German East Africa
It’s all about the hats.
The iconic image of the Schutztruppe was a jaunty khaki uniform topped off by the turned up hat known as the Sudwester. Seen frequently in pre-war portraits and post war veterans organizations, it wasn’t worn that often during the campaign. Nevertheless, the majority of my force sports them because let’s face, they’re cool.
Much more common in period photos is the tropical helmet. The high peak was supposed to allow air to circulate via air vents in the sides while also providing protection from the sun.
The field cap had mostly been replaced by 1914 but a very view photos show them being worn.
Left to right, the classic Sudwester, the tropical helmet and the field cap. 
The issue hat of the Askari was called the tarbush and is seen on the left. The figure on the right wears a scrounged up hat, probably civilian or handmade by the soldier himself. As the war progressed, uniforms were constantly modified or replaced by using captured uniforms or civilian clothes. 
A German naval officer on the left in a white tropical hat and khaki landing party uniform while on the right, an enlisted sailor in the tropical landing party uniform with naval cap. Why the officer’s uniform was issued in khaki and the enlisted sailor’s uniform was issued in white boggles the mind. The white uniforms and hats were quickly dyed to a khaki color. Most naval caps were also replaced by tropical helmets. Both figures are by Brigade Games. 
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