safari outfits 2023

What To Wear On Safari: The Ultimate Safari Packing List

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that for any qualifying purchase you make through one of my links, I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you. For more information, check out my disclosure .

Deciding what to wear on safari is easier said than done. The weather in Africa is nothing like you would expect: most people think that this part of the world is constantly warm, if not unbearably hot. Nothing could be farther from reality. Africa, especially southern Africa, does get quite cold, indeed!

I have been to southern Africa many times, in what is winter in the southern hemisphere, as well as late spring. My trips have been to a variety of places including Cape Town , Stellenbosch and Johannesburg , as well as Botswana and Namibia.

I went on a bunch of safari trips and know how important it is to pick the right gear and be appropriately dressed – I even made mistakes along the way.

In fact, a safari is a trip like no others and there are some items that need to be on any packing list for Africa, as they are simply essential. If you are planning your safari packing list, continue reading this post to learn what to pack!

Table of Contents

Important Considerations When Packing For A Safari

When planning your safari packing list, and especially when thinking about what to wear on safari, there are a few things that you need to be kept in mind.

My general tip, which is actually valid for all trips anywhere in the world, is to pick versatile items that can be easily mixed and matched together in terms of colors and fabrics, in order to create a good number of outfits with just a handful of items and which, with the right accessories, can be used either as casual wear or become more dressy.

Having this in mind, the main considerations when deciding what to wear on safari are comfort, ease, temperatures, colors and style. Let me go through these important factors in more details.

Look for comfort

Both men and women can look stylish on a safari, and yet stay comfortable. I wholeheartedly recommend to pick clothes that are breathable, in neutral colors and that can adapt to the changing temperatures throughout the day.

Another thing to consider is that safaris hardly involve any physical exercise – most of the day is spent sitting in the car, looking for animals. Yet, getting on and off the jeep for the occasional bush stop, or to stretch the legs, calls for comfortable attire.

Driving around the bush all day in an open car, you are bound to get covered in dust. T-shirts, pants and whatever else you may be wearing will get dirty and dusty. After all, Namibia is mostly a desert and the bush of Botswana is also mostly sandy.

Yet, especially if camping in Botswana , and even more so when in Namibia, there are no laundry facilities. It’s important to bring items that can be easily hand-washed and that are quick dry. Cotton is by far the best material, as well as technical one that dries in no time.

Layers are key

There is a common misconception that all of Africa is warm, if not even hot, throughout the day and night, and year round. Nothing could be farther from the truth. I realized this on my first day on a safari, where, after a full afternoon admiring wildlife in Botswana , the temperatures dropped dramatically as soon as the sun started to set.

Game drives are usually timed to follow the lifestyle of animals.

This means that the typical safari will have two game drives per day: one starting soon after sunrise, before the animals find a hiding spot from the afternoon heat; and one in the late afternoon – with some private game reserves allowing drives to linger on a bit after dark.

Thus, wearing layers is essential.

A good packing list for Africa will include plenty of cotton shirts to wear during the day, and a few 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.

Pick the right colors

I love bright colors, and on my first safari I wore bright colored shirts. BIG MISTAKE! When 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.

Black and dark blue are thought to attract the African tse tse flies, whereas predators identify red with wounded animals. With the amount of dust in the bush, white is hardly recommended as it gets dirty very easily.

Consider the type of safari

Picking what to wear on safari doesn’t mean being a fashion victim or mocking Maryl Streep in Out of Africa. But being dressed for the occasion (by which I mean being comfortable, fresh during the day and warm at night) is important.

The safaris I did in Phinda Game Reserve, in Botswana and Namibia were completely different one from the other. The ones in Phinda and in Botswana were luxury safaris – one in lodges and the other one glamping.

However, I went mostly camping in Namibia . Either way, there was no need for me to wear anything fancy at night for the evening meals: a pair of nice pants and a nice top usually did the trick. My safari packing list was made of informal, easy to wear items.

What To Wear On Safari

Now let’s finally consider what to wear on safari. Continue reading for a perfect safari packing list, with all the essential items that should be taken.

Clothes and shoes

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

Long, neutral color pants are what to wear on safari. You will want something that is comfortable, easy to wash and quick dry, both for the day and for the night.

I swear by Kuhl pants – their motto is “born in the mountains” but their pants are perfect for a safari. They have several pants you can pick from – easy-wear, skinny etc. So you can create your style.

You don’t really get to wear shorts much on a safari, not unless you bathe yourself in mosquito repellent. But alas, bring a pair just in case. Kuhl makes a few that are perfect for safaris.

Cotton t-shirts

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 light weight and that can be washed in the sink and will dry quickly. Once again, Kuhl is my go-to brand for comfortable, durable and trendy t-shirts.

Long sleeve shirts

Not a fan of mosquito repellent? Then a light, cotton long sleeve t-shirt is what to wear on safari. Once again, remember to pick neutral colors.

Light sweaters

Have I told you it gets really cold in southern Africa? You will want some light sweaters that you can layer up to wear on top of a long-sleeve t-shirt and under a nice jacket. My favorite is Kuhl’s Lia Pullover Hoody – but they sell a variety that you may like even better.

A warm jacket

You don’t need anything excessively thick. Kuhl Spyfire Jacket or Spyfire hoodie are perfect. What I love about them is that they actually pack really small – you can fold them into a tiny pillow!

A scarf, a hat and gloves

Yes, it gets that cold. I remember shivering at night in Namibia, and being thankful for my hat and scarf. And my hands cracked so much because it was incredibly cold and dry and dusty. You will need to wear gloves, at least when you head out very early in the morning.

Comfortable walking shoes

Believe or not, but even with all the sitting around you do during a safari, you will need super comfortable shoes – they really are what to wear on safari. Your feet may swell in the heat or from sitting around.

I find that good hiking shoes (boots are not necessary) are ideal. My go to brand is typically Montura, but Solomon also makes excellent ones.

Sandals or flip flops

When you get back to your room in the lodge, or to the camp, you will want to take your shoes off. If you are camping, flip flops are also necessary to get in the shower.

Miscellaneous stuff

Mosquito repellent or deet.

I didn’t see many mosquitoes in any of my safari trips, but it’s good measure to bring a mosquito repellent and apply it to any exposed areas.

The sun shines in the bush, so you will want to wear mosquito repellent and protect your skin from sun damage!

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

Moisturizing lotion

With all the dust, cold nights and dry air, your skin will be screaming for hydration. Make sure to drink lots of water and apply copious amounts of moisturizer every day. You will also need a very good moisturizing lip balm.

A quick dry towel

In case you are camping, you will have to have your own towel. It’s best to have a quick dry one.

A headlight

The nights can be really dark in the bush, especially if you are camping – so make sure to throw in a headlight in your safari packing list.

A powerbank

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

A hot water bottle

For the same reason you need to bring a hat and gloves and a scarf! I was so relieved to find one at a store in Namibia, after literally freezing during my first night of camping. A hot water bottle will help you keep warm for a few hours at night.

A heavy duty sleeping bag

Most tour companies in Namibia provide a sleeping bag, but most of the time it’s super lightweight and terribly dirty – so bring your own and make sure it’s heavy duty for the cold nights.

An inflatable pillow

It packs super small once you deflate it and it will make sleeping in a tent way more comfortable!

Laundry detergent

You may favor something liquid as it rinses much faster. Either way, it’s one of the things you need to add to your safari packing list as you won’t have laundry service!

A clothesline and pins

In case you need to do laundry, it’s better to have a line and some pins to hang your clothes. Air is so dry in Namibia that they will dry in no time.

A water filter

You won’t really have access to water in Botswana so you’ll have to bring bottled water, but in Namibia when camping there are fountains so you may bring a bottle and a filter to be extra safe.

Especially if you are camping, someone in the tent next to you may be snoring and earplugs will save you from a sleepless night.

You won’t want to miss any hunting scene or any bird watching, so binoculars are another essential item for your safari packing list.

A good camera and lenses

A safari is a photography extravaganza kind of trip. I don’t think I have ever taken as many photo on any given day as I did during my safari trips.

Any packing list for Africa has to include a good DSLR camera – sorry, but not even the best compact camera will do here! You can get a mirrorless one, but these is going to be rather expensive too.

In terms of lenses, you will want at least something that stretches to 300 mm – perhaps more especially if you want to photograph birds.

Other items you will need include a spare battery and extra SD and CF cards and a wallet to keep the memory cards organized . You should also bring along a cleaning kit  – all the dust during a safari will deposit on your lens and you’ll have to regularly clean it.

