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Best safari clothing: brands, clothes & tips for African safaris

You’re off on safari! You’ve done all the research , purchased the guide books , and the tickets are hot in your hand.

But most importantly, you’re getting ready to pack your ultra-light bag with everything you’ll need for your trip of a lifetime.

You’ve read all the advice you can handle (perhaps even this post on how to pack for safaris for your African bush adventure).

But when it comes down to the line, you still have no idea whether your favorite sweater is going to be a help or a hindrance, if you should pack jeans, how many pairs of socks are enough, and what on earth to expect once you are out in the wild.

What to wear on safari is something of a conundrum , the answer to which is entirely dependent on whether you are a complete slave to fashion and constantly worry about your appearance.

Or whether you don’t care if your trousers absolutely match your shirt and if your shoes co-ordinate properly with your camera bag.

So, in a bid to help sort the wheat from the chaff when it comes to safari style, this guide aims to highlight the best safari clothing brands and tips for your next trip to Africa .

African Safari Clothes: 7 Useful Tips

The African savanna has seen virtually every take on both the best and worst dressed safari goers , including some of the most practical and impractical safari gear around.

This includes everything from haute couture animal prints hot off the Milan catwalk, to Prada stilettos getting stuck in between the slats of wooden decks, and $300 silk scarves ripped to shreds by thorn bushes.

There are also tales of wild baboons getting hold of Victoria’s Secret lingerie and leaving it draped for all to see high in the branches of an acacia tree.

There are plenty of stories about complete wardrobe disasters—but to ensure you’re not one of them, here is a list of useful tips on how to dress for safaris .

1. Leave the luxury safari clothing at home

Lesson 1 in safari style is to NEVER take your best clothes into the bush .

If you find a pair of shorts, trousers, or a top you love and know that it would break your heart to have it ruined on safari, it’s probably best to leave it at home .

Instead, look for clothing that is specifically suited for the wild . And if the item comes in different colors, buy the range!

This way, over the years, you’ll acquire a variety of clothes which come everywhere with you. Look out for clothes that you can team together to create practical yet stylish outfits.

2. Keep your clothes for safari simple

Lesson 2 is learning how many of each item you will need . As a rule of thumb, always go with four of the basics.

Four pairs of shorts , four pairs of cut-off pants , four string vests , four t-shirts , four pairs of long pants , four button-through shirts (two of which are long-sleeved), four sets of underwear , four pairs of socks … you get the drift, I am sure!

When traveling in winter or during the colder months of the year, add to this scenario two lightweight long-sleeve t-shirts and two knitted sweaters , plus two fleeces or warm jackets , thermal long johns , gloves , a scarf , and a beanie .

When considering your safari apparel, ALWAYS pack a swimsuit and a couple of sarongs/kikoys . Even in the winter, it’s usually warm enough to suntan during the day and sometimes even swim.

3. Your safari wear should include comfortable shoes

Lesson 3 concerns footwear . In the heat of the summer, it is best to pack at least two pairs of “bush slops” – flip flops (thongs) which are heavy-duty, waterproof, and good enough to handle walking in the light bush for game drives.

You may also need two or three pairs of fashionable flip-flops or sandals for around camp and evening meals, and a pair of good walking shoes ( Merrells ) for walking safaris.

In the winter, replace the walking shoes with walking boots and add a pair of lightweight faux-fur lined “trendy” flat boots for evening wear.

4. Safari fashion: accessories

Accessorize – that’s the key to lesson 4 – it’s the difference between a good safari wardrobe and a bad one. Two or three lightweight colored scarves and/or wraps are a must in any safari bag .

Usually, they have beadwork or applique of some description on them. These are useful for dressing up even the most conservative safari outfit—great if you’re looking to add a dash of glamor to your evening meals. Team them up with a couple of great “ethnic” bead necklaces and earrings .

Another essential item to include with your safari attire is a hat —and these can most certainly be fun. Pack in a couple of lightweight, floppy straw sun-hats, as these are great for game drives or tiger fishing.

Another good option is the usual peak baseball-style caps.

5. What to wear on safari – quality

Lesson 5 is all about quality . Everything you take into the bush with you needs to stand the test of time.

This includes the elements of the African wild, the rigors of hand-washing, and bumping and grinding in the back of a safari vehicle halfway across Africa.

So it’s important to check your clothes before you pack to make sure they can be hand-washed, aren’t going to fall apart the first time you wear them, and are not likely to fade too drastically when hung in the sun to dry.

The material of your clothing is also important. When out in the wild, it is best to stick to strong natural materials like hemp , linen , leather , and wool .

Nylon and polyester also tend to provide adequate protection against the elements.

6. Best safari clothing brands

Wondering where to buy safari clothes? Most of the high-street fashion chains carry good quality fashionable safari clothes which will stand up to the average safari conditions.

As such, you may be able to avoid the need to go to specialist outfitters and camping/outdoor stores where things tend to cost a lot more.

And, of course, the big brands like Jeep (a favorite with safari goers because their clothes are practical, hard-wearing, and pretty at the same time) and Cat always have some great clothes for safaris—including some of the best safari shirts.

In addition to these, here are several more reliable brands to consider when buying safari clothes:

• Columbia — this is a good option for those seeking affordable safari clothing that is still good quality.
• First Ascent — if you’re buying safari clothes in South Africa, keep an eye out for this brand as it offers some excellent quality clothing.
• Patagonia — while the brand is more expensive, they provide some of the highest quality outdoor clothing and gear on the market.
• REI — if you’re shopping online, REI is often the go-to for outdoor gear. Their house brand is affordable and offers many items that will serve you well on your safari.
• Ruggedwear — proudly South African, it is an official partner of the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA).
• Sapmok — footwear for every adventure. Comfy. Durable. And stylish.

7. What color clothing for African safaris

Finally, lesson 7 concerns white . Do you take white clothes into the bush with you? Hell yes.

As long as you don’t expect them to remain white for long and can accept the fact that no matter where you wear them, they’re bound to get a little dirty. It’s more or less a bush essential in my book because it reflects sunlight , keeps you cool and goes with everything .

Everyone says, “don’t wear white on a safari vehicle,” – but this is far from the truth. However, white isn’t the only color that’s good for safaris.

When dressing for safaris, the basic color range is simple: khaki , beige , white, and brown (or variations thereof).

Avoid black and blue during the day because they attract tsetse flies .

But do occasionally take these colors for evening wear when the tsetses have gone to bed.

What to Wear on an African Safari: Checklist

Now that you’re all clued up with what to consider when deciding what clothes to wear on a safari, it’s time to pack.

Here’s a checklist to ensure you don’t miss anything.

Africa safari clothing list

Below are some of the most essential pieces of clothing to bring along on a safari:

• 4 safari shirts
• 4 casual t-shirts or vests
• 4 safari pants or shorts
• 4 pairs of blister-proof socks for safari walks
• 3 pairs of pajamas
• 2 warm fleece tops or jackets (good for a summer or winter safari outfit)
• 2 pairs of flip-flops or sandals (one for the wild and one for at the lodge)
• 2 safari dresses (for at the lodge)
• 2 swimming costumes
• 1 waterproof jacket
• 1 kikoy or sarong
• 1 wide-brim hat or baseball cap
• 1 pair of safari shoes or boots

Safari gear and accessories list

In addition to clothing, you should include the following items when packing for a safari:

• 4 pairs of anti-chafing tights (good for walking safaris)
• 2 pairs of garden gloves (useful for gorilla trekking safaris)
• 2 pairs of ankle gaiters
• 1 pair of sunglasses
• 1 bottle of sunscreen
• 1 safari belt

Start Packing Your African Safari Clothing

There’s nothing quite like getting down and dirty on an African safari. Whether you’re going on a game drive or a walking safari, you’re sure to come in contact with the various elements of the wild—and not to mention the wildlife, too.

