What to wear in Tanzania
Important, Always be respectful and conservative in dress
Tanzanians are a polite people and probably won’t point out when you make a cultural misstep, but that doesn’t stop them silently tsk-tsking when they see mzungu (foreign visitors) wearing inappropriate clothes, kissing in public, or committing other etiquette blunders. Here's how to show respect with our dress as we travel to this magnificent country.
Laundry Service, for a small fee, is available at every lodge - its amazing
Shoes to pack for Tanzania
What I usually pack (Nancy)
I suggest to do carry-on wheely duffle bag for almost everything you can. Not just soft sided but backpack or duffle, I like wheels but - easy to carry at airports is a must! If your luggage is lost, there is no Walmart to run to. I never check baggage for my clothing or supplies,
For a suitcase check your airline for their carry on size for international, you will be surprised how large they allow.
Bring an extra duffel bag or two for you shopping as I know you want to help support local! But again - duffel bags are a must to collapse and fit in the over land vehicles.
Tanzanians are a polite people and probably won’t point out when you make a cultural misstep, but that doesn’t stop them silently tsk-tsking when they see mzungu (foreign visitors) wearing inappropriate clothes, kissing in public, or committing other etiquette blunders. Here's how to show respect with our dress as we travel to this magnificent country.
- Casual, comfortable clothes are the key when traveling in Tanzania.
- Tanzania is deeply conservative, so both men and women should cover their knees and shoulders in public. Traditionally, women only wear skirts, but it’s fine for foreign women to wear jeans or trousers – as long as they aren’t too form-fitting.
- During the day it is hot so our advice is to pack lightweight layers in natural fabrics such as linen, bamboo and cotton that will keep you cool and are easier to wash and dry.
- For safari we suggest keeping to light colors, but not white – it will get dirty and dusty very quickly.
- It is very important to note that camouflage or military clothing is not permitted.
- Avoid blue or black clothing too – the tsetse flies are drawn to these colors, and their bite can give you African Sleeping Sickness.
- Dinner dress is casual and comfortable, we return each afternoon so you can swim, wash and feel refreshed for dinner.
- Nighttime and early morning game drives can be cold, so pack a fleece jacket or pullover and keep a lightweight rain coat in your travel bag
- Rain coat or poncho
- Don't forget a safari hat to protect you from the sun and sunglasses
Laundry Service, for a small fee, is available at every lodge - its amazing
Shoes to pack for Tanzania
- Comfortable walking shoes are important as the roads are dusty and uneven. but we are often in the LandRover vehicles so sandals are good at these times. Keens are great hiking but breathable footwear gym shoes are good
- Avoid going barefoot anywhere. Flip flops are perfect for lounging at the pool or bungalow and even in the shower. Scorpions are a thing, be on the lookout always.
- Avoid wearing short skirts or shorts as this will cause offense, and strappy tops and sleeveless can also be frowned upon. Our advice is to wear trousers, capris (ok for visitors but not tight NO LEGGINGS EVER) or below the knee-length or longer skirt, and tops which cover your shoulders. These will protect you from the sun too. I love being able to wear hippy skirts and blouses every day!
- If you are heading to the pool always have a cover up over your swimwear, a sun dress works well, men please wear a shirt
- Leave your valuables and expensive jewellery at home, you really won't need them. No need to have any thing fancy on a trip
- A light scarf or sarong is a versatile item that you can use for sun protection or to ‘glam' up the simplest of outfits and keep packing to a minimum.
- Pants and a polo shirt is the best choice as a male tourist in Tanzania.
- No jeans, too hot and attract tsetse files with the blue
- Look for khaki lightweight comfortable trousers for long drives and walking
- Shorts are ok if you are within the hotel or in your tour van. However, it would be inappropriate to wear shorts as men. This comes from the fact that being considered a boy in the African culture is one of the worst insults you can give to a person.
What I usually pack (Nancy)
I suggest to do carry-on wheely duffle bag for almost everything you can. Not just soft sided but backpack or duffle, I like wheels but - easy to carry at airports is a must! If your luggage is lost, there is no Walmart to run to. I never check baggage for my clothing or supplies,
- SHOES: nice sandals (like ones you can wear with a skirt and be ok for dress) , Keens for hiking or Crocs - Gym shoes are great too.
- TOPS: 2 long sleeve peasant blouses, 2 short sleeve blouses, 3 light weight easy to wash v-neck tee-shirts
- BOTTOMS: 2 lightweight quick dry loose fitting trousers 2 long skirts to mix and match with tops
- OUTER WEAR: 1 fleece pullover, 1 lightweight rain jacket
- EXTRAS: 2 scarves to dress up tops, 1 is a cover up with buttons,2 pairs pajamas, 1 swim suit, (i used skirt/blouse as my cover up to the pool)
For a suitcase check your airline for their carry on size for international, you will be surprised how large they allow.
Bring an extra duffel bag or two for you shopping as I know you want to help support local! But again - duffel bags are a must to collapse and fit in the over land vehicles.