Picking the right bag for a trip – any trip – is important. The good news is that a safari isn’t a challenging kind of trip in terms of the amount of walking and carrying around luggage, whether on a luxury safari where butlers are going to handle your bags, or on a budget one where the distance between the truck and the tent is very short.

The one thing to keep in mind, however, in case you are doing a budget adventure safari like the one I did in Namibia, is the size of the tent. The last thing you want is to have a bag so big to the point that it doesn’t fit in the tent, especially in case you are sharing the tent with someone else.

Especially if you are doing a tented safari, keep the weight and volume of what you carry to a minimum – pack smartly and light.

In terms of bags, here are the ones I recommend.

Osprey Ariel 65

This is backpack I normally use on all my trips, and it came with me to Africa. It’s big enough to carry everything I need, and very comfortable to walk around. Light packers may go for something smaller, such as the Ariel 55. I don’t recommend anything over 65 liters.

Osprey soft duffel bag

A medium size soft duffel bag can be more easily stored in a truck and it takes less space in a tent; plus it’s big enough to take what to wear for safari.

I do not recommend a hard suitcase, as this occupies too much space and it is generally too heavy (something that has to be considered even on luxury safaris where there are occasional flights on small planes to move from one game reserve to the other).

For more packing tips, check out my post   The Art Of Packing Light: 21 Useful Tips To Travel Light .

The daypack

A good day pack is fundamental on any trip. This is where you will carry things such documents and whatever you may need during the day, such as snacks, water, tissues, hand sanitizer, sunblock and that much needed extra layer of clothes for when the temperatures drop at the end of the day.

My favorite daypack is the Osprey Daylite . It’s small enough to be comfortable, yet it can carry a lot of stuff thanks to the internal and front pockets.

Keeping everything organized

Packing smartly means knowing where everything is in a bag, and storing items so that they can be found easily. Quite important when in Africa, especially if the space in a tent is limited and there is not much time to decide what you want to wear for the day.

Below are some items I recommend using.

Packing cubes

They help to keep clothes organized either by color, clothing type or even outfit. They are perfect to easily find what to wear for safari. Use the smallest one to keep things such as medications (prescription or emergency) you may need during the trip.

Large ziploc bags

Most people would recommend dry bags but there’s hardly the need on a safari and ziploc bags do the trick whenever you are taking a backpack. They take even less room than packing cubes.

Toiletry bag

Pick one that multiple pockets and zips and that can be easily hanged. Remember to only bring eco-friendly toiletries to your safari trip.

Have you ever been to Africa? Do you have any further recommendations on what to wear on safari? Anything to add to this packing list for Africa?

Pin It For Later!

Claudia Tavani

Claudia was born and raised in Italy, but she also lived in New York, Denver, and London. She's a professional travel blogger and certified travel designer who loves planning trips, sharing travel hacks, and packing lists so that you don't have to. Owner of My Adventures Across The World, solo traveler, cat mom to Minnie. Claudia has been featured by the Lonely Planet and the Huffington Post. She has visited more than 80 countries.

22 thoughts on “What To Wear On Safari: The Ultimate Safari Packing List”

1 other item to take along would be an extra pair of prescription eye glasses. After all…you wouldn’t be able to see those beautiful animals very well without them 🙂

So very true!! I even have prescription sunglasses!!

Ok, I’m curious – if you’re supposed to wear neutral colors, why is the woman (i assume that’s you) wearing reds and light blues in every photo?

That’s me having made an obvious mistake! Am I forgiven?

Great post – I’m just about to head off on a safari in Zambia and this has been really helpful with plenty of practical tips, definitely a few key things that I can add to my packing list 🙂

This is super helpful! My husband and I are going on a safari in Namibia and I have been a little lost on how to pack. Thanks for the helpful advice!

Glad you find it useful!

So happy you found it useful!

My husband and I are traveling to Namibia in October for a ten day safari. We will be staying at a different lodge every night with no opportunity to do laundry except maybe at the Victoria Falls Hotel where we will spend two night at the end of our trip. How do you pack for that long of a safari? We don’t want to over pack but don’t want to run out of clean clothes either.

Hi Delia, thank you for commenting on my post. I recommend taking a bar of laundry soap and wash daily in the sink. You will notice that the weather is so dry in Namibia that your clothes will dry in no time!! Take a clothing line and some pins too!

Hello and thanks a lot I am going to South Africa for a conference in Johannesburg and Capetown,of course I want to go to safari and other attractive places in Africa after the conference. Your text is so helpful.let me know if I can messages you on whatsapp and ask some questions about South Africa.

You can email me if you want.

Thank you for this post!! Extremely helpful. Heading to four countries for seven safaris and I would’ve been in huge trouble if I hadn’t read your article. Very well done!

You bet! Have fun admiring the animals 🙂

Thanks for the helpful tips! I am heading to Kenya in November and will definitely be on a safari.

Travelling to Africa is challenging at times but you have put the packing list up so well. thank you so much for the nice article.

Help with liquids, ie; insecticieds, sunscreens. can we buy them in country?

Which country?

Thank you for the info. I’ll be on a safari next week in Kruger National Park and a week later by Victoria Falls. I’ll be away for 12 days and it’s important to pack smart. Your advise is very helpful. We are taking small planes and can only pack 44 lbs. in each luggage. Thanks again.

Glad you found it useful!

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Privacy Overview

Best Women’s Safari Clothing for Africa Overland Travel

Africa Packing Lists , Packing Lists , Travel Packing Lists

Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!

Planning a safari or overland tour through one of Africa’s incredible game parks? This is the best womens safari clothing for your trip. Read our complete guide to find out exactly what to wear on safari!

Women Safari Clothing

Table of contents.

An African safari is one of the most exciting trips you can take as a traveler. Roughing it in the wilderness surrounded by the Big 5 is truly a thrilling experience. There are several things to keep in mind when you choose safari clothing for this type of adventure.

How should I dress for an African safari?

The focus of your safari attire should be on comfortable safari clothing in neutral colors and light fabrics. If it’s not something you would feel comfortable wearing something on an overnight flight, it’s best to keep it out of your safari gear.

Safari clothes for Africa should be relaxed, so you can enjoy the experience to the fullest. The drive time on overland trips can vary anywhere from 6 to 12 hours each day. Making comfort key on those long-haul journeys — the distances in Africa are massive!

Expect your safari clothing to be covered in dust and keep in mind that you won’t have much time to do laundry. Your safari clothes should feature synthetic fabrics that are hard wearing, quick-dry, easy to wash, and won’t show dirt or dust.

What to Wear on Safari

When it comes to options for what to wear on an African safari, womens travel brands tend to feature technical fabrics focusing primarily on khaki and olive colors. But unless you’re planning to live in the bush or are taking a Gorilla trekking trip to the jungle, it’s likely that this type of clothing isn’t necessary.

The majority of Africa safari tours will see you viewing animals within the confines of a vehicle, whether a giant overland truck or 4×4 car. This means that the khaki safari shirt or safari pants that you purchased will tragically go to waste.

Safari Clothing Essentials Packing Guide: An Overview

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of your clothing options, let’s take a look at an overall view of what your safari gear for your travel capsule wardrobe should consist of. Here’s a quick snapshot of the amount of what should be on your bag when you’re planning what to wear on an African safari.

TFG Recommended Clothing List

4 sleeveless or short-sleeve tops 2 long-sleeve tops 1 dress or skirt 4 pants 1 shorts 1 windbreaker jacket 1 fleece or warm jacket 1 swimsuit 3 bras (sports bras are recommended) 3 socks 7-10 underwear 1 jacket 1 scarf 1 sunglasses

TFG Recommended Shoe List

1 pair comfortable sneakers 1 pair flip-flops

What is the Best Women Safari Clothing?

Whether you’re looking for what to wear on safari in Kenya or are camping in the Serengeti, you need the best of the best when it comes to your safari clothing. Our selections offer you a nice range of safari pants, tops, dresses, and even safari jackets. That way you can be confident and comfortable on your jaunt in Africa!

Best of all? You can avoid the head-to-toe khaki safari outfits that somehow became the must-have on an African safari. Here are some realistic clothing pieces you’ll love carting along with you:

Shop Sizes XS-3X: Eddie Bauer Resolution T-Shirt 

Best Safari Shirts for Women

As you plan what safari clothes to pack, make sure to bring a variety of tops and include sleeveless tanks, short sleeve tees, and long sleeves that you can layer!

The best safari shirts for the day time and warm weather are sleeveless or short sleeved breathable, moisture wicking tees in neutral colors.