For this reason, having the correct clothing is important . This will protect you during excursions and allow you to blend in better with the natural environment.

So next time you’re contemplating what to wear on African safaris, review the list above . These useful tips will guarantee you have a pleasant experience, both at the lodge and in the bush.

So what are you waiting for? Check out these incredible African safari deals and start packing!

About The Author

Sharon van Wyk

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The Essential Safari Clothing Guide

The first thing you may be thinking is, why safari clothing? What makes it different?

First, it’s tailored to the outdoor conditions common on safaris.

Second, all of the pockets on African safari clothing can be very useful when you carry gear around, especially if you’re out to take photos and/or videos to document this incredible adventure travel experience.

Sometimes you may be out in the elements for hours on end as you wait to spy some incredible wildlife, and you’re going to enjoy the experience a lot more if you’re comfortable.

This brief guide to African safari clothing will help you to do that as you watch for majestic lions, elegant giraffes, stately elephants and all of the other amazing wildlife you’ll see while on safari in Kenya , Tanzania , South Africa or another African location.

So what kind of safari clothing should you be thinking about while preparing for your expedition to Africa?

Keep this in mind: Chances are you’re going to be out in some hot weather and maybe walking through some rugged country while out in the bush, so you need to protect your skin from head to toe. That means you need to cover up as much as you can.

Do bring some extra safari clothing for colder weather. You may be surprised how much the temperatures can drop at night, so think layers.

Three comfortable outfits (shirts, pants, underwear) are often recommended for a safari, but check with your guide and ask for their recommendation based on the number of days of your safari, seasonal weather conditions and the type of safari you choose.

You may want to dress differently if you’re going to be trudging through the bush as opposed to sitting in a vehicle the whole time.

Wear neutral colors like khaki, brown and olive.

Bright colors, like red, draw attention to you and are not good for viewing wildlife. They may even scare off some of the animals you want to see.

White (and pale colors in general) can also draw attention and they will show all of the dirt you run into on your safari, so stay away from them as well. And some claim that blues and blacks attract certain nasty insects that like to bite, so you may also want to stay away from these colors.

Do not bring camouflage colored safari clothing. You may get mistaken for the military and that, my friend, could ruin your whole safari.

Here’s your list of essential African safari clothes.

Safari hat The safari hat is the key to protection from the sun. You’ll want it to be gas permeable to release the heat from your head and it should have a wide enough brim so that your neck and face are protected even when the sun gets low.

Look for a hat with an absorbent band on the inside to catch your sweat and make sure it’s waterproof to keep you a little drier should you run into an unexpected rainstorm.

Long safari trousers You’re going to need long safari pants for full protection against sunburn, mosquito bites at night and getting scraped up in the bush. You might also want to bring some safari short pants for those hot African afternoons. Just make sure you stay in the shade or put on plenty of sunscreen.

Here’s a great tip for you. Find long safari pants that are convertible to shorts. They’ll have zippers about half way down the leg that allow you to remove the bottoms. They’re the perfect solution for any safari weather conditions.

Long sleeved shirts The long sleeved safari shirts follow the same principles as the trousers. You need them for protection from the sun and from getting scraped up when out walking in the bush. Do take a short sleeved shirt, or two, if you like, or just take loose fitting long sleeved shirts that you can roll up past your elbows.

Safari jacket (or safari vest) Safari jackets are great for the evenings and at night when it can get pretty chilly, or for the cooler times of the year. An alternative for when it’s hot is the safari vest. The great thing about both of these garments is that they have plenty of pockets, which is great when you need to carry gear (like photography equipment).

A couple of points to wrap things up Think lightweight when packing: Safari clothing made from lightweight fabrics, lightweight safari walking shoes or boots (no heavy boots unless they are necessary for a walking tour) and don’t over pack. You don’t want to be hauling heavy luggage through the bush.

And leave your jewelry at home. It will just get in the way, and it doesn’t impress the wild animals anyway, so why bother.

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Safari Shop

The stuff you need to take with you on safari.

Heading off on safari and need to stock up? Our safari shop has you covered with our selections of everything you could possibly need for your trip.

Read our advice on the clothes you’ll need to take on safari with you, or dive straight into our guides on the best safari hats and safari jackets available in all styles.

If you’re needing some inspiration to improve your safari knowledge we also have articles on the best African safari books and safari movies to dive into before you go, or during downtime on your trip.

What to wear on safari

What types of clothing to take on a safari holiday will depend on where you’re going and when, and much more. However, there are a number of fundamental principles around  what to wear on safari .

• What to take on safari

The golden rule of packing for any trip is that less is more. However, when going on safari there are certain things that you shouldn’t be without. So here’s our  list of the 10 things to take on safari.

Safari jackets

Safari jackets are sometimes mistakenly considered a fashion trend, but you should bear in mind that safari jackets have a very specific use, hence they have a certain design that is specific to the terrain and activities you’ll experience on a safari.

Safari hats

These days safari hats are being worn not just for protection from the sun, but as a fashion statement too, acceptable as an accessory of choice when going outdoors in any situation.

Safari books

Finally booked that safari trip you’ve been dreaming about for years? Now’s the time to start thinking about which African safari books to get reading!

Safari movies

Hollywood has a long history of creative safari movies about all things Africa and  wildlife  – dating back to 1932’s  “Congorilla” documentary . Here we pick the very best safari films  to bring the magic of the safari experience into your living room.

Any other products you’d like to see us list or review in our safari shop? Drop us a note in the comment section below!

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Safari basics

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Africa’s best game reserves

• Chobe National Park, Botswana
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Safari Clothing Guide – What to Wear on an African Safari

Nothing quite compares to seeing animals in their natural habitat, and given that safari conditions can vary widely, it’s very important to bring the right gear with you on safari. Prior to my trip, I made a list of what to pack for an African safari, so use the list below as your safari clothing guide.

You may also like: The Ultimate Beach Bucket List

Since many animals are nocturnal or are most active when the sun is less intense, safari game drives typically occur during dusk and dawn. Due to sunrise and sunset game drives, bush walks, and even night game drives in the rain, I packed a variety of clothing from windbreakers to water-repellant pants.

Safari clothing packing list

While on safari, clothes that are light in weight and light in color are best. You don’t actually need a lot of clothes, and you should choose clothing that you can wear in layers.

Depending on your safari duration, it’s best to stick to three to four days worth (i.e., one safari outfit per day) of safari clothing and launder the clothes every few days.

To ensure you have all the essentials, here are some must-have items to pack:

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• Waterproof, lightweight jacket. The North Face Women’s Osito Triclimate Jacket is very versatile and offers many options for different weather conditions. For one, it’s waterproof, which is a must. Second, it incorporates a fleece, which is one of the other items I recommend, as sometimes, especially at night, it’s good to have an extra layer of warmth. You can either buy the Triclimate Jacket or The North Face Osito Jacket (fleece) separately.
• Poncho. Typically, safari camps have ponchos for guests to use. However, given that they are easy to pack, it’s safe to bring one with you, such as the Anyoo Waterproof Rain Poncho Lightweight Reusable Hiking Hooded Coat Jacket .

