What to Wear to the Okavango Delta

Neutral colours: khaki, olive, stone. Avoid black, blue, and white. Dark colours attract tsetse flies; white shows dust and stands out to wildlife. Wear layers because dawn on a mokoro is cool. Bring an insect repellent (DEET-based) for sandflies at the foreshore. Soft bag, not hard luggage.

Colours to wearKhaki, olive, stone, tan

Colours to avoidBlack, dark blue, white, camouflage

Base layerMerino or synthetic (not cotton; cotton stays wet)

Mid-layerFleece or wool sweater

Outer layerRain jacket (even in dry season; morning dew)

FootwearComfortable walking shoes or boots, closed-toe

Insect repellentDEET-based spray (20%+ strength)

LuggageSoft duffel bag; hard suitcases don't fit aircraft

Colours and wildlife

Wear neutral earth tones. Khaki and olive blend into the landscape. Animals notice bright colours. Black and dark blue attract tsetse flies (small biting insects; the bite itches for hours). White shows every speck of dust and stands out against water and vegetation. Camouflage-pattern clothing is legally restricted for civilians in several African countries; leave it at home.

Layers for dawn and dusk

A mokoro trip starts before sunrise. The morning is cool (5–12°C depending on season). Wear a merino base layer (or synthetic; never cotton), add a fleece mid-layer, and bring a rain jacket. By midday it warms up (18–25°C in dry season, hotter in green season). You shed layers. Dusk cools down again. Layers let you adjust without carrying bulk.

Insect repellent and sandflies

Sandflies live at the Milford foreshore near Maun. They are small, nearly invisible, and bite exposed skin. DEET-based repellent (20%+ concentration) applied before you leave your hotel is essential. Reapply if you spend time onshore. Long sleeves help but repellent is the main defense.

Footwear

Wear closed-toe walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots. You will walk on sand, through grass, and possibly on papyrus islands. Sandals leave you exposed to insects and sharp vegetation. Bring a second pair in case one gets wet.

Luggage

Airlines to Maun (regional turboprops) have strict baggage limits. Soft duffel bags (50–60 litres) are ideal. Hard suitcases do not fit overhead or under-seat. Pack light: five days of clothes, toiletries, medications, camera. Laundry services are available in Maun.

Insider tip

Khaki, olive, stone. Merino base layer, fleece, rain jacket. Closed-toe shoes. DEET repellent. Soft duffel bag. Avoid black, blue, white, and cotton.

Sun and hat

Bring a wide-brimmed hat and SPF 30+ sunscreen. The sun reflects off water and sand. Even on a cloudy day, you can burn. Reapply sunscreen after the island lunch or if you swim at your hotel (do not swim in Delta channels).

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Frequently asked questions

What should I wear on an Okavango Delta tour?

Neutral earth tones (khaki, olive, stone). Layers: merino base, fleece, rain jacket. Closed-toe walking shoes. DEET insect repellent. Avoid black, blue, white, and cotton.

Why avoid black and blue?

Dark colours attract tsetse flies, which bite and the bite itches for hours. Blue especially is flagged by insects. Khaki and olive are the best choice.

Do I need a rain jacket?

Yes, even in the dry season. Morning dew is common, and unexpected moisture happens on a mokoro. A lightweight rain jacket shields you. In green season (Nov–Mar), afternoon storms are daily; rain jacket is essential.

What about luggage?

Soft duffel bag (50–60 litres). Hard suitcases don't fit on regional aircraft to Maun. Airlines have strict baggage limits; pack light.