For really hot days or to layer underneath warm items if cold, add a couple of casual tees. These also will be beneficial for those long safari travel days (read more on this in the Pants section below).

Stay cool with these moisture wicking shirts !

Shop Sizes XS-XL: Icebreaker Merino Standard 175 Everyday Short Sleeve

Merino wool tops are some of the best safari shirts because they are both practical and can be re-worn without washing. This is particularly important on longer safari trips when you won’t have access to laundry for extended periods of time.

However, If you plan to hand wash your merino wool tops you’ll have to wait until you spend two or more nights in one location to allow time for the clothes to dry. This is why either quick-dry or long-lasting items are the best as safari clothes.

While merino wool is more expensive, you can get away with bringing just a few tops and then re-wearing them every few days. This is key for packing light!

Merino wool Icebreaker tops like these have a higher price point but are excellent for safari trips because they’re practical and you can rewear them (for weeks) without washing.

Learn more about how to hand wash while traveling !

Shop Sizes XS-XL: Icebreaker Merino Women’s Siren Tank

If you are traveling in hot weather, you might prefer a sleeveless top like the Icebreaker Merino Women’s Siren Tank  one pictured above (perfect safari shirt). Like the short sleeve tops, the ideal fabrics are from performance brands with quick dry 100% cotton, merino wool, or synthetics.

Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Columbia Cades Cape Tank

If you’re looking for a sleeveless safari shirt that’s less body hugging, then one like the Columbia shown here is perfect.

A sleeveless top not only helps to keep you cool on your safari days, but it can also be dressed up when you’re visiting the city! Pair it with a cute skirt and you have an instant evening outfit. Double-duty top!

Plus, it also looks the part of an African safari shirt!

Shop Sizes XS-3X: Columbia Quick Dry Sun UV Protection Convertible Long Sleeve

For the sunny days you’ll want to bring one light but practical womens long sleeve safari shirt to protect you from the sun’s beating rays. This will be a piece you’ll want to re-wear, so we advise choosing a quick dry fabric so that when you wash it, it will dry relatively quickly!

The dark khaki convertible womens long sleeve safari shirt (pictured above) is not only quick dry, but it’s specifically designed for UV protection. Plus, with it being convertible you can make the sleeves longer and shorter based on your preference.

Shop Sizes XS-3X: Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve

Can you wear grey on safari? Grey is a great color choice for safari clothes along with other medium to dark neutral colors like khaki. These colors are good choices due to the fact that your clothes are likely to collect a lot of dust, especially the ones you use for the outer layers, and the darker neutral colors are able of masking it.

Shop Sizes XS-3X: Woolx Remi Long Sleeve T-Shirt

When you’re planning what to wear on a safari, make sure to bring at least one warm long sleeve or thermal top . You should also include a long-sleeve blouse you can use to cover you from the winter sun and to wear in the cities.

Depending on the time of year you’re headed on your safari and the region in Africa that you’re going to, you might need to add a few extra long sleeve tops to your safari wardrobe to layer at night. It can get pretty cold!

Safari Packing Tip : You’ll want to keep your safari attire as light as possible. To keep your packing light, make sure to include six to eight safari shirts. Any more and you’ll be overpacking!

Best Safari Pants for Women

When you are actually on a safari, you are much more likely to be going inside of a vehicle — walking safaris aren’t the norm. Being inside a vehicle allows for the undisturbed observation of the wildlife in a natural setting. Perfect for safari adventurers!

Of course, it’s best not to assume. So if you aren’t sure that you’ll be in a vehicle, double-check with your tour operator (if you have one).

Shop Sizes XXS-XXL: Zella Live In High Waist Leggings

It might surprise (and excite you) to find out that some of the best pants for safari are leggings. Seriously! This is specifically the case when you are taking a driving safari tour, NOT if you are getting out of the vehicle and walking in the bush.

Leggings are the perfect safari pants choice for comfort. Avoid choosing thick fabrics that will take too long to dry if you are hand washing them.

Leggings are also great for travel days. If you’re looking for leggings to take on your safari, TFG readers voted for the best leggings for women , so you’re bound to find a pair you like! We also really love these leggings from Zella (which are also available in plus size ).

Leggings are the most comfortable, packabe safari pants. So they’re definitely a good choice to wear on safari. While you can easily wear a pair of black leggings when you’re inside the vehicle, you might want to consider a lighter color to wear outdoors by the campfire (you’ll thank us later).

Safari Packing Tip : Make sure to choose a legging color that you can easily re-wear in-between washes!

Shop Sizes 02-20: Scuba High-Rise  Pant

If leggings aren’t your thing, a good alternative is casual joggers. Lululemon — a much-loved brand by yogis and travelers alike — makes a great pair of chic joggers which are great safari pants. They also make some pretty nice leggings too! 

The travel-friendly fabric in these safari pants makes them easy to clean and de-wrinkle. Plus, with four-way stretch and a drawstring waist, you can wear them comfortably on the longest of overland safari rides!

Shop Sizes 2-16:  Amazon  |  REI  |  Columbia  |  Zappos

When you first think about what to wear on African safari, you might imagine an outfit consisting of a khaki button down shirt and convertible trousers. But generally speaking, convertible pants are not a necessary item to add to your safari attire (unless they make you comfortable and confident, that is).

We recommend a modern-yet-functional pair of travel pants like Saturday Trail Pants by Columbia . Not only are these safari pants versatile, but more importantly they’re comfortable! They also pack light, dry quickly and don’t stain easily — what more are you looking for in your safari pants?

As an added bonus, they have a stretchy pull-up waist band that’s sitting down for long periods of time. It’s also easy to remove for quick bathrooms stops on an overland trip.

Here are 16 best hiking pants for women that are lightweight and practical!

Shop Sizes 0-16: prAna Halle Pant

If you’re looking for both more traditional and budget-friendly safari pants, these prAna travel pants are for you! Both safari pants are ideal for walking safari tours or trips that will incorporate both extensive time outdoors and inside a vehicle.

If you are going to be trekking through the bushes, we highly recommend making technical womens safari clothing part of your wardrobe.

When you’re planning on what to wear on safari, make sure you always pack a pair of safari shorts! Safari shorts are casual and easy-to-wear on hot days.

You might also want to consider including a breezy long skirt or sarong. Both make it easier to “pop a squat” on the side of the road without baring it all to your tour mates!

Travel Tip : There aren’t usually bathrooms along the long roads, and stops are typically infrequent.

Shop Sizes 26-40: Levi’s Classic Straight Jeans

Can you wear jeans on safari? Jeans are a must, especially if you’re traveling in the winter! Sometimes the best women’s safari clothing isn’t necessarily the most technical travel gear. Jeans are not only practical, but they’ll provide you with warmth disguise dirt, and also give you a bit of style if you make a top in a major city like Cape Town!

But make sure not to hand wash your jeans! They’ll take way too long to dry. Denim is practical because you can re-wear it constantly without washing it. Denim designers make them specifically for multiple uses, and it’s one of the main reasons that modern travelers pack jeans. Jeans are a must-have when it comes to what to wear on safari !

You’ll also want to have a comfortable pair of pants that you can wear around the campsite at night.

Safari Packing Tip : Make sure you’re packing light. You should need no more than 5 pairs of safari pants.

Best Safari Dresses

Shop Sizes XS-3X: Columbia Sportswear Freezer III Dress

A dress may sound like the exact opposite of safari clothing. But, it’s always good to have at least one dress that you can sport on the beach in Zanzibar or wear out to a nice dinner at Victoria Falls.

The best safari dress is a little black dress that you can dress up for restaurants or a fun night out in the city. This one by Columbia features wicking, cooling, and sun protection fabric. Plus it’s available in sizes up to 3XL.

Shop Sizes S-3X: Riviera Sun Tie Dye Summer Dress

When it’s hot, a loose and lightweight safari dress is also ideal for those long overland trips. In fact, dresses are more practical than pants — especially when you need to stop on the side of the road for a quick bathroom break in the bush along with your fellow tour mates!

When it comes to picking the best safari dress, choose something both versatile and comfortable. When it comes to choosing what to wear on safari, you’ll want a dress that can be worn on the beach and doubled for dinner and night on the town!

Shop Sizes XS-3X: WEACZZYLoose Trapeze Dress

If you aren’t a person that’s comfortable in dresses, you simply don’t like them or you’re going to be traveling when it’s colder, a long tunic top that covers your backside cans also do the trick for those safari roadside bathroom stops.

