What Colours Attract Bugs in Africa? Safari Clothing Guide
- By Bena Roberts | Ethical Safari Specialist for Women
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
What colours attract bugs in Africa?
This is a great question. One that I get asked all the time. Will some people wear a safari outfit and then get bitten? YES. A safari outfit, or the colour of the outfit, will NOT stop you from being bitten.
It is ok to worry about the colour of your clothes to stop insects from eating you. But it's not enough.
Method | Why it works | My Personal Rating |
B12 (500mg) | Changes skin scent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (My secret weapon) |
Citronella Soap | Natural barrier | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Before the lotion) |
Long Sleeves | Physical shield | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Best for evenings) |
DEET Lotion | Chemical repellent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Essential for Zanzibar) |
I learned the hard way..... Being eaten alive in Zanzibar...
I am allergic to mosquito bites. I do not swell up and have a red spot, like my husband. My bites go big and volcanic, and I often need antibiotics. Or at least, that used to happen.
I really learned the hard way on my amazing African holiday to Zanzibar.
My Safari mosquito bite allergic reaction was epic.
It is that kind of nightmare that makes you want to hide in a box and not come out... or ever travel again.
Basically, I got bitten between the eye and ended up being blind for about 3 days.
When you spend a fortune on your dream adventure. You do NOT want mosquitoes or bugs to ruin it and be unable to operate for three days.
It happened to me. So, I understand the concern about
mosquito bites
allergic reactions
And. I have compiled a list of what you need to do to stop being bitten.
How did I get eaten alive in Zanzibar and then leave South Africa without one insect bite?
Basically, I got clever. I read about regions and arid areas vs tropical areas. Now, I chose arid areas as they naturally have fewer mosquitoes.
But, more than that. I started to protect my skin - inside and out. Malaria does not scare me as much as that sneaky mosquito bite between the eyes. But I love the tropics. I am not going to never go to a tropical country again, because of fear.
My personal protocol to stop being bitten.
I take vitamin B12 religiously before and during a holiday. Bugs do not like the smell. But they still bite you. The benefit, however, is that the bites do not go volcanic. The allergic reaction is virtually zero.
Citronella is my best friend. I shower with citronella soap and wash with it in the evenings too. I buy a block, cut it, and take it with me, everywhere! So, I never use any smelly soaps in Africa that can attract flies. I just use citronella.
I dress better. I wear anything I like in the day. I love white and khaki clothes. But at night I wear long trousers and long shirts.
Reach out to me if you want to know more.. but below is my brain dump on everything bug and mosquito-related in Africa.
Protection Type | Best for… | Key Ingredient |
Tropical Spray | Evening Dinners | DEET |
Natural Soap | Daily Shower | Citronella |
Supplement | Internal Defense | Vitamin B12 |
Clothing | Bush Walks | Long Sleeves/ Pants |
What colours attract bugs in Africa?
Black and blue.
Do all bugs love black and blue colours?
No, but.... The Tsetse fly does. The Tsetse fly is a special biting bug. It loves dark colours.
But mosquitoes are attracted to sweat more than colours. Mosquitoes love water. I say, check where you are going first! Read my When is Mosquito Season post for a comprehensive answer. But where you are going in Africa and when or where there is water... is very important if you are worried about mosquitoes.
Are some areas in Africa worse for mosquitoes than other areas?
Yes.
In the North of Kenya, in Samburu, it is a dry arid climate and there are hardly any flies or mosquitoes. In South Africa, I wore Deet and was not bitten. In Zanzibar, I was eaten alive on day one. But I got sensible after that and wore better clothes when dining outside.
Should I only wear green, brown and khaki in Africa?
No. This does not mean I only wore green colours in Africa. To avoid mosquitoes, I wore the colours that I wanted... but, wore long arms and long trousers. This was my best protection against mosquitoes. The fact that I was covered-up.
Should you wear black and blue on Safari?
Yes. I did. In fact, my black leggings were a treasure during a bush walk. The protection from everything. This includes scratches from bushes, long grass, etc.
My personal experience after going on several safaris in Africa.
In the Masai Mara, there are more bugs, but I wore blue, black, red, pink, and all the colours that I wanted. I did, however, have a green khaki shawl that I would wrap over me if I felt dusty....or if I were nervous about either mud or mosquitoes when outside dining in Africa.
When do mosquitoes attack?
At night.
Remember, these biting bugs come out at night. So in the day, you can wear most colours. There are some people who say, elephants don’t like red. But look at the Maasai people, they love red, and so do I! I don’t think wearing red will make an elephant notice you!
Main Take-Away
So, in my opinion. You can wear a colour on Safari. But if you are going to travel to a very remote place, where many mosquitoes swarm, near the sea, or to malaria high-risk areas... then avoid blue and black. If you are only going to Samburu or the Masai Mara, you will be fine.
Can you wear white on Safari? Or is white a colour that attracts bugs in Africa?
Yes. Another question, I get asked about a lot. Read my post Why shouldn't I wear white on Safari? As its a good post! But the short answer is YES. You can wear white on Safari.
How to Avoid Mosquitoes in Africa FAQ
What body lotion do mosquitoes hate?
Mosquitoes love sweat and water. So you should be wearing a light body lotion that may contain thyme or citrus scents.
But really, if you sweat a lot, you would do well to keep a spare shirt and or a towel with you.
How likely are you to get malaria in Africa?
If you are only going to the Masai Mara - then very unlikely.
What is the best repellent for malaria and mosquitoes?
I take Vitamin B12 500mg. I start one or two weeks before the Safari or trip and then daily on the trip.
Do mosquitoes like the smell of Vitamin B12? Or a Vitamin B Complex?
No. That is why you should take it, especially if you are a vegetarian.
Should I take malaria pills?
If you are on your first Safari, it's best to. For your own safety. I do not take them anymore, but that is because I take B12 and also dress well to avoid bites.
Are plug-in mosquito repellents effective?
Yes. But in Africa. I would use a Deet lotion when having dinner outside. The smell will repel the mosquitoes very effectively.
What soap do you use on Safari?
I always take citronella soap. I find that the most effective repellent. I wash with the citronella soap, and then I put my usual creams and products on top.
Is malaria a fatal disease?
For children in Africa, yes. For a tourist with access to a doctor, no.
Do mosquito bracelet repellents actually work?
Not on me.
What about trainers? Are trainers OK for a Safari? Read here!
Join me for my April and May 2026 dates. I have the best mix of culture and adventure.
Let’s embark on this unforgettable journey together! 🌍✨
Worried about mud and mosquitoes, read my Tsetse flies post.
My women's safari hygiene posts... Or want to know about what shoes I wore to survive the mud? Real-life Safari Shoe Guide for Women
Thinking about a safari? Check out my Women's Ethical Tours.
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