What to wear on a safari trip to Kenya
Short answer: On safari in Kenya the day starts cool at sunrise and turns warm by midday. Pack neutral colours in light, breathable fabrics, a long sleeved layer against sun and insects, and soft clothes for the cooler nights in camp.
The climate on the savannah
The Masai Mara and Amboseli lie between 1,100 and 1,700 metres above sea level. That brings warm days of around 25 to 30 degrees, but mornings and evenings can drop to 10 to 14 degrees. Kenya has two rainy seasons, the long rains from March to May and the short rains in November. The great wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara is usually seen from July to October, which is also the driest and most popular period for a safari.
Colours that suit the bush
Neutral colours such as khaki, beige, olive and brown are classic on safari for several reasons. They show less dust, disturb the animals less and attract fewer insects than navy and black, which tsetse flies in particular are drawn to. White quickly gets dirty on the dusty tracks. Avoid camouflage patterns, which in several East African countries are associated with the military and can cause problems at borders and checkpoints.
Layers for early game drives
Most game drives start around six in the morning, when the air in the open vehicle is cold. Begin with a light top, add a long sleeved top over it and a fleece or light jacket on the outside. As the sun rises, you take the layers off. See bamboo tops for women as the innermost layer. Viscose made from bamboo feels soft against the skin and breathes when it warms up at midday.
Long sleeves against sun and mosquitoes
The sun near the equator is strong, and at dusk the mosquitoes come out. A thin long sleeved layer protects against both and is comfortable at dinner in camp. See women's long-sleeved bamboo T-shirt. Pair it with long, light trousers in the evening, and use insect repellent on bare skin. Ask your doctor or a travel clinic about malaria prevention before you leave.
Nights in tents and lodges
Many safari camps use large, permanent tents with proper beds but no heating. The nights can therefore be cool, and a set of soft sleepwear makes it pleasant to slip under the covers. See bamboo sleepwear for women. Some camps put hot water bottles in the beds in the evening. Pack a head torch, as light is often limited at night and you are not allowed to walk around alone in the dark.
Luggage and laundry
Small planes between lodges often have a limit of 15 kilos in a soft bag without wheels. Pack light and plan to use the camp's laundry service. In many places clothes are washed by hand and dried in the sun, and for cultural reasons staff often do not wash underwear, so bring a little detergent for that. Thin fabrics dry quickly in the dry air.
Frequently asked questions
Which colours should I avoid on safari
Avoid navy and black, which attract tsetse flies, white, which gets dirty, and camouflage, which can cause problems.
How cold is it in the morning on safari
Often 10 to 14 degrees at sunrise, and the wind in the open vehicle makes it feel colder. Bring layers.
Do I need vaccinations or malaria tablets
It depends on your route and the season. Talk to your doctor or a travel clinic well before you travel.
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