The Serengeti is a true dream for everyone seeking to witness nature at its prime. This park satisfies every visitor, from beginners to returning ones, with its richer wildlife and spectacular landscapes. Whether you’re caught by the circular wildebeest migration in the nonstop quest for green pastures, or the Big Five, Serengeti safari rewards are beyond ordinary, we can promise.

Speaking from experience, choosing the right Serengeti outfit is an important coffee talk before you start your lifetime adventure. It’s worth a call to your operator, but we’ll address it right here. However, if you have not yet understood, please give us a call.

What’s the weather like in Serengeti?

The Serengeti weather varies seasonally. From June to October, the Serengeti experiences dry season weather — expect hot, sunny, and dusty days, with cooler nights and crisp, chilly mornings. Rain is not common in this period, except for some drops falling during the night. November to May is wet, with frequent rains (especially from March to May) being regular.

Also, these seasons differ in that the wet season hosts many insects like tsetse flies, mosquitoes, etc., as breeding sites, such as swamps and tall grasses, are available. Which brings us to the risk of sleeping sickness and malaria. The other season has fewer mosquitoes and tsetse flies.

But did you know that wearing certain colors attracts tsetse flies? That’s why we are here. You can lean back and hold on to this guide as we talk about smart clothing choices in Serengeti.

What to Wear on Safari?

1.    Colors

As many tourists prefer taking photos in the Serengeti, it comes down to a real tough decision here. Does your new outfit make your pictures gorgeous, so you want to bring it on safari? Well, but let’s see if its color is good for the wilderness.

In the bush, it’s essential to wear colors that make you fit in, not ones that make you stand out (we’ll get to that below). Always choose earth tones like khaki, green, and brown. You can also wear beige or blue, and it’s fine.

2.    Serengeti outfits

Here, we list everything from outfits to accessories needed to make your Serengeti safari comfortable. However, as per experience, we recommend packing light, not so much. We’ve had our clients with heavy packs and didn’t wear even half of the clothes they brought. Light packing is king.

• Shirts – bring breathable, long-sleeved shirts to avoid sunburn and bugs. You’ve probably seen guides wear long sleeves, even on hot days. What guides wear doesn’t tell tourists.
• Pants and shorts – pack long pants to avoid insects, dust, and sun. In long pants, you’re almost safe from injury. You’ll want to relax at the lodge. That’s when shorts become more important.
• Jackets or fleece – as we mentioned earlier, early mornings are cold. And exploring the Serengeti in the morning, whether with a balloon or safari jeep, is something you shouldn’t miss either. Pack heavy jackets for mornings, evenings, and nights.
• Shoes – here we recommend hiking boots or strong sneakers. A walking safari is an adventure in itself, and closed-toe shoes will make sure you are safe.
• Hats and sunglasses – Bring a sunhat to avoid burns during afternoon game drives. Sunglasses are also important because the dry season comes with long sunny days.
• Other items include a buff or scarf, and a rain jacket. The dusty air from the thundering hooves of wildebeest. Not only that, but the dry season also comes with windy days. The scarf can be helpful in such situations. Also, occasional rainfall might require a rain jacket.

What NOT to Wear on Safari

1.    Colors to avoid wearing in the Serengeti.

Bright colors like white, red, and yellow make you stand out. These colors also startle the animals and make you seem like a foreign body. For that, they may avoid you or even attack you. Bugs will also be your visitors.

Dark blue and black are not bright, but you should avoid them because they attract tsetse flies. Otherwise, you’ll be receiving painful bites, which put you in danger of contracting sleeping sickness.

Camouflage colors are strictly reserved for military purposes. They may get you into trouble with military officers, especially in areas near borders. Sometimes, they may seize the outfit, so avoid them.

2.    Scented products

Going on a safari means being natural and low-key, not fancy. Wearing perfumes makes you stand out, as animals are good at detecting smell more than they see. An unfamiliar scent will scare them away. You’re also in danger of attacks by bees and other biting insects. So, do not wear perfume in the Serengeti.

3.    High heels, skirts, and jeans.

Jeans? Well, we’ll explain.

Starting with high heels, it’s impractical to wear them on an even, dusty, and rocky ground. So, you won’t use them for walking to your tented camp, going out for a sundowner, or hopping into a safari vehicle.

You can still look stylish and photo-ready even in neutral, flat shoes. But we know some need high heels, especially for weddings, birthdays, or any party organized by large commercial hotels, so you can bring them for one-time use on the hotel floor or stage, not on wild terrain.

With a skirt, climbing in and out of a vehicle can be tricky as it can ride up or expose you accidentally. During windy days, your skirt can be blown away, which is embarrassing. Also, with a skirt, you’re not safe from bugs. Lastly, skirts are not suitable in tall grasses and thorny vegetation.

We don’t recommend jeans for a reason. Jeans are not breathable in heat and attract dust, hence not good for a dry season safari. It doesn’t dry quickly, hence not ideal for the rainy season either. And it has poor insulation, as you can get during sunrise or sunset game drives.

Seasonal Packing Checklist Table

Final tips

You can bring other items like sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and a reusable water bottle. Light packing is gold because other services like laundry are available in most lodges. Plus, we are here to help if you need it. Call us for any specific details about packing and safari planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are sandals okay for safari drives or walks?

Sandals are fine for use around lodges or camps. But for walks and drives, closed-toe shoes or hiking boots are safer and more practical.

Can I wear jeans on a Serengeti safari?

Jeans are not ideal for Serengeti safaris. They’re hot, heavy, and take a long time to dry. We recommend lightweight, quick-dry pants for comfort and practicality.

What colors should I wear on safari?

Wear neutral tones like khaki, olive, or beige to blend into the wild and to avoid attracting tsetse flies. Avoid black, dark blue, and bright colors.