biggest one is that they only bring clothes for warm weather with them. At the beginning of a typical safari day, around 6:00 in the morning, it is still cold and fresh. Wind chill can be really significant when you are in an open-topped vehicle going at high speeds.
The best way to address this situation is to use several layers, which can be taken off one by one as the sun comes up and the temperature goes up. A simple t-shirt goes at the bottom, with a long-sleeved safari shirt over it, and then a fleece or a light down jacket can be worn on top.
By midday, the sun is going to be scorching and therefore, you will only wear the t-shirt. A “zip-off” pair of trousers that can be converted into shorts is also a favorite among many travelers, as it does not take up much space in your luggage, and you can utilize it to adjust to the changes in temperature very easily.
Sun Protection and Footwear.
A Tanzania sun is located very close to the equator. Hence, it is much stronger than what most people are used to at home. A wide-brimmed hat is very important to keep your face, ears, and the back of the neck away from sunburn.
A hat with a chin strap will be a good companion for you in a safari truck, as it may prevent the hat from flying off. Besides your hat, pack a pair of high-quality sunglasses for both the glare and dust.
For footwear, professional mountain climbing boots are not necessary unless you are planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. For an ordinary driving safari, comfortable, sturdy sneakers or lightweight trail shoes will do just fine. Just be sure they are closed-toe to avoid getting pricked by thorns or bitten by insects when you step out of the vehicle at picnic sites.
Evening Wear and Practical Fabrics.
Upon arrival at your lodge or camp, your attention will gradually turn to mosquitoes and measures against them. It is rather a good idea, after sunset, to wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers to cover a big part of the skin.
The dress code at most safari lodges is usually very casual, so you don’t have to bring fancy clothes for dinner; safari gear, which is clean, goes well with the occasions. Regarding fabrics, it is good to select either synthetic ‘performance’ fabrics or lightweight linen and cotton.
These materials have a quality called “moisture-wicking,” which means they take sweat away from your body, thus keeping you cool. Another advantage is that they dry much faster than heavy denim jeans, which is great if you need to hand-wash a garment at your camp and have it dry by the next morning.
Packing for a Tanzania safari is mainly about deciding which is more important to you, function or fashion, although the two often come together in the “safari chic” style. By staying within a color range of earthy tones, being prepared with layering for cold mornings and wearing breathable fabrics during hot afternoons, you make sure that your attention is focused on the amazing animals rather than your own discomfort.
Keep in mind that most safari planes have strict weight limits for luggage, so selecting multi-purpose pieces that can be worn several times is the smartest way to pack. With a proper hat on your head and the right colors on your back, you will be well equipped to thoroughly enjoy the African bush both in comfort and style.
