Neutral colors in the bush You can get pretty dusty and dirty on game drives and walking safaris too, so it's sensible to avoid white and cream. And a top insider tip from our African travel experts is to avoid wearing blue and black as well, as these colors can attract tsetse flies.

While you can technically wear black in Kenya, it is strongly discouraged for travelers heading on a safari due to both environmental and biological factors. Black and dark blue fabrics are notorious for attracting Tsetse flies, which have a painful bite and can carry sleeping sickness; these insects are visually drawn to dark, solid colors. Furthermore, the equatorial sun is intense, and black clothing absorbs significant heat, making it much more uncomfortable than lighter tones during a game drive. In 2026, the standard "pro" advice remains to stick to neutral, earth-toned colors like khaki, olive, and tan. These colors help you blend into the savanna, making you less conspicuous to the wildlife you are trying to observe. However, once you return to the city centers like Nairobi or Mombasa for the evening, black is perfectly acceptable and common for dinner or business settings, as the insect and heat concerns are less prevalent in urban environments.