• Lightweight sweater. If you want variety and a little more style in the clothes you wear, opt for a lightweight sweater that you substitute for a fleece. Tommy Bahama offers some of my favorite travel wear.
• Light-colored, long-sleeve shirts. My favorite brand for outdoor and activewear apparel is Columbia. The attention to detail and insulating properties of their clothes make them so easy to wear. The Columbia Women’s PFG Bahama Long Sleeve Shirt and Columbia Women’s PFG Zero Long Sleeve Shirt are both quick-dry and offer a variety of colors.
• Soft stretch-cotton camis. When dressing in layers, Hanes Women’s Stretch Cotton Cami is very comfortable and are an important layer of clothes for outdoor activities. If you are a person that sweats a lot, you should also consider the Under Armour Women’s Rest Day Cami Shirt .
• Water and stain-repellent pants . Bring two to three pairs of pants such as Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Ii Convertible Pants , which are also convertible to shorts.
• Dressy outfits. Though not necessary, packing a few dressier outfits for the boma dinner will add a little pizazz to your experience. A boma is an open-air place that is enclosed within a wall of tall reeds, where guests gather for a candlelit outdoor dinner, typically with a fire pit, too. It’s a very intimate setting in which many guests wear nicer apparel. A few of my favorite brands for such an occasion are: J. Crew , Ralph Lauren , Anthropologie , and White House Black Market .
• Swimsuit. Most luxury safari lodges have either a private or public pool and a small spa, so you should definitely bring a few swimsuits so you can take a dip in the pool. J Crew is one of the best brands for stylish yet comfortable vacation swimwear.

Shoes and accessories

• Moisture-wicking socks. I love Dickies Women’s Dritech Advanced Moisture Wicking Crew . They are engineered for air circulation and moisture control and have arch support.
• Waterproof hiking boots. KEEN Women’s Voyageur Mid Hiking Boot is a durable option for a variety of safari conditions. You should also bring a pair of flip-flops and casual shoes.
• Safari-style Hat. I like Columbia’s Unisex Bora Bora hat , which features UPF 50 protection, a sweat-wicking headband, and a mesh vent panel.
• Sunglasses. Ray-Ban’s Rb4440nf Blaze Wayfarer Sunglasses have offer a futuristic style of one of the brand’s iconic shapes. In addition, the polarized lenses help to reduce glare, which is something to consider during while bird watching, on bush walks, or observing animals in trees.

Safari equipment

• Binoculars. Bushnell is my got-to brand, and the Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof Roof Prism Binoculars are the perfect pick for the varied conditions of an African safari.
• Backpack. The Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack is a great option for safari outings. It’s multifunctional compartments and lightweight design allow you store items you might need, including snacks, water, and binoculars, and small accessories and clothing.
• DSLR Camera. I love Nikon cameras for their exceptional quality, and the Nikon D5600 DSLR has all the features you’ll need, including WiFi and Bluetooth. While on safari, renting a supplemental lens, from companies such as Borrow Lenses , for up close shots is highly recommended.

Where to stay near Kruger National Park

My safari experience in South Africa took place at the luxury Sabi Sands Game Reserve, a private game reserve with more than 20 luxury lodges adjacent to Kruger National Park.

Situated on a prime location on the Sabie River, one of those lodges, the Lion Sands Game Reserve , was my safari oasis. Lion Sands offered the ultimate glamping experience featuring luxury tents, exciting game drives, sundowners on the savannah, and boma dinners under the stars.

Have you been on a safari before? Would you add any items to our safari clothing list?

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Safari Clothing

Wondering about what to wear while on an African safari? Here is all what you need to know about the African safari attire that you need for your safari. Find peace of mind & answers to your questions about what African safari clothing to have for your African safari. Learn what to expect & be prepared for your African safari vacation.

Here are some essential African safari attire tips

We have given you the items are that we think are essential African safari attire. Safari attire that will enhance your African cultural & wildlife safari experience.

Safari Attire Guidelines

• When getting your safari attire choose beige, khaki, brown and olive for safaris and game walks. They are least disruptive to the animal’s eyes, they are natural and camouflage well.
• Bring a sweater and layers of clothes. It may be chilly on the evening game drives and hot during the day. During the day a tee shirt and shorts are fine.
• What safari attire you pack also depends on the time of year that you will be traveling. During the winter months (May to September), it can be chilly in the mornings and evenings, so it is a good idea to have long trousers and a warm sweater. Summer temperatures can be very hot, so loose clothes in breathable fibers are most comfortable. Simple separates are ideal. They can be layered to add warmth if necessary.
• I always recommend bringing a sweater. And I always have layers even in summer, since the nights can be quite cool due to the high altitude. You are well above sea level in many safari areas of South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania. At night you need to have long sleeved shirts and long pants for protection from mosquitoes and for warmth.
• Again, neutral colored clothing is preferable on safari. Clothing is generally casual, especially at holiday resorts and in the game reserves. However, in some of the more exclusive hotels, men are required to wear jacket and tie for dinner. Black tie for dinner is optional for a journey on The Blue Train and Rovos Rail.

Suggested List Of Safari Attire & Supplies

Here is a suggested list of safari attire & supplies that you can use as a guideline.

Scroll further below for a checklist of other essential things you must remember to bring.

• 2 pairs khaki cotton pants (jeans may be too hot)
• 2 pairs sturdy shorts
• 2 long sleeved shirts (for sun protection as well as warmth)
• 1 light sweater or sweatshirt
• 1 lightweight, waterproof windbreaker
• 1 or 2 pair sturdy walking or hiking boots or running shoes
• 3-5 short-sleeved shirts or T-shirts
• 5 changes underwear and socks
• 1 hat with a brim (you need to also protect your ears and neck)
• Note most lodges have a laundry service, complimentary or at a charge
• Also bring insect repellent if camping though most lodges have this
• Small personal first aid kit & if you take prescription medicines bring what you need for the whole trip. They won’t be available on safari.
• Bring a copy of your prescription; it may be available in the cities.
• Repair kit: needle and thread, nylon cord, rip-stop tape
• Plastic packets to compartmentalize items within your travel bag
• For a mobile safari (where you will go from camp to camp and porters set up camp for you in advance) the best luggage is a soft bag, or backpack with an internal frame.
• If part of your itinerary includes light aircraft flights, there are serious weight restrictions. You are usually restricted to 10 or 12kg (22 or 26 lbs), per person, in a soft bag. Storage space in a light aircraft is at a premium, and the pilot may refuse to take on bulky or excessive luggage. You will be charged for the excess.

What you should also bring:

• Sunscreen or block. In Africa the sun is strong nearly year round. So if you are pale a #10 or higher screen will be needed for the first few days; #4 or 5 may be adequate thereafter.
• Aspirin or Tylenol for mild pain or headache
• Moisturizer, lip balm
• Anti diarrhea medicine
• Topical antibiotic, for cuts, bites or sores
• Insect repellent. The principal active ingredient is N, N-Diethyl-Metatoluamide (DEET), an effective repellent will have 75% content or higher. Liquid drops are best for skin application unless your skin is sensitive, sprays can also be used for clothes Sun Sticks are best for lips and nostrils
• Moleskin or Second Skin adhesive pads for blisters

From our experience the following are also great to have:

• Camera and film or memory card. And batteries. Film and batteries can often be obtained at the lodges or rest camps. It will be expensive though.
• Paperback reading and writing material (keep weight at a minimum)
• Bird and animal checklist some lodges have these
• Extra sweater
• Gloves yes, gloves you have a wind chill effect when you are on early morning game drives. This is especially so when in the the back of open 4 x4 s
• Down vest or jacket if you get cold easily

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The Best Safari Clothing & What to Pack

If you’ve never been on an African safari before, knowing what to wear and what to pack can be a little daunting!

But with this what to wear on safari guide, I’ll help you pick out the best safari clothing as well as all the other essentials you may need.

On most trips through East or Southern Africa, you are likely to encounter a few different temperatures and weather conditions within one trip as it can be hot and humid on the coast, but dry and cool on the African savanna, just a few hours away.

So if you’re going on a longer trip that includes different things such as safari, trekking and beach time – think about your trip as a whole and plan your safari clothes accordingly.

To help you, check out my Complete Africa Packing List , my Kilimanjaro Packing List and What to Wear in Zanzibar post.

Please Note:  Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate sales help with the running costs of this site, so thank you for your support!

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Clothes for Safari & What to Pack

Clothes for Safari – What to Consider

Ok, so I know on Instagram, everyone looks like a glamorous, modern-day Karen Blixen, or a full-on Indiana Jones – but in reality, hardly anyone dresses like that on a safari and it’s not usually required, especially when you’re in a car all day.

