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Going to Serengeti for a safari trip can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most people. However, if you don’t dress properly, you will never enjoy the trip as it should be enjoyed.
On a Serengeti safari, you should wear neutral-coloured lightweight and long sleeves clothing and pants for mosquitoes as tsetse flies protection. Also, wear Closed toe shoes, preferably boots, to avoid any unwanted bite. Avoid bright-coloured clothes, perfume and strong scents, any jewelry, or Camouflage in Serengeti.
What to Wear on a Serengeti Safari?
Here are the things to wear while going on a Serengeti safari
Choose Neutral and Lightweight Clothing
When it comes to clothing choices for a Serengeti safari, practicality and comfort should be your primary concerns.
Opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics such as cotton or moisture-wicking materials to combat warm temperatures.
But why is it even important?
Neutral colors like khaki, beige, and olive green are ideal as they help you blend into the natural surroundings and avoid attracting unwanted attention from the wildlife of Serengeti.
Long Sleeves and Pants for Protection
Considering the presence of insects, prickly plants, the potential for sunburn and, malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases in Serengeti, it’s recommended to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
This type of clothing will provide you with protection against the sun, insect bites, and scratches from thorny bushes.
Additionally, lightweight, convertible pants that can be zipped off into shorts can offer versatility in changing weather conditions (especially at a time when you are present in a closed vehicle or doing a self-drive safari in a private vehicle).
Look at this,
Our East African Representative, Leo, arranged a bush breakfast in Serengeti safari. See how all people have to wear long sleeves and neutral color clothes.
Layering for Temperature Fluctuations
The temperatures in the Serengeti can vary significantly throughout the day. Layering your clothing allows you to adapt to these changes easily.
Begin with a light base layer, followed by a long-sleeved shirt, and top it off with a lightweight jacket or fleece.
This way, you can add or remove layers as needed, ensuring your comfort throughout the day. Also, never forget to take into account the weather in which you are going.
Here is the chart that will help you understand what type of weather is in Serengeti every time of the year.
| Part of the Year | Weather in Serengeti |
| May to August | Cool and Dry Season |
| September and October | Dry and Warm Season |
| November to April | Wet and Hot Season |
So always remember to never forget to take weather-changing patterns while going on a Serengeti safari.
Footwear for Serengeti Safari Adventures
A comfortable pair of closed-toe shoes or lightweight hiking boots are essential for a Serengeti safari. They provide stability, protect your feet from thorns and rocks, and offer better support during game drives and walking safaris. Make sure to break in your shoes beforehand to avoid discomfort during your adventure.
What Not to Wear on a Serengeti Safari?
When you are considering what to wear in Serengeti, it’s equally important to know what to avoid. Here is the list of the things not to wear on a Serenegti safari.
Brightly Colored Clothing
This one is a brainer, but you must avoid clothing having any provoking patterns for animals. The last thing you want to wear on the Serengeti safari trip should be a T-shirt with a zebra on it. Also, avoid wearing bright, vibrant colors such as red, orange, black and bright blues. African tsetse flies are more attracted to these colors, so it can bring you an unnecessary headache.
Camouflage Clothing
Camouflage is absolutely banned in Serengeti, Tanzania, so you must not wear it.
Perfume and Strong Scents
Avoid wearing perfumes, colognes, or any other strongly scented products on a Serengeti safari trip. Strong scents can interfere with the animal’s natural behavior and may even attract unwanted attention from insects or other creatures. Remember, the goal of a safari is to observe wildlife in their natural habitat without disturbing them, so keeping scents to a minimum is essential. This is even more important when you are doing camping in the Serengeti.
Open-toed Shoes or Sandals
For your own safety, it is best to avoid open-toed shoes or sandals during a Serengeti safari. Closed-toe shoes or lightweight hiking boots offer better protection against thorny plants, insect bites, and potential injuries while walking or during game drives. The rugged terrain of the Serengeti demands sturdy footwear that provides stability and support.
Excessive Jewelry or Accessories
When going on a Serengeti safari, it’s advisable to leave your valuable jewelry and flashy accessories at home. Not only can they be cumbersome, but they can also attract unnecessary attention and increase the risk of theft. Keep your accessories minimal and practical. In fact, it is advisable not to take any valuable items on your Serengeti safari trip at all.
There have been incidents when tourists were robbed while going to Serengeti from Arusha, so it’s better to leave your valuable accessories back home.
Heavy or Restrictive Clothing
Avoid wearing heavy or restrictive clothing that limits your movement and comfort. On your Serengeti safari trip, you will be continuously traveling, mostly for the whole day, so having restrictive or heavy clothing will just increase your suffering.
What to Pack for a Safari Trip in the Serengeti
While you focus on what to wear on the Serengeti safari, it is also important to know other things that you need to pack. Here is a checklist that you can depend on while packing for the Serengeti safari:
Essentials to Enhance Your Serengeti Safari Experience
- Binoculars enhance your wildlife viewing experience.
- Camera with extra batteries or a charger to capture incredible moments.
- Memory cards or film for storing photographs.
- A bean bag for stable shots.
- Power bank or portable charger to keep your electronic devices powered.
Travel Documents and Other Essentials:
- A valid passport and necessary visas.
- Photocopies or digital copies of important documents are stored securely.
- Travel insurance information.
- Vaccination certificates and medical prescriptions, if required.
- Money, credit cards, and small bills for tips and local purchases.
Health and Safety Essentials for Serengeti Safari
- First aid kit with basic supplies like bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any necessary prescription medication.
- Insect repellent containing DEET for protection against mosquitoes and other insects.
- Sunscreen with a high SPF rating to shield your skin from the strong African sun.
- Hat with a wide brim for sun protection.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Personal toiletries and hygiene products.
- Hand sanitiser or wet wipes for maintaining cleanliness.
Miscellaneous Items
- Lightweight backpack or daypack for carrying essentials during game drives or walks.
- Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries for navigating in low-light conditions.
- Reusable water bottles to stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Travel-sized umbrella or rain poncho for unexpected showers.
- Bin liners or dry bags protect electronics or sensitive items from dust, water, or sand.
- Snacks and energy bars for quick and convenient sustenance during excursions.
Final Words
Packing for a safari trip to the Serengeti requires thoughtful consideration of the climate, activities, and the need for comfort and convenience. By including clothing essentials, safari gear, travel documents, health and safety items, and miscellaneous essentials, you’ll be well-prepared to embark on an incredible adventure in the Serengeti. Enjoy your safari experience to the fullest and create memories that will last a lifetime!
See Mind Blowing Serenegeti Safari Packages Now
Bariki was born and raised in Tanzania, the land of the magnificent Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Manyara wildlife parks. He grew up surrounded by Africa’s natural beauty. Visiting his grandpa in Moshi Kilimanjaro, at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, provided him with early exposure to wildlife and the natural world.
As a technology and human rights blogger, he has always been passionate about writing. With many relatives working in the tourism industry, he has stayed abreast of the industry’s successes and challenges, which led him to write about African safaris.
Now residing in the USA, Bariki is using his firsthand knowledge to help foreigners plan their dream safari in Africa. At Posire, he shares his expertise on everything you need to know about planning a safari, from choosing the right destination to the best time to go and what to expect during your adventure.
