{"id":25237,"date":"2021-02-20T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-20T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=25237"},"modified":"2025-02-27T18:09:26","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:09:26","slug":"what-pack-how-to-dress-kenya","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/what-pack-how-to-dress-kenya\/","title":{"rendered":"What to pack and how to dress appropriately in Kenya"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From the savannah to the sea to the mountains, Kenya is an incredible country with all kinds of landscapes, weather and colourful cultures. With everything from the local customs to the climate and your trip activities to consider, it can be tough to know what to pack and how to dress in Kenya. To help you prepare for your trip, we\u2019ve put together a guide on what to pack for Kenya and how to dress appropriately to respect the local culture and get the most out of your dream trip to Kenya<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to wear in Kenya<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kenya is diverse in cultural and religious customs, which includes clothing. That’s why there is no strict or homogenous dress code. If you want to do your best to respect local culture, just opt for more conservative clothing in rural areas and religious sites. This is particularly true in predominantly Muslim regions like Mombasa and Lamu. The general guideline is to wear long, loose-fitting clothing that covers your shoulders, knees, midriff, chest, and back. While long clothing might sound extra hot, it\u2019s actually more comfortable as it protects you from the sun and insects like mosquitoes. You\u2019ll also feel more comfortable when you blend in with the locals and they\u2019ll appreciate your efforts to respect their culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the Kenya Wildlife Service<\/a>, at safaris neutral-colored and lightweight clothing is best to blend in with the surroundings and avoid attracting insects. Avoid bright colors, which can disturb wildlife, and dark blue or black, as these attract tsetse flies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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RELATED CONTENT: How to dress appropriately when travelling to Africa and the Middle East<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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You also need to consider the weather and your activities when thinking about what to wear in Kenya. It\u2019ll likely be hot, although it can get quite chilly in the early mornings and evenings on safari game drives and in the mountains, so bring versatile layers that you can peel on and off. Go for t-shirts, long-sleeved tops, long skirts and dresses, light trousers, sweaters and jackets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A scarf is a handy item, as you can use it to stay warm or for extra modesty. You can also dip it in water and wrap around your neck to cool down in the heat. A rain poncho or a waterproof jacket is also an essential item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What shoes to pack for Kenya<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll need a comfortable pair of walking shoes or runners. If you plan to go hiking in Kenya\u2019s beautiful mountains, bring a sturdy pair of hiking boots and thick socks. You should also pack some sandals or flip-flops for days by the pool or beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED CONTENT: The 7 best experiences you can enjoy in Kenya with Trafalgar<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Women – How to dress in Kenya<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Women should wear long, loose shirts that cover the shoulders, chest, midriff and back, and long-loose skirts, dresses or trousers that cover the knees. Avoid wearing tank tops, shorts, crop tops, short skirts or anything too form-fitting. You should also dress even more modestly if you want to visit religious sites like churches, mosques and temples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GET INSPIRED BY: Wonders of Kenya<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Men – How to dress in Kenya<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Men should wear long trousers and t-shirts or button-down shirts with long sleeves that cover at least your shoulders. You should also aim to dress more modestly at religious sites, including long trousers and shirts. Shorts aren’t commonly worn by men, but if you do want to bring a pair of shorts for long coach rides or game drives, make sure they cover the knee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What to pack for a Kenya safari<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re going on safari in Kenya, forget the clich\u00e9s like safari helmets and full-on khaki. it\u2019s recommended to wear lightweight layers in neutral colours to blend in with the bush and improve your chances of wildlife sightings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid bright colours like white and red and dark colours like black and blue as this can attract Tsetse flies<\/a>. Keep it simple with layered clothing that you don\u2019t mind getting dirty and bring a woolly hat and gloves for those chilly morning game drives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED CONTENT: In conversation with: Dedan, a Maasai safari guide for Trafalgar<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What to wear at the beach in Kenya<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kenya has some gorgeous beaches that are perfect for swimming, snorkelling or simply lounging on the sand. While it\u2019s fine to wear your swimsuit at the beach, you should always cover up before you leave the beach and never walk around in swimwear. Remember, topless bathing is not allowed anywhere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might also like to bring a nicer outfit for dinners at your beachside resorts or nights out in Nairobi, such as long dresses and trousers and polo shirts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GET INSPIRED BY: African Safari Adventure<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Other essentials to pack for Kenya<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n