Long tunic tops can be versatile just like a safari dress — you can wear it in the camp after a shower, on the beach over your bathing suit, loosely over a comfy pair of safari pants or tick it into your shorts for a cute but casual safari outfit!

Shop: ToBeInStyle Strapless Dress

REALLY IMPORTANT TRAVEL TIP : WHEN PLANNING WHAT TO WEAR ON SAFARI, AVOID ROMPERS. ESPECIALLY ON AN OVERLAND TRIP FOR TRAVEL DAYS . YOU DON’T WANT TO HAVE TO PULL OFF YOUR ENTIRE ROMPER TO USE THE BATHROOM ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. NOT COOL .

If you’re something that has the same comfy and lightweight feel as a romper, opt for a strapless sundress like the ToBeInSty Strapless (seen above). You can wear it as a safari dress during the day for those long safari travel days or layer it over your leggings if it gets cold outside.

A strapless dress can also be worn as a safari skirt. Simply pair it with a cute top and dress it up with some jewelry that you find at a local shop during your travels!

Remember to avoid choosing bright colors on a safari so you don’t draw attention away from the safari (or frighten away any animals!). But if you pack bright colors in your safari wardrobe, you can wear them on travel days when you’re not on a game drive.

If you’re looking for maximum versatility, one of these convertible travel dresses might be perfect for your safari attire!

Best Safari Clothing for Cold Weather

Silk Undershirts  |  Silk Thermal Pants

Contrary to what you might think, it does get cold in Africa. That means that layering your safari clothes is key to surviving those cold African days. We’ve previously written about how to layer for cold weather , we’d highly recommend you take a peek before you start packing!

Regional climates in Africa vary throughout the season, so be prepared to encounter both hot and cold temperature. Make sure you always check the weather forecast before you go so you’re dressed right!

If you happen to be traveling during the cold season, from May to August, you might want to consider packing a set of thermals for women  with your safari clothes so you can stay warm. You can wear them up to two weeks (or longer) without having to wash them!

Safari Packing Tip : For maximum warmth, pack one set of merino wool thermals. Especially if you’re camping in the winter!

Best Women’s Jacket for Safari

Shop Sizes XS-3X: Columbia Womens Arcadia II Rain Jacket

As you’re preparing your safari clothing checklist, make sure you pack a good jacket for safari. The roof and windows of some safari vehicles are open as you drive around the parks. With those open windows it can get quite chilly both at dawn and during night drives.

When you’re looking for the best jackets for safari, you should look for a good, quality jacket that can also serve as a windbreaker. You’re sure to feel a chill in the air with an open window first thing in the morning!

Shop Sizes XS-3X: Columbia Full Zip Fleece Jacket

A travel fleece or rain jacket for safari are most needed when you’re doing an African overland trip that crosses various countries. When deciding what to wear on safari, make sure you don’t underestimate how cold it could get in Africa on your trip!

While it might be hot and sunny during the day, when the temperature drops at night you’ll be glad you packed a rain jacket and fleece in your safari clothes. TFG has a list of the best windproof jackets and fleece jackets for your travels.

When you’re packing your safari wardrobe, make sure you pack both a windproof jacket and a merino wool or fleece jacket for safari clothes.

Shop Sizes XS-3X: Columbia Switchback Jacket

Remember to choose neutral tones for your safari clothing. This is especially the case for items that are highly visible such as your jacket for safari.

Trust me on this one. If you’re head is hanging out of a vehicle at 5:30am, you’ll feel the crisp morning air and wish you had a warm jacket — it happened to me!

Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Style & Co Safari Jacket

For a stylish jacket for safari option that you can wear as part of your safari outfit, the Style & Co Safari Jacket is both chic and practical. When it comes to choosing a jacket for safari that’s neutral, easy-to-clean and will hide the dust, go for the grey, khaki, or olive green color!

Best Safari Shoes

Merrell Moab 3 Vent Hiking Shoe

Now that you’re packed and ready with your safari clothing, it’s time to plan your safari shoes! This is probably going to be much easier than you think!

We recommend taking only two pairs of shoes. When it comes to picking those safari shoes, go with a pair of sneakers and flip flops (for camps, shower, and beaches). Your sneakers should be something comfortable you can wear on the truck, for occasional safari walks, and at the campsite at night if it’s cold.

However, if your safari itinerary includes walking safaris, you’ll need substantial sturdy safari shoes. For multi-day treks through the jungle, you’ll want to bring sturdy hiking boots . But for the occasional day trip, regular all-terrain sneakers or hiking shoes will work as safari shoes.

Ideally, you’ll want your safari shoes to be waterproof and easy to clean in case they get muddy or otherwise dirty.

FitFlop Iqushion Super-Ergonomic Flip-Flops

Flip-flops may seem like a random item to add to this safari packing list. But it’s nice to air out your toes if you’ve had them in sneakers all day. Flip-flops are also great safari shoes as they’re convenient to wear in camp showers. And don’t forget about the beach!

Not a big fan of flip-flops? Try one of these slip-on beach sandals as your second pair of safari shoes instead. Throw in a pair of cute ankle boots or stylish slip ons if you’re traveling in Cape Town .

But make sure not to add too many shoes to your safari wardrobe!

Best Safari Socks

Darn Tough Crew Socks

Whether you need to pair your socks with safari boots or sneakers, make sure they are moisture wicking socks ! This is particularly important so you can keep your sock numbers down.

I know we’ve mentioned merino wool a lot, but just as with the rest of our suggested safari clothing, merino wool socks are perfect to pair with your safari shoes because you can rewear them multiple times without having to wash them.

Signature Trail Sock

Several TFG readers agreed that Kirkland’s merino wool socks are a great pick to add to your safari wardrobe. One reader says, “I wash them in cold water and hang them to air dry, but they have held up really well and keep my feet warm, too.”

If you’re camping, you can bring a pair of Kirkland socks (like the ones shown above) to keep your feet warm at night. If you choose dark colors or prints they won’t show the dust as easily.

Best Bras and Underwear for Safari

Panache Underwire Sports Bra

Last but not least for your safari travel checklist, make sure to pack a good sports bra for the bumpy journey! Vehicles in Kenya, and other countries, often cover all terrains including deeply rutted roads and huge potholes.

Make your ride more tolerable by wearing a sports bra whenever you are being transported. Also, take some motion sickness meds beforehand if you are prone to car sickness.

Icebreaker Bikini

Also, quick dry travel underwear helps you easily do laundry without having to wait ages for it to dry!

Because you may be moving locations every night, you won’t have much time to wash your safari clothing, so it’s best if you bring fast drying fabrics or clothing you can re-wear easily.

Safari Travel Tip: Most of the time, you’ll be popping a squat on the side of the road, so a female urinary device or even a flowy skirt might be helpful if you’re not crazy about the idea of flashing your goods. Don’t forget your antibacterial hand wipes!

Other Safari Gear

UPF 50+ Sun Protection Quick Dry Baseball Cap

TFG has a great post on what to pack for African safari tours that we’d highly encourage you to check out so you know what other safari gear you’re going to need on your trip!

To go along with your safari clothing choices, you’ll need a few accessories.

Hats are great because they can help shield you from the sun and hide unwashed hair. But while hats are a definite must, but that doesn’t mean they have to be unattractive.

When it comes to your hair, you will want to keep it covered and pulled back in a ponytail or bun so it doesn’t get tangled in the wind and full of dirt from the road. We have a few suggestions for some hair accessories that will help keep high maintenance hair on the down low during your safari tour.

Compass Rose Secret Bra Wallet

Sunglasses are also a must-have, they offer shade and protection from the sun which is really important considering how close to the equator you’re going to be! A few other safari necessary accessories include a bathing suit and scarf.

Don’t be a target for unwanted attention. When you choose what to wear on safari, make sure you don’t dress too flashy or showy. Make sure you don’t bring any of your expensive jewelry and leave your designer handbags at home (or another safe place).

Finally, conceal the majority of your money and extra credit cards for extra safety. This bra wallet is a great way to do that!

We’ve got some great anti-theft tips for you so you can protect your valuables during your safari travels.

Essential Packing List for Safari

Osprey Fairpoint 55L

Which luggage should I choose for safari?

When it comes to choosing luggage for safari, check out the Osprey Fairpoint 55L . It’s kind of perfection.

I found it easier to lug a soft bag than a suitcase, as everyone’s gear gets piled up under the truck. I personally use it with the Compass Rose packing cubes to stay organized and fit in everything!

Don’t worry so much about the baggage weight. My bag never goes over 30 lbs using the guidelines suggested on the site. If you aim to pack light, you shouldn’t be overpacking!

