Climate

Tanzania offers warm days with cool mornings and evenings year-round throughout most of the country. Temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru drop to below freezing, while the coast and lakeside regions are mostly hot and humid. There are two rainy seasons in the country – March to May (long rains) and November to December (the lighter, short rains). Tanzania can be visited year-round, although the climate varies between the rainy and dry seasons.

Dressing For your Safari

Modest clothing is advisable in the bigger towns and cities in Tanzania and particularly in Zanzibar out of respect for the prevalent Muslim beliefs and culture. It is especially important to cover shoulders and knees. That being said, in the various lodges and camps, and on the beaches of Zanzibar, it is perfectly acceptable to wear shorts and t-shirts or beach wear. Generally speaking, light layers of clothing in neutral safari colours of green, khaki and beige are the best items to bring with you. Dark colours such as navy or black can attract tstese flies and are best avoided, as are bright colours like yellow, red and purple if you are going on safari.

A backpack

While there is plenty of room in our safari vehicles for your larger suitcase, it’s always handy to have a more manageable bag that you can have with you in the vehicle.

A warm sweater or light fleece

Nights and mornings in East Africa can be cold, so it’s always good to have something a little warmer to throw on until the sun warms the plains up.

You can check below for a better idea of what to wear on safari.

A windbreaker or waterproof jacket

You never know when there’s going to be a sudden squall or downpour, so packing a lightweight rain jacket is a good idea.

While you’ll be safe and dry inside your safari vehicle, a rain jacket is a good option for when you’re getting about camp.

Walking shoes or boots

Much of your safari takes place within your safari vehicle, but you’ll need a comfortable pair of shoes or hiking boots for walking to your lodges, snapping photos from the picnic spot, or if you’ve added any walking safaris to your itinerary.

Even in the car, you’ll want a pair of comfortable shoes that cover your skin to prevent against sunburn and insect bites.

A long sleeve dress shirt and trousers

Perfect for both sun protection and to ward off hungry mosquitoes, a long sleeve shirt and trousers are also a good option for a cold morning or evening.

If you’re staying in nicer lodges, you’ll also wants these handy for dinner and drinks at the end of a long day.

Sunglasses

The sun in East Africa can be quite intense, so sunglasses are a good protective measure and have the benefit of reducing glare while you’re game-viewing.

Hat

Sun protection should be a priority while you’re on safari. While your vehicle provides shade, having the top up for game-viewing means you’ll be exposed to the elements.

A good hat is a great way to avoid nasty burns or heatstroke.

Sunscreen and lip balm

Another valuable precaution against the often harsh equatorial sun, sunscreen and lip balm will protect you where your clothes don’t.

Insect repellent

Mosquitoes and tsetse flies are both capable of carrying diseases and their bites can be quite irritating or painful. Tsetse flies can deliver a particularly nasty sting.