Comfort matters more than fashion on an African trip. Pack light, breathable layers in sensible colours, and expect big changes in temperature between early mornings and midday. Many camps and lodges offer laundry, so you do not need a lot of clothes. For a fuller packing list, read What to pack for a safari.
The golden ruleLayers. Dawn game drives can be near freezing in an open vehicle, then hot by lunch. Bring clothes you can take off and put on.
On a game drive
- Colours: neutral tones such as khaki, tan, olive, beige and soft green blend in and hide dust. Avoid bright colours, and pale colours that show dust.
- Avoid dark blue and black: they attract tsetse flies, which bite painfully, in areas where they live.
- Avoid camouflage: it is restricted for civilians in several African countries, including Tanzania and Kenya.
- Fabric: cotton, linen or quick-drying synthetics. Long sleeves and trousers protect from sun, dust and insects.
- Warm layer: a fleece or light jacket for early mornings and evenings. Winter in Southern Africa, from May to August, can be very cold at dawn.
- Hat, sunglasses and scarf: for sun, wind and dust.
- Shoes: comfortable closed shoes or light boots, plus sandals for camp.
- Rain jacket: a light waterproof in the green season.
On a mountain climb
Mountains have several climate zones, from hot rainforest at the base to freezing summits. Use a layering system.
| Layer | What to bring |
|---|---|
| Base | Moisture-wicking top and leggings, in merino or synthetic. Avoid cotton, which stays wet. |
| Mid | A fleece or light insulated jacket. |
| Warm | A down or synthetic insulated jacket for camp and summit night. |
| Outer | A waterproof, windproof jacket and trousers. |
| Hands, head, feet | Warm hat, sun hat, gloves, a buff, sun-proof sunglasses and several pairs of hiking socks. |
| Boots | Well broken-in, waterproof hiking boots with ankle support, plus camp shoes. |
| Extras | Head torch with spare batteries, trekking poles, a daypack, a water bottle or bladder, and sunscreen. |
Your operator will give a packing list. Many climbers rent bulky items such as down jackets and sleeping bags locally. Summit nights are well below freezing at any time of year.
On the coast and islands
- Beachwear is fine at resorts and on beaches.
- Dress modestly away from the beach, especially in Stone Town and on Zanzibar, on the Swahili coast and in Muslim areas, which are conservative. Covering shoulders and knees is a good rule, especially for women. Carry a light scarf or sarong.
- Light cotton and linen for heat and humidity.
- Reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes for coral and sea urchins.
In cities, villages and religious places
- Wear neat, modest clothing, with shoulders and knees covered. Avoid tight, sheer or very short clothes.
- Cover your head and shoulders, and take off your shoes, when visiting mosques and some churches and temples.
- In North Africa, women often feel more comfortable in loose long sleeves and trousers or long skirts, and a headscarf for mosques.
Temperatures to expect
| Place | What it feels like |
|---|---|
| Safari parks in East Africa | Cool mornings of about 10 to 15°C, warm days of about 25 to 30°C |
| Ngorongoro Crater rim and highlands | Cold at night, often near or below 5°C |
| Southern Africa in winter (May to August) | Close to freezing at dawn, warm days |
| Coast and islands | Hot and humid, about 28 to 33°C |
| Desert (Namibia, Sahara) | Very hot days, and cold nights |
| Mountain summits | Well below freezing |
A simple packing list
- Two or three long-sleeved shirts and two pairs of light trousers in neutral colours.
- Shorts or a skirt, T-shirts and comfortable underwear and socks.
- A fleece, a light jacket and a rain jacket.
- A hat, sunglasses, a scarf and a swimsuit.
- Walking shoes or light boots, and sandals.
- Sunscreen, insect repellent and lip balm.
- Binoculars, a camera and spare batteries and cards.
- A power adapter, since sockets differ between countries.
- Medicines in original packaging, and a small first-aid kit.
- Copies of your documents, and some cash in small notes.
Luggage
- Soft bags: small aircraft between parks usually require soft duffel bags, often with a weight limit around 15 kg per person, including hand luggage. Ask your operator, and check the limit before you buy a bag.
- Day bag: a small backpack for your camera, water and layers.
- Laundry: many camps wash clothes the same day, but may not wash underwear for cultural reasons. Check before you hand things in.
- Leave behind: camouflage clothes, drones without a permit, single-use plastic bags, which are banned in many countries, and jewellery that looks valuable.
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