Compass Rose Travel Packing Cubes

Should I use packing cubes on safari?

Yes! You should definitely use packing cubes on safari. Packing cubes will help keep you organized, keep your bag light, and help you avoid over packing.

Watch this video to learn how to pack light thanks to packing cubes!

pStyle Urinary Device

What should I pack for toiletries on safari?

When it comes to what you need to pack for toiletries on safari, there are a few things you’re definitely going to need.

You definitely will want to have a female urinary device , because the only bathroom breaks you get are in the bush. Finding adequate coverage can be a challenge, so you might also need to get comfortable with flashing your bum at other women on the trip!

You’ll want to bring a travel towel so that it can dry quickly when you’re constantly on the go. You should also pack any prescriptions you might need along with mosquito repellent … don’t forget that! And while it’s not exactly a toiletry, you’ll want a collapsible water bottle , too!

If you’re going to go the carry-on only route, make sure you cut back on your toiletries. It’ll help with TSA if you put all of your liquids in a Ziploc bag, following the 3-1-1 rule !

Learn all about packing toiletries with this guide !

Travelon Anti-Theft Cross-Body Bag

What should I take for a purse on safari?

You’ll want to choose a bag that can fit into your carry-on when it comes to the perfect purse for safari. TFG recommends taking a crossbody travel purse with anti-theft features like the Travelon Anti-Theft Cross-Body Bag bag or other similar purse.

See our picks for the best anti-theft purses for travel .

Lewis N. Clark Deluxe Neck Stash

What anti-theft accessories do I need on safari?

We recommend you make sure your purse is built for security. Other great anti-theft accessories for safari might include a secret bra wallet , neck wallet , or even a money belt.

Read about popular anti-theft accessories !

International Travel Adapter

What electronics do I need on safari?

A headlamp will be a lifesaver when it comes to camping at night during your safari.

A few other things that might come in handy include a travel adapter , portable battery charger , and your headphones . Plus, if you’re planning on taking any pictures, you’re going to need your camera and gear!

Printable Travel Checklist

Don’t forget to download the TFG Printable Travel Checklist

The Dos and Don’ts of Safari Clothing Packing

Packing for your African safari can seem overwhelming, so let’s finish off by going over our main dos and don’ts when it comes to getting together your safari gear and planning your safari attire!

What should you not wear on safari?

What you shouldn’t wear for an African safari depends highly on the actual trip type that you’re participating in. An overland trip that touches on a variety of countries is going to mean different must-haves from a short safari to Kruger Park that’s smack in the middle of a longer trip.

If your African safari trip is long, you’re going to want to focus on making comfortable, practical safari clothing a priority. But if you’re headed on a short three-day trip, you can definitely get by with wearing regular clothes.

But for both trips, we highly recommend that you DO NOT wear a romper on a safari — three days, seven days or otherwise. We know that we’ve mentioned this before, but it’s such an important note that we want to talk about it in a little more detail!

When you’re on an overland safari trip, it’s common place to simply pull over on the side of the road to go to the bathroom — in public — as there really aren’t bathrooms along the way. The reason why we stress that you shouldn’t wear rompers is due to the fact that going to bathroom in a romper means taking all of your clothes off to go to the bathroom.

While you might be able to find a somewhat “discreet” spot in the pushes to pop a squat, you’ll still be pulling off your entire romper in public and it’s much harder to attempt to conceal the top and bottom half of your body at the same time. It’s much easier to focus on covering your backside.

We know you’ll thank us for this advice later!

What colors should you wear on safari?

As exciting as it is to experience nature in its rawest form, you don’t have to immerse yourself to the extent that your safari clothing completely blends in with the foliage and desert itself. We can leave that for the Hollywood movies!

With that in mind, the best colors for safari clothes include:

• Olive green

A tip for picking the best color for your safari clothing is to go with colors that are inspired by nature. Measure your clothes with the image above, if they’re in the same tone, intensity and relatively the same color they’re good to go. You’re looking to blend in, but you don’t have to look like Crocodile Dundee or wear full tactical gear!

What color should you not wear on safari?

If you’ve done your safari clothing due diligence, chances are you’ve come across something that tells you not to wear bright colors. It seems like a strange request, but it’s recommended that you choose neutral colors because you don’t want the animals to see you — if they do they might be scared off!

Stick to neutral colors but avoid white because your safari clothes are bound to get very dirty, especially if you’re camping, and white will show it all!

Can you wear black on safari?

Wearing black on safari is not recommended. Black clothing attracts mosquitoes, and you’ll want to avoid that as much as possible to keep your trip its most enjoyable!

If you do end up bringing some black pieces, keep them to a minimum and opt for lightweight fabrics wherever possible!

What are your tips on choosing the best womens safari clothing? Share and comment below!

For more Africa packing lists, please read:

• What to Pack for Safari: South Africa to Zimbabwe
• What to Pack for Africa: Safari and Beaches
• Africa Travel Packing Tips
• 10 Essential You Absolutely Need for Safari

Suggested Travel Resource:

• Lonely Planet Tanzania
• Lonely Planet South Africa
• Lonely Planet Africa on a Budget

LIKED THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!

Hope you liked these safari clothing women’s tips. Don’t forget to share this post on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. Thanks for reading!

63 comments.

I’m going on a safari next week, and the packing list looks like it would be a lifesaver, but I’m getting an error that the page is unavailable when I click on it. Anything I’m missing? Thanks!!

Hi Amy, I am so sorry about this. Please can you email us at [email protected] so we can send it over to you.

Have a wonderful time on your Safari!

On August 2, 2022, Just got back from South Africa; Cape Town, Cape Winelands, then off to safari at Kruger; Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe; Botswana, Okavango Delta! It was a great 12-women trip, Women, Wine and Wild. I researched and looked at this site for everything from suitcases, carry-ons, cross-body bags, packing, lists of clothes, shoes, jackets, underpinnings, toiletries, hats, scarves, etc.; for varying types of travel, city, winelands, safaris, and Travel Fashion Girl came through on all fronts – I was ordering things left and right even in the last few days and got it all together and had the most wonderful trip. I may have taken a little too much, but I really used most everything I brought so it all worked out. But as they say, less is more; I wouldn’t bother even with a little heel for dinners out if it’s only a few night in a city. I wouldn’t take as many pants as those can be interchangeable pretty easily, especially if you bring a few blouses/tops. For chilly mornings or evenings, a lightweight puffer jacket was perfect. And scarves are perfect to help mix it all up and really be able to wear the same things with different scarves. TFG is an amazing place to go for everything travel; I love it!

Just got back from our 3 week honeymoon on safari in Kenya and Tanzania including a week in Zanzibar – these packing lists from TFG were so helpful for knowing what to expect and helping to minimize how much luggage to bring. Definitely recommend carry on backpack for this trip to fit in the small trunks of the land cruisers and for small airplanes (we took one with only 12 seats!)

This recommended packing list was just what I needed for a 10-day safari in Tanzania.Thank you 🙏

Someone recommended we take soft travel bags to fit onto the small airplanes which I would NOT do again. Due to their weight, it made the grueling trek through airports a painful experience 😣 Instead, we would have preferred rolling, carry-on luggage. My two-cents, but unless you travel lightly, soft bags aren’t the way to go for this type of trip. Anyone else?

Thank you for sharing your own feedback with us Tracy, this is really helpful to know. Hope you had an incredible time!

It was an incredible time, thanks Alex! Would love to go again 😀

Loved this packing list! I only went on a two day safari but this was immensely helpful with helping me choose the right clothes to pack for a conference plus my safari outing.

We’re just back from a Safari in Zimbabwe , Botswana and Zambia And I found previous posts on Safari clothing on this site invaluable! And def no all in ones ! We stopped for loo breaks whenever needed and took it in turns to go round to the back of the truck so it was totally private and discreet! I took very thin summer dresses for the middle of the days and was really glad of these . And we definitely needed warm things for early morning … I had a cashmere snood I was so thankful for … I could pull it up over the back of my head . Also silk gloves ! And it was the best holiday we have ever had !

Thank you so much Julia, so glad we were able to help you with your packing. And thank you for sharing your packing insights with us, these are all super helpful.

So pleased to hear you had such an amazing time!

Just came back from a trip that included: Capetown; The Winelands; Vic Falls; Chobie game drive in Botswana; self drive through Kruger; and a luxury resort/safari game drive; — oh yeah and we had a two day stop over in Doha (!) So we had temps that ranged from 50-65 degrees in Capetown/Winelands; 55-85 in Kruger, and 98-112 degrees in Doha (!)