By all means, dress like that if you want to, it does look lovely in pictures and khaki is pretty trendy these days, but don’t feel like you have to. The only time you really need to be in safari colours is when you’re doing a walking or cycling safari (see below) and therefore more visible to the animals.

Most people wear either their normal clothes or hiking-type clothes when they’re on safari, so what I’m saying is, you don’t need to go out and spend a ton of money on specific ‘safari’ clothes that you might only wear once.

I’ve probably done over a hundred safaris, and the only piece of ‘safari-specific’ clothing I own, is my safari hat and bought that because it has great sun protection, and I thought it would look good in pictures – but any wide-brimmed high SPF hat would work!

I have some khaki-coloured clothes, but most of them are just regular clothes. I generally recommend comfy clothes that can be layered.

You can also buy insect-repellant clothing which is treated with permethrin (or other types of bug spray), or you can buy the permethrin yourself and treat your clothes.

Your clothes for safari should:

• Protect you from the sun.
• Protect you from insects.
• Protect you from the environment (ie. scratches/stubbed toes).
• Will keep you cool or warm.

Warm Clothes

People think of Africa as a place that’s always hot, but it really isn’t! In fact, it can be extremely cold at times, especially when you’re on early morning/evening safaris, at altitude (like on the Ngorongoro Crater rim) or sitting outside for hours at night.

Certain times of year are also very cold too. If you’re travelling in the European summer months (May – August), you’ll find places like Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Kenya & Tanzania can be very cold in the early mornings/evenings, but warm in the day!

Whatever time of year you go on safari, it’s always good to at least take a warm jumper, but in the colder months you will also need a warm jacket and perhaps thermals, warm socks, a beanie hat and gloves.

If you’re doing any kind of camping safari, remember that you will be outside a lot!

Neutral Colours

I wear my normal clothes for safari most of the time (jeans/leggings or t-shirts/sweaters) when I’m in the car on safari.

However, if you plan to do things like nature walks, horse riding or cycling safaris, it is best (and often required) for you to wear more neutral colours (green, beige, grey, brown, khaki).

For the above outfit, where I was visiting the last two northern white rhinos in Kenya , I just wore a light green t-shirt from Vegan Outfitters, a pair of khaki-coloured pants from New Look and my Nike trainers. They weren’t special clothes, just regular clothes.

I try to avoid white (it looks great, but it gets extremely dusty/ruined – but it does look good when clean and lots of people still wear white), and black and blue (as they are known to attract tsetse flies). They say you shouldn’t wear very bright colours as they attract mosquitoes, but apparently, mosquitoes don’t like white, green, or purple.

You will also want to avoid any type of camouflage or military-style clothing as some countries don’t allow it.

Long Shirts/Pants

Long-sleeved shirts and long pants are useful for many reasons! They keep you warm, and protect you from the sun, insect bites and scratches.

It’s especially important to cover up at dusk and dawn when the mosquitoes are most active.

And if you’re doing any kind of jungle trekking ( like gorilla trekking ) long shirts and pants are essential to stop you from getting scratched by branches.

Sun Protection

On safari you will often be outside for long periods of time, so you need to think about clothes that will protect you from the strong African sun.

So I would suggest a wide-brimmed sun hat (preferably with a chin strap for when you’re driving – they fly off easily), that has a high SPF factor and a long-sleeved shirt or coverup. And don’t forget your sunscreen too.

Sunglasses are an absolute must for me on a safari, to protect my eyes from the sun and because it’s so damn dusty and windy in the safari cars. My eyes get really dry, so I often bring eye drops too.

I recommend having a pair of sturdy closed-toed shoes (like sneakers, walking shoes, or boots) which are good for walking around at night, walking safaris and hikes.

If you need a pair of boots for trekking that aren’t too heavy for every day, I love my Scarpa boots.

Walking/water sandals with thick soles (like Tevas) are also good for wearing around camp during the day, wearing at night with thick socks or wearing on safari. As they’re pretty multi-purpose, they work well for other parts of your trip too (ie. if you’re going to the beach afterwards etc).

I also like to take my Birkenstocks as they work for lots of different occasions. Some people like crocs too… but I can’t quite bring myself to get on board with those yet.

I would avoid wearing flip-flops. They can be good for around the pool, but they break easily and because the soles are quite thin, you can feel the acacia thorns that get stuck in them.

Clothes You Can Easily Pee In

When you’re on safari, there may be times when you need to pee in the bush. So… safari clothing that is easy to pull up or down is best.

So whilst that khaki jumpsuit may look cute in your pictures, it’s highly impractical – getting half-naked when you’re trying to pee quickly behind a tree is not ideal. Save the rompers for evenings in the lodge.

Safari Packing List

Safari Clothing

• Sun Hat: A wide-brimmed hat is an essential part of your safari clothing kit. The crushable ones are best for packing. But I love the hats from Rogue Outdoors. I have this one .
• Sunglasses: To protect your eyes from the sun/dust/branches.
• Buff/Light Scarf: These are great for keeping you warm, covering up from the sun, or keeping the dust out of your hair/face. A scarf can also make a pretty normal outfit look a bit more glam.
• Down (or Warm) Jacket: Essential for the colder months.
• Fleece/Sweater: Essential for all year round, for morning safaris/evenings.
• Long-Sleeved Shirt: Great for sun and bug protection. You might also consider a thermal top for when it’s cold.
• Long Pants: For warmth, bug protection, and trekking. If you bring leggings, thicker ones are better as mozzies and tsetse can bite through thinner ones. I also like jeans as you can wear them on safari and in the cities, but they’re not great for any humid areas.
• Shorts/T-shirts/Tank Tops: For everyday wear. Make sure your shorts aren’t ‘too’ short.
• Dress/Evening Wear: If you’re on a camping safari, you’ll probably stay in what you wore during the day. But if you’re at a lodge, you’ll want some nicer clothes for the evening – safari clothing doesn’t all have to be practical. But most lodges aren’t particularly dressy though so you can leave your ball gown at home.
• Regular Socks: For wearing with sneakers.
• Thick Socks: These are great for keeping you warm, hiking and mosquito protection. Rock the socks and sandals look, we all do it in Africa.
• Underwear: I like to bring enough for 2 weeks, but I know some people who bring just a few day’s worth and wash in the shower as they go!
• Sports Bra: Ladies, if you get sore boobs on bumpy roads, bring a good, high-impact sports bra.
• Swimsuit: Some lodges have pools, so pack your cozzie.
• Waterproof Jacket: You may want to take a packable waterproof jacket in case of rain.

Other Safari Essentials

• Bag: You’re going to need something to put all that safari clothing in, so I recommend taking a soft backpack or holdall, over a hard suitcase. I like the Osprey Fairpoint range. Mine is a 70L bag, but you’ll need to check your luggage restrictions.
• Daypack: A small rucksack is great for holding your day-to-day essentials, valuables, and camera. Can also work as your carry-on for the plane.
• Head Torch/Lamp: Very useful for when the power goes out! I never travel without mine. Some safari lodges provide these but better to have your own.
• Camera & Lenses: You’ll want to capture all those wonderful safari moments, so I recommend a DSLR with a lens of up to 300 – 400mm. I like the lenses that go from 18mm – 300/400mm so that you don’t have to change them, but these are quite heavy to carry around all the time.
• Spare Camera Battery: So you never have to miss a great shot.
• Phone: Great for taking close-ups and pictures for Instagram.
• Chargers: For all electronics.
• Adapters: You will need to bring the relevant adapter depending on which country you visit. You can see a list of the right adapters to bring on my destination pages.
• Powerbank: Some safari cars have charges/plus built in, but some don’t, so having a powerbank is really useful.
• Sunscreen: SPF 50 or above is best.
• Mosquito Repellent: 50% DEET is recommended. I also like the bands you can get for your wrists and ankles.
• Wet Wipes: Great for having in your handbag/purse to wipe of the safari dust.
• Hand Sanitizer: You won’t always get chance to wash your hands, so have some in your bag.
• Eye Drops: Great to protect against dry eyes.
• Lip Balm: With an SPF to protect you from the sun.
• Moisturiser: Your skin will get very dry, so bring some good moisturiser. I take face moisturiser, body oil, lip balm, and heel cream – the whole lot!

