Footprints of Adventure – Discover the Best Shoes for Tanzania Safari Trails

Last updated on July 10th, 2025 at 02:45 pm

When it comes to adventures, there’s nothing quite like the Tanzania Safaris. The African sun, the wildlife, and the diversity of the landscape all blend to offer an experience of a lifetime.

However, seasoned adventurers know that the secret to a successful safari lies in a meticulously crafted packing list, with special attention given to one crucial element of footwear.The right Shoes for a Tanzania Safari can make all the difference in ensuring comfort, protection, and mobility throughout your journey.

Your Shoes for the Tanzania Safari can significantly shape your experience by withstanding the test of this extraordinary expedition.

So, for those gearing up for a remarkable journey, let’s explore the essential shoes to include on your Safari Packing List Tanzania.

The Safari Shoes – Importance and Purpose

Your Tanzania Safari Shoes must cater to the diverse landscapes this country offers.

From the vast grasslands of the Serengeti to the rugged terrains of Kilimanjaro, each region calls for the perfect pair of shoes to ensure comfort and safety on your adventure.

Also, at the start of this post, we want to clear out one particular aspect when it comes to Safari Shoes in Tanzania. The shoes that might be right for one person during their trip may not be suitable for another. There is no standard rule when it comes to picking the best shoes. And, it ultimately depends on the specifics of your trips and your needs and preferences.

Moreover, picking the right pair of shoes for such a versatile environment can be challenging. Remember, functionality trumps fashion on the safari trails.  Ideal Shoes for Tanzania Safari provide the necessary support and comfort, enabling you to venture on various trails without any discomfort.

Special Mention: This blog post specifically talks about Safari Shoes in Tanzania. Here, we haven’t included the special hiking boots required for climbers when going on Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing expeditions. If you also want to learn about those specialised boots, refer to our blog, which focuses on the Best Hiking Boots on Kilimanjaro.

Points to Consider When Picking the Best Safari Shoes in Tanzania

Every safari adventure is unique, and thus, your Safari Shoes in Tanzania should be chosen based on several factors:

• Length of your Tanzania Safari Tours: The duration of your safari directly impacts the type of shoes you need.

 For shorter trips, a couple of pairs of different shoes might be good. For short trips, weight is never a limitation. Also, you have your suitcase where you can pack a few pairs of shoes without any hassle.

However, for longer tours such as overland trips which involve travelling through many destinations, one durable pair of safari boots would be ideal. As you carry a backpack that is already heavily loaded with other stuff, you don’t want many safari shoes.

• Place and Time of Your Safari: The location and time of your safari affect the type of shoes you need. During the rainy season, waterproof boots are a must. However, during drier months, breathable shoes or sandals may be more appropriate.
• Type of Tanzania Safaris: The kind of safari you choose also affects your footwear choice. For safaris that involve lots of walking or hiking, your Packing List for Tanzania Safaris should include high-quality hiking boots. For game drive safaris, where you will mostly be in a vehicle, comfort should be your priority.

Types of Safari Footwear for Tanzanian Trails

When planning a Tanzania safari adventure, two types of footwear, namely, sandals and boots, are commonly recommended.

• Safari Sandals – You’ll find two varieties of safari-friendly sandals. One features a thick bush-style sole for outdoor use, and the other is a thin-soled version for indoor use. The thin-soled option also serves to guard against thorns damaging your feet.
• Safari Boots The importance of boots in your Tanzania Safari Tours ensemble is clear. However, selecting the right boots depends on the type of safari you’re embarking on.

If your safari adventure involves hiking and mountaineering, sturdy boots are essential. These allow you to navigate challenging trails and rough terrain with ease. High-quality boots may also be a necessity if you plan on doing some bird-watching.

Picking the Right Safari Shoes – Function Over Fashion

When choosing your shoes for Tanzania Safaris, prioritise functionality over style. Look for shoes that are comfortable, durable, breathable, and waterproof.

In general, comfortable safari boots with light but thick soles and flexible upper parts are excellent for safari trips. Here are six crucial aspects to consider when shopping for quality Shoes for Tanzania Safaris.

• Boot Weight

Lighter boots make walking easier. But they should also support your arches and provide rigidity on the sides and length of your foot.