So one big thing to consider is that the weather is vastly different depending where you go: Capetown in July is Winter, which is chilly and drizzly, can be windy and stormy, BUT because it’s their winter, it was the best time to go on Safari on the other side of South Africa, which was Great Kruger National Park, so just remember, your season might not be their season. Best safari pants I brought was North Face Hybrid Yoga/cargo pants in olive — stretchy, quick dry, had tons of pockets, but felt like leggings. Also the lululemon “Smooth Departure” packable rain coat. Ultra light, and looks good while on safari or in the city. Lastly, even if you go during a “light bug” season, I would recommend at least one Insect Shield SPF long sleeve top (that can be also rolled up) and at least two pairs of their socks. Long sleeve shirts that have SPF can keep you cooler than a t-shirt because the African sun is HOT!! And even if you come from a sunny state (Like CA, as I do) your arms can get really get burnt. Also, a first layer underlayer (for cold) can do double duty. I wore it over my bathing suit while I was going into Devil’s Pool (Victoria Falls), and it really saved me because the water was COLD!! Because it was dry-wicking, it dried almost immediately. Also, just a note: our safari guides would NOT have recommended wearing that bright turquoise jacket that’s pictured in the photo (especially on a walking safari) — maybe it was more “neutral” looking in real life?

Hi Victoria, thank you for sharing your trip report with us and all your great travel tips! This is really helpful. Hope you had an incredible time on your trip! ?

Thank you for the advice! I am looking to travel to Togo, Africa at the end of January 2020 for roughly 2 months. I think the best take away for me I hadn’t really considered is laundry and drying time! I tend to get hot, sweat a lot and very easily. I will let you know how it goes!

Hi Mari, so pleased you found this atricle helpful. Looking forward to reading how you get on. Have the most incredible time! ?

Hello, we are going to Ezulwini Lodges in the middle of March. I have struggled over what to wear and what essentials I should take. I have loved reading all of your comments over the years and am finally taking a 7 night trip there. We are also going to spend 2 night in Maritime Bushveld Estates. Any thoughts on attire?

Hi Jody, thank you for your lovely comment, so pleased you enjoy reading our blog!! 🙂 For other tips to help with your packing for your safari, have a read of this article: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-pack-for-african-safari-tours/ You may also find this article interesting, its about how one TFG reader packed carryon for her African safari and how she also was able to keep the weight to below 10lb: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/safari-packing-list/ Also our readers have the best advice and tips, so I have gone ahead and posted your question on TFG’s facebook page. Keep your eyes out for our readers replies from Wednesday: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl/ Hope this helps. Have an incredible trip!!

Hi Jody, here is the FB thread with our readers replies to your question: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl/posts/2240284559328533 Hope this helps! 🙂

Thanks so much for sharing this Alex! It’s really helpful . Well, I’m going to Tazania in mid of December. Plan a week in there, there are 2 days will be soft hinking with group. Any tip of packing for specific December weather. Please advise! Thanks in advance,Tracy

What shades of blue need to be avoided? Just dark blue or also aquamarine/baby blue and royal blue? How about lavender? Thx!

thank you for this very inclusive list. I appreciate all the work and effort to provide this resource.

YES it gets COLD, even in summer! Keep in mind that some local flights out into the bush have a weight limit on luggage so double check on this- they’re strict! Also, some safari’s do laundry daily so that helps cut down on what you need. I survived a 2 week trip with 2 pairs of leggings, 1 hiking pant from Athleta (cute!), 1 pr of shorts, 5 shirts, (mix of button ups, tanks and athletic type t’s) a fleece and a windbreaker. Don’t overdo the shoes either! One pair of sneaker types and one pair of sandals is fine!

Great tips Megan, thanks!

Great article! Having lived in Africa for the past nine years, I might also advise against wearing shorts. Most of Africa is significantly more conservative than many Western countries, and the only people I ever see in shorts are the tourists and, at times, wearing anything cut above the knee can attract unwanted attention from males- an unfortunate but true reality

Hi Emily, thank you so much for your comment! Thank you for sharing your travel advice 🙂

Hi Alex, Emily’s comment about shorts also might include strappy tank tops and leggings. Your comment about wearing sports bras was right on. Safari trucks have lousy shocks and you will be bounced around. A scarf is useful for keeping dust out of you eyes and mouth.

This really helped me on my recent trip to Kenya and Tanzania. Thank you! 😊

Love your posts! What kind of shoes do you recommend? Are light nike trainers enough or do you need sturdier shoes that are waterproof? I am going on an overlanding trip to South Africa, Namibia and Botswana in July, not to many walking safaris scheduled. Thanks!

I found my regular cross trainers worked well as we only had one walking safari. A few more tips here: https://travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-pack-for-african-safari-tours/

We are going to Tanzania Zambia staying in lodge accommodation at the end of November,we are on the older side but are fairly fit. What clothes should I take..?we have a black tie do to attend in Zambia.I like clothes with sleeves

Try this: https://travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-pack-for-kenya-and-tanzania/ and https://travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-pack-for-africa-serengeti-zanzibar/

We are going to Cape Town for 4 days then winery for 4 days, safari for 5 then victoria falls. Will it look silly if I wear kaftans for dinners? And what about days for shopping and touring in towns? I can’t imagine having only a carry on and not a variety of clothing.

If you’d normally wear kaftans to dinners at home then you should wear them while you’re traveling too 🙂

No blue clothing, as it (like black) attracts mosquitos. Bring decent underwear, something you won’t be embarrassed for camp staff to wash by hand, as I found one fellow doing. You’ll wear the long-sleeve shirt in the jeep during the afternoon so you don’t get sunburned. Unless you’ll hike, closed-toe sandals are good for everything. I wore clogs for the plane and around camp. Glad I brought a fleece jacket for cold mornings. I brought older clothing and left it. In Tanzania, I left sneakers with a camp staffer who was extremely grateful, even though they were one size too big for him. To my safari driver went my bathing suit and robe (someone will wear them), fleece jacket, and old Tevas. I suggest a headlamp, which you may need (tents and hotels were short on light).

Thanks for your feedback Emmy, great tips!

I would add one trash bag to the packing list. In the morning game drive on our last day of the safari, it rained cats and dogs on us, and we got soaked (we all had rain ponchos on but they didn’t help much). Thankfully, someone had trash bags to spare, so we could put the wet clothes in the bag and put in the luggage without everything else getting damp.

That’s a really great tip Midori! thanks for sharing!

Is there a printable safari packing list so I can have it with me shopping, in my closet and when I am actually packing? Thanks

No printable option, maybe take screenshots of this post to help? Happy travels!

I have been to Tanzania (with way too many clothes) and am heading back to Africa for a trip to Cape Town, Namibia, and Victoria Falls. Your packing list suggestions are very helpful as I tend to grossly over pack! Thank you!!!

Thanks for reading Cathy! Sounds like you have an incredible trip planned! We are happy that you have found the packing suggestions helpful! Less stuff is less stress! Happy travels!

Great tips! What size bag did you pack? We’re going mid-July for 3 weeks, and will be spending several days on Mauritius at the end of our trip, so I’ll need to take a few things to dress up a bit.

Hi Cynthia, glad you like the post! This was before I traveled carryon only so I had a 65L backpack. However, I was on a round-the-world trip and had been traveling for nine months before I got to Africa.

Currently, I would never travel with anything larger than a 22″ or 46L suitcase since that’s what I use on my long-term travels now 😉 All the luggage styles Ive used throughout the years can be found here: https://travelfashiongirl.com/best-osprey-backpacks/

This post will help you downsize your suitcase as much as possible: https://travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guides/10-step-guide-to-packing-in-one-suitcase-for-any-trip/

You can find more tips here: https://travelfashiongirl.com/africa-packing-lists/

Have a great trip!

Can you tell me the name of the hiking shoe in the above pic? Thanks

Hi Jennifer, the shoe is the Merell Calia found here http://amzn.to/1Abb4Js

For more ideas, please take a look at: https://travelfashiongirl.com/best-hiking-boots-for-women/

Could you tell me what brand of hiking shoe is shown above? Thanks

Just got back from an Africa safari, and here is my recommendations: 1.) Take Sunscreen! I burned one half of my face sitting in the safari vehicle one day…so I switched sides to burn evenly the next. 2.) A hat would help combat problem #1. 3.) Don’t waste space on hair dryers or makeup etc. No one in the bush cares. 🙂 Bring soap, shampoo, toothpaste and call it done. 4.) I only brought hiking tennis shoes. I longed for a pair of flip flops on the long days in a car. 5.) It can get quite chilly at night. Bring long pants for sleeping if you are staying in a tented camp. I was on my honeymoon so pajama’s wasn’t a top priority when packing…wish it had been! Lol! 6.) Bring a clean outfit for the plane ride home and put it aside. Coming out of the bush after a week of bucket showers you feel dirty enough. 7.) Last and most important: Don’t pack anything that resembles food in a tented camp. I had a granola bar in my bag and we had a honey badger break into our tent while we were gone. It ate the granola bar, chewed up all my underwear, and then took a big poop in my husbands suit case!