For more info on what to pack for your trip overall, see my full Backpacking Africa Packing List .

One Last Piece of Advice

Try not to overpack. If you’re on a driving safari, you will need to travel with your bag in the car when you move between destinations, so the less stuff you have, the less stuffed your car will be. This is more important when there are 6 of you in a car. If there’s just a couple of you, you’ll have more space.

If you’re on a camping safari, you’re going to have to sleep with your bag in your tent! If you’re on a fly-in safari, many of the small airlines have luggage restrictions (up to 15kg and soft bags only) so check what you are allowed to bring.

Have you been on a safari? Any other suggestions for great safari clothing?

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I love to travel all over the world, but it's Africa that holds a special place in my heart. My mission is to help people travel Africa in an authentic, safe, fun, adventurous and ethical way.

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What To Wear On a Luxury Safari to Kruger National Park

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I was invited to visit Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, and Cape Town by South African Tourism, and when I found out I was going on a safari in Kruger National Park I immediately began researching clothes for a safari and what to pack for a safari.

After I read dozens of packing list articles on what to pack, what to bring, and what to leave at home I was still confused about what to wear to a safari.  

I decided I needed to create a very detailed guide for what to pack for a safari depending on the season and time of year you visit South Africa.

Y’all know I had to be cute for those Instagram-worthy photos!

Deciding what to wear on safari really depends on the time of year and the weather. 

The weather in Africa was nothing as I expected.  I was under the impression it was going to be hot but NO, it was freezing!

Freezing! Freezing!

South Africa gets extremely cold and thank Gawd I checked the weather app because I would have been up a creek. 

This was my first time visiting the continent so I am not sure what I expected but it definitely was not frigid temps.  I will take the guesswork out of what you need to pack for this epic adventure.

The links in this post may be affiliate links.  That means that if you click them and make a purchase, this site makes a commission.  It will have no impact on the price you pay or the experience of your purchase.

I will cover what to wear on safari, what to bring on safari, what colors are appropriate for safari, as well as what you can probably leave behind at home.

Before you begin purchasing clothes for a safari you need to determine what time of the year you will be visiting Africa because that determines what you will need to pack.

Hopefully, I will answer all of your questions and this will be the only safari packing list you will need.  Take your time and go through each section as the article is long but extremely thorough.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Kruger National Park?

The best time to visit the Kruger National Park is the dry season from May to September for the best game viewing and walking safari conditions. 

Vegetation is low and sparse at this time of year, making animals easier to spot and track, while the permanent water sources offer a rewarding safari experience in the Kruger.

Generally considered a year-round destination, choosing exactly when to go to the Kruger depends on what you want to experience.

Kruger has two distinct seasons, the dry winter from May to October, and the summer rainy season from November to April. However, every day in the Kruger National Park is a one-of-a-kind safari adventure.

The best time to visit Kruger National Park is during the dry winter months from May to September.

At this time, the bush thins out, and animals congregate around waterholes and rivers. Conditions tend to get better as winter progresses, and September is particularly lovely since the mornings are less chilly than in mid-winter.

The best wildlife viewing time also coincides with the low season, making it even more attractive.

May to September (Dry season)

High Season

December to January and July to August (Especially during school holidays)

April to mid-June and September to November (Except for the October school holiday)

Best Weather

April to May and September to October (Mild weather and little rain)

Worst Weather

June to August (Chilly mornings and nights) and December to February (Hot and humid)

Now that we have discussed the weather and you have determined what time of the year is best for you to go on a safari let’s get to discuss what you need to pack. 

The 7 Safari Outfits you will Pack for your First Safari

There are plenty of options for what to wear on an African safari but I suggest sticking with primarily khaki or olive colors.

The safari tours in Kruger National Park are viewed from within the confines of an overland truck or 4×4 car. 

You will be driving around the bush all day in an open jeep so be prepared to get covered in dust. 

With that being said understand that shirts, pants and shoes, and whatever else you may be wearing will get dirty and dusty.

• Note: It is illegal to wear Camouflage in Kruger National Park, so stick to your one-toned khaki clothing

P & G Recommended Safari Packing List

3 short-sleeve tops

2 long-sleeve tops

1 windbreaker jacket

1 fleece or warm jacket

2 bras 

5 underwear

1 sunglasses

P & G Recommended Shoe List

1 pair of comfortable sneakers

1 Pair of hiking boots

1 pair sandals

Layers, Layers, and More Layers

As I said earlier if you are under the impression South Africa was warm all year round nothing could be farther from the truth. I realized this as soon as I landed in Johannesburg because it was chilly AF there and it only got colder as we traveled from Jo’Burg to Kruger National Park. 

The temperatures dropped to a low of 30 degrees as soon as the sun started to set.  

Game drives are timed for  when animals are most active . Typically, this means leaving your room for a 2-4 hour game drive beginning at sunrise. 

I chose not to do the early morning game drive because I hate being cold and I am not a morning person. 

Once you return from the morning game drive you will return to the room for lunch and relaxation, followed by another game drive late in the afternoon.

The temperatures will begin to cool off as soon as the sun sets – it goes from feeling relatively nice out to freezing within a matter of minutes which is why layers are essential to pack for a safari in Kruger National Park.

A good packing list for safari will include both short and long sleeve cotton shirts to wear during the day, warm sweaters, and a light jacket to wear in the early morning hours and in the evenings.

I also recommend bringing a scarf, a hat, and gloves.

Safari Color Guide

Do colors really matter?

Yes, Game-viewing should be done by blending in with your surroundings which will enhance your experience.

Watching wildlife behaving naturally is the best way to see Africa’s spectacular wildlife. The color of your clothing can potentially scare off or disturb your sighting – something you want to avoid.

The best safari color is khaki followed by olive, tans, and browns because they are good at handling dirt. 

Remember to keep it casual and comfortable with tee shirts, long-sleeved shirts, shorts, hiking boots, and athletic socks to keep the blisters away.

What Colors you Shouldn’t Wear on Safari

While Black is my favorite color it is not appropriate for a safari because not only does it stand out in the bush i f you are traveling to an area with tsetse flies they are attracted to black and blue colors. 

The last thing you want to do is attract this dreaded fly – an insect with a painful bite – so much so that fly traps are made from blue and black fabric.

With the amount of dust in the bush, white is hardly recommended as it gets dirty very easily therefore w hen on a game drive, you are expected to blend in with the bush as much as possible.

Wear neutral colors, such as khaki, beige, taupe, or grey.  

Having considered what to wear on safari, here’s a selection of the clothes I recommend for your safari packing list.

1. Cotton Tee’s (Long & Short)

While nights are cold when in the bush, days are actually warm and you will often be wandering around in a t-shirt.

Don’t make the rookie mistake I made on my first safari and only pick t-shirts in neutral colors.

You will want something that is super lightweight that can be washed in the sink and will dry quickly. 

Khaki pants

Long pants and long-sleeved tops will keep your skin covered and protect you from the cold and wind, sun, and insect bites.

While many places in Africa can get really hot, remember that some can also get downright chilly and t his is especially true for Kruger National Park.

Long pants are especially useful if you’re going on a walking safari or a game drive where you’re allowed to sometimes exit the vehicle

Even though it was chilly I still decided on short Khaki pants instead of long. I suggest safari shorts that are comfortable, durable, and weather-resistant, and the color of course blends in with the environment .

