What Not To Wear While On Safari In Tanzania? Embarking on a Tanzania safari is an exhilarating experience that everyone dreams of. The rich wildlife species, diverse cultures, and breathtaking mountains make Tanzania an incredible destination. While you explore its natural beauty, it is essential to watch your dress code.
This article will brief you on which dress code and where you should avoid or should wear it. Visitors do come to see wildlife, and culture, or hike mountains. The dress code we describe here aligns with the social morals and the well-being of animals and people. Let’s dive in!
Shorts and crop tops
Tanzania’s culture is quite different from that of Western culture. Wearing shorts, miniskirts, or crop tops in public is considered rude and inappropriate. Avoid these clothes, especially when visiting the local villages.
Wearing these clothes may lead to unwelcome looks from the society. They may not directly address you but they will try to avoid you, especially when you visit extended families. Try to observe their dressing style and wear modestly or imitate their style.
For example, the Maasai are pleased to welcome visitors dressed in Maasai shukas. Other tribes also prefer modest dressing. Women can put on khanga or kitenge to cover exposed body parts while men can put on long pants.
In Zanzibar, there are stricter rules regarding clothing. Your guide or tour operator can be fined up to $2,000 if you wear inappropriately. This does not mean you should not pack shorts, crop tops, or miniskirts. The restriction is public places like markets, streets, and religious places. You can still wear these clothes in the hotel, swimming pool, and beach.
Bright colored clothes
Bright colors make you stand out. They usually end up startling animals or attracting insects. Imagine being in the wilderness and everyone has put on neutral colors except you. The wilderness is usually full of dirt and dust. Bright clothes are easily soiled making you appear dirty.
Avoid colors like red, yellow, and white. Instead put on neutral ones like khaki, tan, brown, beige, and green. When you are in the society, you can wear any color. However, your clothing should be decent and acceptable.
Black color
Black color is not bad especially when you are in town. But when you’re in the wild, this color attracts tsetse flies. This insect is dangerous with its bites known to spread sleeping sickness. Sleeping sickness is endemic to the sub-Saharan countries like Tanzania.
Perfumes
Wearing perfumes is not a problem if you’re visiting villages, beaches, or towns. However, nature has its smell, and animals get used to such a smell. Animals notice their surroundings through smell, hearing, and vision. A perfume smell is unnatural to the animals. They will end up running away or following the smell.
Avoid wearing perfumes while in the bush as it arouses aggressive animals. It also scares other animals. As a result, you will not enjoy the views much.
Camouflage clothing
There is a strict rule regarding camouflage clothing in Tanzania. It is highly reserved for the country’s army and resembles army clothing. The Tanzania People’s Defense Forces have prohibited any civilian from wearing camouflage cloth. When found, the wear will be confiscated, and you will be fined.
Revealing clothes
Putting on revealing clothes is regarded as inappropriate in Tanzania. The majority of Tanzanians are Christians and Muslims. While visiting local communities, avoid any clothing that reveals your body. These include see-through clothes and tight clothing. Only wear them at the hotel and beach.
Jewelry
You probably want to look fancy all the time. However, jewelry like beads, rings, hanging earrings, etc. are not necessary in the wild. Light-reflecting watches and other bright ornaments may end up alarming wild animals.
The bush trail may be lush. You may stick on a tree branch or something if not careful. So, we advise you to leave the beads and rings at the lodge.
Sandals or open-toed shoes
The wilderness is not such safe. Protection is the key. Wearing sandals is dangerous, especially when you are on a walking safari. You can be pricked with thorns when walking. Small insects can also harm you.
What else is important when on a Tanzania safari?
Learning some Swahili words. Kiswahili is Tanzania’s official language. It unites over 120 tribes in the country. As you explore this country, it is important to know a few words like greetings. Some other words include Karibu (welcome), Asante (thank you), Habari yako (how are you), etc.
When visiting Zanzibar, avoid drinking in public. Alcohol consumption is confined to specific areas, such as pubs and hotels.
Now you know some essential things you should know before visiting Tanzania. Book a trip with Explore African Safaris for an unforgettable experience. You can reach out to our team if you still have questions about Tanzania safaris.