Great tips Kate, thank you! Hope you had an amazing experience 🙂

At least one knee length skirt or dress is a must if you are going to be exploring outside of the parks at all. A sarong also goes a long way and I have a nice knit hat I alway bring along in the winter. Also, the first time I traveled to Tanzania I made the mistake of thinking I would only need camping gear and spent the whole time wishing I had a cute top with me. I highly recommend bringing an outfit you can wear to dinner or a club. Overall, great tips! Thanks!

Great add! Thanks 🙂

Thank you so much for this post! I have been searching everywhere for something like it and it’s perfect! I’m off to fashionable Dubai & Iran after overlanding in Africa, so I’m trying to figure out a way to keep my suitcase light AND have enough clothes that are fashionable and practical! I reckon a few colourful scarves may be the way to go, and one long black skirt as well as the above.

That sounds about right! You can always buy a few new things upon arrival. This post might also be helpful: http:/travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-dress-for-conservative-countries-modest-clothing-essentials/

I am not sure if you have already gone trekking or not, but I might consider changing your black skirt to tan, beige, grey or even light pink. I spent two years in and out of Dubai and Afghanistan….you will constantly be trying to clean your black skirt, the sand is more like a talcum powder and sticks to everything, also the dark colours are hot! You will definitely want something feminine/girlie though and the scarves are an excellent idea! Have a wonderful time! 🙂

great tips!

I love all your posts! One question, do the outfits go in addition to what you will be wearing or do you wear one of the outfits in the photos? Thanks!

Hi Catherine! Sorry, which outfits specifically? Thanks for commenting 🙂

I think she means are the clothes pictured above ALL of the clothes for the trip, as in, are the clothes that you would be wearing on the way there and back included in the picture.

yes they are

As always, love, love, love the lists! In all parts of Africa, it’s best to always err on the side of modesty and cameo prints should always be avoided. On safari, it would be worth spending the extra money for clothing that is sunscreen rated/treated with bug repellent.

Thanks Vanessa!

Love that you show a sports bra – those African roads can be amazingly bumpy!!

Yes and painful without support! Ouch!

I always bring gloves with me when I’m in Africa. The morning game drives are always cold.

Oooh that’s true! Forgot that one…thanks for the reminder 🙂

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• COURSE LOGIN
• ACCESSORIES
• For Less Friday
• CLEAN BEAUTY
• Relationships
• Organization
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

The Ultimate Africa Safari Packing List to Help You Look Stylish & Feel Amazing

You might not be planning to head to Africa anytime soon, but I promise there is something for everyone in this post! I’m sharing a packing list that can be used to help pack for many types of trips and some chic and casual spring and summer outfit ideas. You still here? Okay, awesome!

Bucket List Trip to Africa

Africa has been on my personal bucket list for years. Anyone remember my old video on YouTube where I talk about turning 40 and all the things I still want to do (8 years ago)? I mentioned visiting Africa in that video. Anyway, years later, we planned THE trip… for April 2020. Needless to say, that timeline didn’t work out.  So after years of dreaming, planning, cancellations, etc. we finally made it! This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip that I’m so excited to share with you all!

Find more details about my trip including info about each of our stops, the animals, and much more in this video .

African Safari Packing List

When we first started planning the trip, I had this clear vision of what I wanted to look like. My inspiration was Meryl Streep’s character in Out Of Africa or  Julia Schlaepfer’s character in the show, 1923 . Have you seen either of those??

Then… I found out I could only bring one 40-lb. duffel bag because of the plane’s weight restrictions. This was maybe one of my greatest packing challenges yet! But I wasn’t ready to give up on my chic African safari outfits…and from what you’ll see from the outfits below, I still got some stylish looks to fit in that duffel! Depending on your specific trip, you might want to pack differently, but if you’re headed to Africa during the dry season, the packing list above will be super helpful.

A few tips and notes…

• Most camps do laundry for you daily (for free) so you only need to pack minimal socks and undies.
• To minimize, you could bring only one pair of shorts and only one jacket. I mostly wore one jacket (you’ll see below).
• I packed two long dresses and wish I had packed one short and one long instead. Which is why you’ll see that reflected in the list above, but you’ll see two maxis below.
• To make packing easier, stick to a color story. You’ll see below that I went with greens, tans, and whites. That is by design as it’s suggested you wear earth tones on safari.
• This list is for anyone traveling during dry season and into fall.
• If you look up other packing lists, you’ll see lots of specific gear to pack vs. more fashion-focused clothing. I don’t think you need serious outdoorsy gear for this trip.
• Make sure that all toiletries, skincare, and makeup are travel sized to cut down on the amount of space you use in your bag.

Keep scrolling to see how I wore each of the pieces I have in the list above, some stylish safari outfits, and more details on our trip.

Outfit #1) White Top & Green Shorts

This first outfit is one I’d wear for spring/summer even at home…no Africa trip necessary! I’m wearing a pretty white eyelet top by Velvet. It’s 100% cotton so it keeps you cool, but you get that arm coverage with the long sleeves. I’ve styled this top with denim shorts and jeans but for this look, I’m wearing a pair of super chic green shorts by DL1961. These shorts have a high waist (12.25”), pleating details on the front, a wider A-line leg style (a must for flattering shorts!), and cool cargo-style details. The cargo trend is very big right now so all of the pieces in this post will be great for your spring/summer wardrobe. On my feet, I’m wearing some Golden Goose sneakers, but you can go with a different, more affordable option. Just make sure it’s a chic and stylish pair of sneakers that are comfortable! I kept the jewelry minimal with a pair of Julie Vos hoops.

If you’re looking for tips on how to find the perfect shorts over 40 and confidently wear them, check out this post .

Outfit #2) Green Pants, Tan Tee & Veronica Beard Cargo Jacket

Next up, I’m wearing a pair of green Paige pants that you’re going to see A LOT more of in this post. They’re a jogger style with cargo pockets in this gorgeous military green color. They are a 26” inseam, which is perfect for me to wear with boots, sandals, or sneakers. These pants are one of those pieces you can have in your closet to dress up or down and they look SO chic. In this look, I styled them with a tan Nation LTD tee. It has subtle puffed short sleeves, a flattering V-neckline, and button front details. For warmth, I recommend taking a vest like the one I’m wearing above by Patagonia.

Cargo Jacket

Over the vest, I’m wearing a Veronica Beard cargo jacket that you’ll be seeing throughout the rest of this post. This jacket and the Paige pants were my most-worn pieces from this trip. And the jacket has remained a heavy hitter since we returned home. It’s such a gorgeous, special piece with cargo details and a zip-off bottom so you can wear it long or cropped. It’s like you’re getting two jackets for the price of one! Of note, you go on safari early in the morning and during the evening. It gets pretty chilly so you definitely want to wear layers as I did above.

Accessories

To complete the look, I’m wearing a few accessories you’ll be seeing more of in this post…because again, I was only allowed that one duffel bag! I’m wearing my go-to Rag & Bone hat I’ve owned for years. Trust me, it’s worth the investment. Around my neck is a gorgeous neutral, animal-prin scarf from Banana Republic that’s so gorgeous and versatile. I styled it a bunch of ways on the trip. I added a western-inspired belt by ba&sh but you could go with whatever brown belt you already own. On my feet, I’m wearing some Sam Edelman combat boots…comfort was key during this trip and these did the trick! Plus, they’re such a good, neutral pair of boots, I know I’ll wear them again. To finish off the look, I’m wearing some Julie Vos jewelry and my Celine sunglasses.

Outfit #3) Green Romper

Next up, I’m wearing a chic green utility-style romper by Simkahi. I love the cinched waist, oversized lapels, and capped sleeves. It’s that pretty olive green color I tried to tie into all of my outfits with the pants, hat, and a tee you’ll see in some of the looks below. (Sizing note: this runs short so if you have a long torso or are quite tall, I would skip it.) I kept the rest of the look simple and wore a pair of Madewell slide-on sandals that are really comfortable and a great shoe to have in your closet this summer. I only brought three pairs of shoes on this trip…these sandals, the boots from the last look, and the sneakers from the first look. The belt back I’m carrying is from Banana Republic and was perfect for carrying the essentials and being hands-free. I completed the look with a Julie Vos bracelet, a pair of hoops, a subtle Monica Vinader necklace, and come sunglasses.