While many articles I read said don’t wear shorts I decided to take a chance and needless to say I did not get eaten alive by mosquitos or any of the bugs for that matter.

I did spray on a ton of perfume like I was the old dude at the club.

Safari Light sweaters & Layering

As I have stated 5 additional times earlier in this article it gets really cold in South Africa specifically Kruger National Park.

The climate and weather in Africa range from one extreme to another, from extremely cold freezing nights to very hot and dusty afternoons.

Layering is very convenient in these situations. Your layering should include at least one warm layer especially if you plan to go on early morning game drives.

A warm jacket

Multi-functional jackets with various pockets and neutral colors are what you need.

With these, you can safely carry your small safari accessories such as a camera, pair of binoculars, guide books, etc. safari jackets are especially needed on the game drives.

A Scarf, a Hat, and Gloves

I also suggest a wide-brimmed safari hat as it will protect you from the heat and shield your eyes from the glare of the sun and enables you to see animals at a distance.

You may need a chin strap to keep the hat firm on your head. It would even be much better if you got a waterproof hat, it would shield you from both the rain and the sunshine. 

If you happen to be traveling during the cold season, from May to August, I suggest packing a set of thermals to put on under your safari clothes so you can stay warm. 

I traveled to Kruger in September and it was still quite chilly (Freezing at night).

Comfortable Shoes & Boots for Safari

Footwear is an item that should not be overlooked when packing for your safari. Leave your cute shoes at home for your safari unless you want to be limping by the end of the day.

Once you leave the lodge you will need something comfortable to withstand the African terrain and will not leave your feet blistered. 

Safari Socks

The importance of a good quality well fitting sock is imperative on an African safari. Your feet will take a lot of punishment so choose your socks carefully.

Nice Sandals 

Once you return to your room you will want to relax and put your feet up so I highly suggest packing a nice pair of sandals that you can also wear to dinner. 

Pack a swimsuit and some casual clothing for around camp.

Additional Items you will need:

Mosquito repellent .

I didn’t see or get bit by any mosquitoes in Kruger National Park but I did spray a ton of mosquito repellent, wore the armbands and I lathered on citronella oil for extra precautions. 

Sun Screen 

You will also want to protect your skin from sun damage so make sure you apply sunscreen generously.

For the same reasons, make sure to also protect your eyes with a good pair of sunglasses.

A power bank

You will need it to charge your smartphone on the go. Make sure to also bring a plug adaptor too.

Jabulani Safari Lodge provided binoculars for its guest so I didn’t even need to purchase any so make sure you check with the lodge before you purchase any to make sure you need them.

If the lodge you are staying at doesn’t provide binoculars you won’t want to miss any hunting scene or any bird watching, so binoculars are another essential item for your safari packing list.

Camera vs iPhone

A safari is a content creator’s dream.  I don’t think I have ever taken as many photos on any given day as I did during my safari trips.

I didn’t bring my big fancy camera but instead, I simply used my iPhone and my pictures look like they came out of National Geographic!

I just didn’t find it feasible to carry around a big camera when iPhone photos are equally as amazing. I have an iPhone 14 and the picture quality was excellent so if are eligible for an upgrade this is the time.

Toiletry bag

Last but not least is a toiletry bag because if you are anything like me I don’t leave home without my facial products so pick one that has multiple pockets and zips and that can be easily hung. 

Documents you Must Pack

Losing documents is a very common occurrence, especially while traveling. As a result, packing the necessary documents safely should be your first priority before packing the rest of your luggage.

• A passport that has all of the necessary visas for every nation that your safari will visit or pass through.
• A small amount of cash, bank cards, and/or traveler’s checks are recommended. These days, you can also utilize e-wallet apps to avoid lugging around multiple credit cards and cash.
• Air tickets and travel vouchers for any pre-arranged organized safaris that have been purchased.
• Where necessary, vaccination certificates (yellow fever, mumps, etc.) will be provided. Some immunizations must be administered many weeks in advance (see Vaccinations needed for your African Safari).
• Medical treatment may include malaria prevention medications (see Malaria Made Simple) as well as any personal medications (also take your prescription in case of an emergency-your medication gets lost, wet, eaten by a baboon, etc).
• The specifics of your travel insurance policy Your policy number, as well as the contact information for claims and emergencies, will be provided.
• Prepare a copy of all of your important documents, including your airline tickets, travel insurance policy, immunization records, and records of prescriptions and prescriptions.

Where to Stay in Kruger National Park

Jabulani safari lodge – a luxury resort.

Jabulani Safari lodge is just breathtaking, only a short drive away from Hoedspruit Airport and you are literally in the South African Bush!

The style and ambiance of Jabulani exude luxury with hints of home.  The main area features an elegant dining room and lounge that lead to an outside wooden deck lying beneath the shade of Leadwood trees.

This is where you will enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily while overlooking the waterhole.

The signature suspension bridge stretches gracefully over the river bed, connecting to the six Jabulani suites and Zindoga Villa which is how you will get to your room from the main area.

Camp Jabulani is a superbly luxurious safari getaway.  It’s all rich wood furniture, crystal glasses, and silver service. The meals are feasts, the wines are fine, the lounge area has wireless internet, and the bushveld views from the wooden deck.

 THE ROOM AT JABULANI:

This luxury South African Safari lodge has  six suites which are secluded, with canvas walls that roll up to reveal the surrounding wilderness.

Each suite is air-conditioned and has a lounge area and fireplace for cold nights, an en-suite bathroom with a stone tub and glass-walled outdoor shower, and a plunge pool.

The beds are huge, with pure cotton sheets and draped mosquito nets. The larger Zindoga Villa which is the villa I stayed in has two individual suites linked by a lounge and serviced by a private chef, butler, and game ranger.

I have never walked into a building or room and been speechless until I walked into our suite. There were elephant towels on the bed and the attention to detail is just outstanding, even down to the little natural leaf-cut elephants on the flannels.

The view from our room overlooked the reserve where you could see animals walking past. Check out the full-length video of our room on my IG reel.

• Kapama Private Game Reserve supports a wide variety of wildlife
• Plenty of activities including game drives, guided walks, and spa therapy
• Exclusive accommodation consisting of six suites
• Accredited Relais & Châteaux property
• Elephant Experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

The contact numbers to make a reservation at Jabulani Safari are:

•  Cape Town Reservations +27 (0) 21 794 9050 •  Durban Reservations: +27 (0) 31 941 5945 •  Johannesburg Reservations: +27 (0) 10 446 8045.

CAMP JABULANI RATES & POLICIES

• Rate Policy:  Daily in USD
• Standard Room:  from $6,489-$6,489 (USD)
• Suite:  from $1,675-$1,675 (USD)
• Credit Cards:  Credit Cards Are Accepted
• Reservation Policy:  Reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card
• Included Meals:  Full Breakfast Included
• Deposit Policy: 25% to confirm the reservation, 2nd 25% 60 days prior to arrival. Full prepayment is due within 48 hours of arrival.
• Camp Jabulani Cancellation Policy:  25% 31-60 days prior to arr, 50% 15-30 days, 100% 1-14 days

Alternatively, you can check availability and book online by clicking here.

Remember, there is no schedule at Camp Jabulani, no program with dictated times and activities.  Instead, the management team will consult with you prior to your arrival to better understand your needs and schedule activities accordingly. 

Some of Camp Jabulani’s amazing include the following:

• Daily elephant back safaris
• Safari drives in the Big Five private Kapama Reserve
• Visits to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre
• Indulgent treatments in the outdoor Therapy Lapa
• Gastronomic delights at the hands of the masterful culinary team
• Hot air balloon excursions over the reserve

The lodge is easily accessible via road, via daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg, or via private charter flights.

Click here to book your stay at Jabulani Game Reserve!