• Water Resistance

In wet seasons, moisture can be an issue. This same moisture can cause painful blisters, so it’s important to ensure your boots help keep your feet dry.

• The Tongue

The tongue of the boots, where you slide your feet, should be completely attached. This means it should be sewn not only at the base but also on the sides to the upper part to prevent sand, pebbles, and water from entering the boots.

• Scree Collar

The scree collar guards your ankle and Achilles tendon against friction and should have padding that blocks sand from getting into the boots. The most effective scree collars have a half-moon cut-out at the rear. This design allows your ankle to bend more when walking and also prevents friction.

• Sole

The sole should feature a robust tread for a secure grip. Additionally, it should contain a rigid shank – a thin piece of metal embedded within the sole. This shank shields your foot against sharp objects like thorns, glass, and rocks that could pierce through.

• Laces

Opt for braided nylon cords for laces, as they tend to be more durable. If the boots come with flat laces, they may lean more toward fashion than authentic hiking boots.

Top Picks – Best Tanzania Safari Shoes

With the vast variety of shoes in the market, we’ve handpicked the best options, meeting the stringent safari requirements. Let’s deep dive into these champions:

On a Tanzania safari, your shoes do more than walk—they climb, splash, sprint, and explore. So, choose wisely, because every wild tale begins from the ground up.

Selecting Safari Shoes as Per Activities

Different safari activities require different types of shoes. Here’s a brief guide:

• Walking Safari: For walking safaris, boots with good ankle support, a robust sole for rough terrains, and breathability for comfort are ideal. Brands like Merrell and Salomon are renowned for these features.
• Game Drives: For luxury safari vehicles, a lighter pair of safari sandals or trainers would be sufficient as you will mostly be sitting comfortably.

For budget 4wd safari vehicles, a sturdy pair of shoes that can help you prevent bumpy rides might be a better choice.

• When Staying in the Lodge: After a long day on the trail, you’ll want to relax. Comfortable sandals or even flip-flops are perfect for lounging around the lodge. But if you are camping around, then you might need something that gives you protection during toilet trips at night.

Don’t Forget the Socks – Packing Right

Your Tanzania Safari Packing List is incomplete without the right socks. They play a crucial role in keeping your feet dry, preventing blisters, and providing cushioning.

Look for socks with moisture-wicking capabilities and consider Merino wool socks for their breathability and odour resistance. Brands like Smartwool and Darn Tough are popular choices.

How to Size Safari Shoes: Finding Your Perfect Fit

The wrong shoe size can make even the best shoe uncomfortable. When sizing your Tanzania Safari shoes:

• Try them on in the evening: Our feet tend to swell during the day. Trying on shoes in the evening gives you a more accurate fit.
• Wear your safari socks: Wearing the socks you’ll use on the safari will provide a more accurate fit.
• Leave room for your toes: Ensure there’s a thumb’s width space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
• Walk around: Take a stroll around the store. Your foot should not slide or feel squeezed.

Shoe Care: Extending the Lifespan of Your Safari Shoes

Taking good care of your Shoes for the Tanzania Safari can prolong their lifespan. Here are some tips:

• Clean your shoes: After each safari, remove dirt and mud. This helps maintain the integrity of the material.
• Dry them properly: Never leave them wet. Dry them in indirect sunlight or air-dry them indoors. Avoid putting them near direct heat or using a hair dryer.

Condition your shoes: If your shoes are made of leather, use a conditioner to keep the material supple.

Concluding Thoughts

The right items from your Tanzania Safari Packing List, including the best Shoes for Tanzania Safaris, are key to a great trip. Not only will these shoes help you walk comfortably on Tanzania’s trails, but they’ll also be part of the unforgettable experiences you’ll have.

Ready to start the journey of the adventure of a lifetime? African Scenic Safaris is here to guide you. Our expert team is committed to making your safari experience unforgettable.

Don’t wait – pack your bags by following our Tanzania Safari Packing List and let’s step into the wild, one amazing story at a time. Adventure awaits with African Scenic Safaris!

Simbo Natai, founder of African Scenic Safaris, crafts sustainable, meaningful Tanzanian journeys rooted in his deep local knowledge and passion.

Director, African Scenic Safaris