MAKE A RESERVATION  

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Tomiko Harvey | 50 + Luxury Travel Influencer (@tomiko.harvey)

DO YOU NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?

I think most people have questions about where to go for medical care in an emergency. First, I should note that if you’re on spring break, chances are slim that you’ll be needing emergency care.

Still, better safe than sorry! 

I can’t say this enough but please get insurance when traveling to South Africa! Even if you are only going on a short trip, you should always travel with insurance.

Have fun while visiting South Africa ,   but take it from someone who has racked up thousands of bucks on an insurance claim before, you need it.

Make sure to get your insurance before you head off on an adventure!  I highly recommend  Travelex Insurance.

Ready to plan your trip, grab my  FREE  Vacation Planner  to help you plan your trip in the time it takes to watch your favorite TV show!

If you would like to buy me a coffee click here  Passports and Grub click here!

ADDITIONAL ARTICLES FOR TRAVELING

Is Johannesburg Safe for Tourists

Is Cape Town Safe for Tourists

Is South Africa Safe for American Tourists

Have you been on a safari?  Did I leave anything out of my packing list?  Do you have any further recommendations on clothes for a safari? would love to hear your thoughts so leave me a comment on Facebook ,  Twitter , or  Instagram .

ARE YOU ALSO ON PINTEREST?

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• Safari Stories
• Safari Clothing Packing Advice: What Clothing To Pack For Your Safari.

Stories: ALL | ADVICE | EXPEDITIONS | DESTINATIONS | NEWS | PROJECTS

Safari Clothing Packing Advice: What clothing to pack for your safari.

When deciding on the best safari clothing to pack for your safari, let us be your guide into the world of what to wear in Africa.

The safari clothing rule of thumb: Dress in layers for all activities & wear shades of the African bush - khaki, browns, and greens.

Top 10 tips for selecting the best safari clothing.

Follow our safari clothing advice and you'll be comfortable, cool, protected, and assured that the safari clothing you pack is 100% safari suitable. Learn what safari clothing to pack - and what clothing not to pack - for your safari.

To get more insight into this list, please simply scroll down this page to where we elaborate further - and/or download our free packing list.

1.Dress in layers for all activities , with a warm layer essential in the mornings and evenings. Long-sleeved shirts with roll-up tabs and zip-off trousers allow you to adapt to local conditions.

2. Colour is key : Select safari clothing which is made from muted neutral and naturally-toned fabric such as shades of khaki, greens, and browns.

3. No white or black clothing : Please ensure that you do not go on safari wearing clothing made from fabric which is white or black - or shades of fabric which appear white in direct sunlight.

4. No camouflaged clothing : it is illegal in some African countries for civilians to wear camouflage safari clothing, so this is best avoided.

5. Man-made fabric vs cotton : As a general guideline, man-made fabrics (such as polyamide) outperform natural fabrics (such as cotton) - and so keep you cooler and better protected from the sun.

6. Pack a wide-brimmed hat : You will be out in the sun for long hours of the day and a good wide-brimmed hat is an essential.

7. Pack a warm layer : Even in mid-summer, it gets cold on the back of an open 4x4. Do not leave home without a safari jacket or fleece .

8. Pack a dry layer : When it rains in Africa, it tends to pour. If travelling during the rainy season, take a truly waterproof layer . Southern Africa tends to have rains November to April; East Africa gets rain in April/May and in November.

9. Pack light : Luggage restrictions on internal flights means that packing lightweight safari clothing is key. The bonus is the lighter the clothing, the more you can pack in.

10. Comfortable shoes : At the very least, take your best walking shoes and a pair of sandals or flip-flops (thongs).

What safari clothing should I pack for my safari?

This is one of the first questions you will ask once you have booked your safari. Unfortunately, there are many people and blogs who think they know what makes for great safari clothing, but actually have very little idea about what works and what doesn't work well to improve your safari experience. At the end of the day, getting the best advice and packing the correct safari clothing will add to your enjoyment of your safari. Fortunately, we have been asked the question on safari clothing many times over the decades and so have come up with the long answer - and the short answer - and have also created expert safari clothing packing lists to guide you further. For the short answer as to what safari clothing to pack for your safari, we have created our "Top 10 tips for selecting safari clothing". For the long answer, please scroll down below the "top tips" as we go into detail about each key aspect for picking what safari clothing to take with you. Use our image "cheat sheet" too if you don't feel like reading much to get quick, essential safari clothing packing tips

Safari Clothing: Colour is Key

Safari clothing which is made from neutral and naturally-toned colours is the order of the day in deciding what safari clothing to pack for your safari. The best safari clothing colours are therefore shades of khaki, greens, and browns as these are the colours most prevalent in the wilds, wilderness, and back-country of Africa. On the other end of the scale, the worst safari clothing colours are without doubt white and black and lighter shades of natural colours such as very light stone which appear as white when in sunlight. It isn't by chance that animals such as impala and Thompson's gazelle have white rumps to make following one another through the bush easier to do - white really stands out. . Which brings us to the core question here: "why is the choice of colour for safari clothing so important?" You spend a good amount of money going on safari not to watch animals watching you and reacting to you, but rather to view animals behaving - well - as naturally as animals should do. The aim of any safari is therefore to blend in as much as possible so that you do not disturb the wildlife you are viewing. This ensures that you are able to watch animals behaving naturally and not reacting to you, running away, or charging towards you. Staying as unseen as possible is so important that, in high-level guide walking safari training, the trainee guide fails or passes based on whether or not they are able to use the wind, cover, and terrain to view high profile herbivores (elephant, rhino, buffalo) without one of the herd seeing the trainee guide and the evaluators. To achieve this, colour of clothing and the ability to blend in is very important. As illustrated by the split image on this page, white is the most conspicuous colour on safari for safari clothing and you will be seen by African wildlife from a mile away. It quite simply stands out the most against the muted brown and green tones of Africa. This is most true while walking on safari - an activity we highly recommend - where remaining as undetected as possible is key to watching natural behaviour. Also, please do not pack safari clothing that is blue or black in colour. Black is second only to white in how clearly it stands out in the bush, but there is another reason why black and blue safari clothing should not be worn: tsetse flies. If you are travelling to an area with tsetse flies, please note that the flies - which are the equivalent of tiny fighter jets and deliver a very painful bite with their proboscis - are attracted to blue and black. We know this for certain from personal experience and after noting that the traps used to attract and catch tsetse flies are made from fabric which is blue and black. For the majority of African countries, please do not pack camouflage safari clothing as camouflage safari clothing is illegal attire for civilians and this law may be strictly enforced. In conclusion, all the safari clothing stocked by The Safari Store is handpicked to be made from safari-suitable colours - and are the ideal colours for safari travel.

As an aside, some travellers have asked why safari clothing colour is such an issue when African tribesmen - for example, the Maasai - wear bright colours in the bush. The answer is simple: their main aim us to be as visible as possible as they are herdsmen who are trying to protect their livestock from predators such as lion, hyena, and cheetah. The bright colours ensure that any roaming predator sees them before attacking their herds and are dissuaded from doing so. The herdsmen want to be seen in African bush. For the best game-viewing experience, you - on the other hand - do not.

The right side of the image above shows why the worst safari clothing colour to wear on safari is white - simply as you stick out like a beacon in the African bush. The left side shows that the best colours to wear on safari are shades of Africa's neutral and natural tones which blend in with the browns, greens, and khakis of the African bush. This makes you harder for wildlife to see. The longer you remain unseen, the higher the change that you will get to see what you really went on safari to see: wild animals behaving naturally, and not reacting to your presence.

Safari Clothing Links: Includes more detailed information for each safari clothing product type. Simply click on the orange "Read our Advice Guide" at the top of each page.

• Safari Shirts
• Safari Trousers & Shorts
• Safari Jackets & Fleeces
• Safari Dresses & Skorts
• Safari Hats
• Safari Beanies & Scarves
• Safari Shoes & Boots
• Safari Socks & Ankle Gaiters

Safari Clothing: Deciding on cotton or man-made fabrics

We have spent years studying and understanding how yarns - the building block of any fabric - work and affect the engineering of any garment, including safari clothing. These studies have lead us to develop and field test fabrics of all types, with only the cream of the crop making it into our range of safari clothing. Here we tell you what we have learnt about the differences between fabrics made from man-made yarn and those made from natural yarns such as cotton and the impact that should have on your choice of safari clothing. To start, we have to say that safari clothing made from cotton is, of course, fine to wear on safari, but it will never perform as well as modern man-made fabrics which offer a much higher level of outdoor performance. To illustrate this point, we often use the example of the typewriter versus the computer. While one is still able to write a perfectly good letter on a typewriter and mail or fax it once written, the computer has become a much more powerful word processing tool which also allows you to do so much more to share what you have written with others. This too is the case with man-made fabrics - they are simply able to do so much more than natural fabrics. One of the key indicators of performance for safari clothing is the ability of the fabric to keep you cool through the hotter midday and afternoon hours of the day. Here, man-made fabrics win hands down. Your body keeps cool by perspiring - which, of course, is no secret. In itself, the act of perspiring does not keep you cool, but it is the movement of sweat away from the skin which keeps you cool. The faster the rate of evaporation from the skin, the faster you are kept cool. In fabric, this movement of water is referred to as wicking. Cotton does not handle this movement of perspiration as well as man-made fabrics such our BUGTech™ fabrics. Cotton is greedy and holds on to 20% of its volume of sweat before releasing it to the environment; whereas BUGTech™ fabric only holds 4% of its volume before releasing sweat to the environment. The nett effect is that water moves much faster away from your skin with our BUGTech™ fabric than with cotton - and, as such, it cools you much faster than cotton too. The faster speed of wicking also explains why our BUGTech™ fabric is much better suited to safari and travel in general. It does not crease as badly and releases creases much faster than cotton when hung up or ironed. It also only requires a cool iron to release the water in the fabric, which in turn releases the creases. This explains how steam irons work too. They inject moisture into the fabric and then wick the moisture out of the fabric at a very high speed, releasing the creases. It follows that BUGTech™ also dries much faster than cotton after washing or becoming drenched in a river or heavy rain. It is simply a case of how efficiently our BUGTech™ fabric moves water. This also explains why you will often see dark sweat patches under the arms and down the back of a person wearing a cotton garment which last for a long time. There have also been tremendous advances made in the finishes which we are able to add to man-made fabrics. This means, for our BUGTech™ fabric, we are able to build on the high level of wicking performance by adding finishes which offer robust sun protection (UPF50+); insect defence; and a built-in silver finish called Silver+ which fights bacteria - and, as a result, odour - keeping you and your garment smelling fresh for longer.

As a team, we have also rigorously Expedition Tested™ our man-made fabrics under extreme conditions to prove that they are ideally suited to the conditions on your safari.

Top tips for selecting safari clothing with the best in safari, travel, and outdoor clothing technology & garment engineering.

1. Select clothing which is easy to pack, dries quickly, and wicks moisture away from the skin.

2. Keep bugs at bay : Get added defence by selecting clothing that offers a built-in anti-insect treatment . Insist on seeing proof that the built-in insect defence has been proven to work by asking to see the laboratory test results .

3. Protect your skin : The African sun can be harsh, even during winter. Opt for clothing that offers protection from the sun . This will be shown as a UPF rating. 50+ is the highest rating available today.

4. Light can also mean strong. The best safari clothing is lightweight, but also has built-in ripstop for added strength.

5. Stay fresh : As we all prefer to smell fresh, select clothing that uses an anti-microbial or anti-bacterial fabric. This also means that you will be able to wear the same clothing for longer and so pack less and travel lighter.

7. Get back-up : Add to the protective performance of the clothing which you take on safari by packing a wide-brimmed, packable safari hat , an effective sunscreen, and insect repellent which has been proven to work to spray on to your clothing and skin.

Safari Clothing: Pack a warm layer and pack light

Make no bones about it, it gets cold on safari. African winters, open Land Rovers, early mornings and late evenings, land-locked countries, and high altitudes all contribute to the mix. Areas such as the Okavango Delta, Masai Mara, and northern Tanzania - to name but a few - are at the same height and above of some ski resorts in Europe. Even during the summer months, it will be cool to cold on the back of an open game-viewer. The rule of thumb is that the hotter it gets at midday, the earlier in the morning you will leave to go on safari as that is when animals are most active. You should pack a jacket or fleece for all safaris and a beanie and scarf for the African winter. A waterproof layer is an essential too if travelling over the rainy season.

Packing the correct safari clothing has become increasingly important in Africa due to the strict implementation of luggage weight restrictions on internal flights - usually 12 to 15 kilograms per person. This applies in particular to travel to Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, and all other countries where access to safari camps and lodges is by scheduled charter or light aircraft. You will be able to find out the luggage weight limitations for your safari by discussing this with the company who have arranged your safari. Read our safari luggage advice for more information on the best bags for your safari.

The clothing stocked by The Safari Store is all lightweight and packs and unpacks with minimum fuss or creasing. It also stands to reason that the lighter each garment you pack, the more garments you are able to pack and still remain under the weight threshold set by charter flight companies.

Please note that, as the maximum take-off weight in any aircraft has to be strictly adhered to by pilots to maximise your safety on each flight, you may find that your pilot will not be able to take any luggage over the maximum allowed weight per passenger. In this instance, you may have to pay for your luggage to be flown separately. We mention this to reiterate the importance of not overloading your luggage where maximum luggage weight limits apply.

Safari Clothing: Functionality & style

We realise the importance of offering practical garments which allow you to express your style while on safari. We all want to look good and so, early on in our history, we took a big step away from tent-shaped safari shirts and drab, heavy safari trousers. We think that you will agree with us that our range is a breath of fresh air and ensures that you not only wear the correct attire on safari, but look and feel good too. As our clothing is all tested on expeditions, by purchasing safari clothing from The Safari Store, you will also protect your own day-to-day clothing from the dust, thorns, and strong sun encountered while travelling.

What luggage should you take on safari?

Pack your safari clothing and gear into a bag which is soft and squashable. This is especially true for safari travel to Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, and Kenya. The reason for this is rather a practical one. The majority of safari lodges and camps within these countries are accessible only by light aircraft and, in order for your pilot to fit your luggage into the small, cramped hold, your luggage must not have hard sides and should rather be soft-sided so that the pilot is able to fit (squash) your bag into the plane. The same is true for some overland and expedition-style safaris where there will be limited space for luggage in the safari 4x4.

Therefore, we recommend that you take one larger safari holdall (around 70x30x30cm in size when full) and one smaller carry-on type bag to use when you travel and to take your binoculars and accessories on game drives and walks. For safaris with a daily walking element, we recommend that you take the holdall plus a small bag such as our Mara&Meru™ Selous Satchel which you are able to use as a shoulder bag or backpack and which attaches to your belt to carry your binoculars, compact camera or smartphone, and your safari accessories. When attached to your belt, this will leave your hands free to use your binoculars or camera and to push a thorny branch out of the way, drink water, or lift yourself up a rocky outcrop. Being 'hands-free' really does make a difference to your enjoyment of the walk.

All our Safari Clothing is Expedition Tested™

We sweat so that you don't have to. Expedition-testing products is central to everything we do. We prefer expedition-testing our products over hiding behind large marketing campaigns which claim too much and deliver too little. This is the core reason for embarking on our expeditions. The testing and re-testing and re-sampling is ongoing at The Safari Store. It is part of our DNA. Where products do not meet the high standards we set for your safari clothing and gear, we either design, re-make, and re-test the products until we get them right or we scrap them all together. #expeditiontested

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