For tips on how to rock your romper over 40, check out this post .

Outfit #4) Tan Tee, Green Pants & Green Utility Jacket

In this look, I’m wearing the same green Paige pants with a tan ATM tee. I love ATM tees because they’re SO high-quality that you’ll definitely wear them for more than one season. Over the tee, I have on a green utility jacket by Good American. It’s super lightweight, has an oversized fit. I could have left the jacket at home and only brought one jacket, though. If I had a do-over, I would have only packed the Veronica Beard cargo jacket and saved the space for another pair of pants or jeans.

Outfit #5) Rails Button-Down & Green Shorts

Is it any surprise that I packed my Rails white button-down shirt? I take it on every single trip I go on no matter what the destination because it’s THAT versatile. If you don’t already have a high-quality casual button-down for summer, this is what you’ve been looking for! I wear it with everything from shorts and jeans to skirts and swimsuits. In this look, I’m wearing it with the same green DL1961 shorts from Look #1, the Madewell sandals, my belt bag, and some gold jewelry.

Outfit #6) Vix Swimsuit with Rails Button-Down Shirt

I mentioned I wear the Rails button-down with swimsuits and this is what I mean…it makes the perfect coverup! The swimsuit I’m wearing is a sexy, strappy bikini by Vix. Vix is one of my go-to brands for chic and sexy swimsuits and I love the waxed rope and cutout details on this bikini. I wore this when I took Elizabeth to the pool one day.

If you’re looking for more swimsuits and the best brands for women over 40, make sure you check out this post next.

Outfit #7) Green Tee, Pants & Cargo Jacket

Yep, these are the same green Paige pants! This time, I’m wearing them with a green ATM tee that’s the same style as the tan one, just in a different color. I love the monochrome look. But for a little added warmth and style, I threw on the tan Veronica beard jacket. I completed the look with the Rag & Bone hat, Banana Republic scarf, ba&sh belt, Sam Edelman boots, and some sunnies. See how important the layers are? I was able to take off the jacket to get cooler.

Outfit #8) Green Tee & Cargo Shorts

In this outfit, I’m wearing the same green tee and Veronica Beard cargo jacket… but this time, I’m wearing matching Veronica Beard cargo shorts! It’s hard to see the shorts in this picture but they’re good . I love the look of the shorts and jacket combined and it’s really easy to style casually with a tee. The shorts have the same chic cargo details as the jacket, a flattering A-line silhouette, cool contrasting stitching, a high waist, super lightweight material, and they’re comfortable!

Outfit #9) White Short-Sleeve Tee & Green Pants

Did I mention I love those ATM tees? 😉 This white v-neck is also by ATM and is my most-worn tee. I know it’s a little pricey for a T-shirt but it lasts more than one season, doesn’t yellow around the armpits, and washes and wears really well. I styled it with the same green pants, tan cargo jacket, and accessories.

Outfit #10) White Long-Sleeve Tee & Green Pants

If you liked the last look but want a little coverage, this white Nation LTD tee is one I’ve owned for years and is great for covering my chest and arms! I love the big billowy sleeves, smocked cuffs, and that it’s 100% cotton, so I stay cool. I could have styled this tee with any of the other bottoms I packed but I stuck with ol’ faithful…the green Paige pants. 😉

Looking for more chic tops & tees that cover your arms? Check out this post !

Outfit #11) White Button-Down Shirt & Green Joggers

In case you were getting tired of the Paige jogger pants…here’s a different pair of joggers! These are by James Perse and I’ve owned them for about two years. They’re SO comfortable, have an elastic waistband, are 100% cotton, and are the perfect length for me (I’m 5’4”). I styled them with my Rails button-shirt, tan cargo jacket, and combat boots. In hindsight, I wish I had scrapped these joggers and opted for a pair of jeans instead. But, the beautiful thing about this post…you don’t have to make the same mistakes I did! Remember only one jacket, and one pair of joggers or pants and one pair of jeans.

Outfit #12) White Top & Green Joggers

Next, I styled the same James Perse joggers with the white eyelet top from Look #1. I wore this while we were exploring Cape Town and I was not prepared for how cold it was there. I threw on my Patagonia vest, Veronica Beard jacket, and scarf for added warmth.

Outfit #13) Brown Cutout Dress

While we were in Cape Town, I wanted to feel a little more elevated instead of wearing my safari clothes so I went with this beautiful brown Indah dress. It has a v-neckline and cutouts at the waist that are very flattering, a long dramatic maxi length, and billowy sleeves. For a photoshoot at our lodge, I styled it alone with some gold jewelry. But in Cape Town, I wore my Veronica Beard jacket and zipped off the bottom to get that cropped length. I added my scarf for warmth, belt bag for convenience, and combat boots for comfort.

Want to know my 3 secrets to look amazing in cutouts over 40? Check out this post !

Outfit #14) Pink Cutout Dress

I mentioned in my tips above that I wish I had packed one long dress and one short dress. I wore this beautiful pink Simkhai cutout dress to shoot photos in but didn’t get a chance to wear it for anything else, which is why I’d recommend some sort of short cotton dress instead. BUT…I do love the dress and think it’s a great special occasion piece if you have an event or wedding coming up. You can throw on a shawl, jacket, or blazer for added coverage too. I styled it with most of the jewelry I packed for the trip to really add some oomph to the look.

Skincare & Makeup I Packed

Below I linked all of the skincare and makeup I packed for this trip. My biggest tip is to make sure you have travel sizes for everything. You could buy travel-size containers and transfer all of your product to them, but it’s much easier to buy the travel sizes if they’re available!

Keep scrolling for some of my favorite photos from the trip as well as travel details like where we stayed…

More About Our Trip

Every trip to Africa can be different depending on what you want to do, when you go, where you want to go, and what you want to see. This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime trips so it’s important to do your research or even hire a travel agent to help you plan your perfect trip to Africa!

Here is a quick rundown of our trip for anyone who’s interested…

• We flew into Johannesburg and stayed at our airport hotel.
• Then we flew to Kasane and Chobe National Park in Botswana and stayed at The Sanctuary. They had 2-bedroom lodges perfect for our family and it was the closest to the park. We loved our guide, Chika!
• Then we flew from Kasane to Nxabera in Okavango Delta and landed on a dirt landing strip and our safari guides arrived early to ensure no animals were on the runway.
• We stayed at andBeyond , which ended up being our favorite place we stayed. They sang on our arrival and departure which was so sweet. The tents were connected by a passageway which made me feel comfortable. You don’t want your kids to be alone without easy access to you in these camps. And we loved our guides Richard and KB!
• Then we flew to Kasane and drove to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. We did a canopy tour, zip lining, a tour of the falls, and an elephant excursion where you could touch and feed wild elephants. We stayed at The Elephant Camp , which was very close to the fall and the activities we did.
• Then we flew to Cape Town. There we swam with sharks, went whale watching, had some fun dinners, and did a Table Mountain visit. We flew home from Cape Town.

Safari Camera Equipment

I also got quite a few questions about the camera I brought including what lens I used. If you are interested in shooting with a huge zoom lens, I would HIGHLY recommend renting the lens. I didn’t even think of that before I went and it would have saved a lot of money.  I bought this Canon lens that was quite pricey but it didn’t have nearly enough zoom – think paparazzi-like lens. This one would be amazing (and it’s $20,000!) Rent one!! OR…just get a really awesome point-and-shoot with incredible zoom. Honestly, that’s what my husband had and his pictures came out beautifully.

If you have more detailed questions about the trip or what I packed, please leave a comment below!

To get my blog posts delivered directly to your inbox, along with some incredible resources, be sure to sign up for my newsletter here. Thank you for stopping by!

Get Our FREE Wardrobe Basics Checklists, Capsule Wardrobes & More!

Sign up and you instantly receive… FREE Wardrobe Basics Checklists, Closet Editing & Organizing Checklists, Zoom Call Tips, Capsule Wardrobe Shopping Suggestions and a Lookbook of outfit ideas! You can download and print all of these.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

20 thoughts on “ The Ultimate Africa Safari Packing List to Help You Look Stylish & Feel Amazing ”

• Pingback: 4 New Coverups I’m Wearing This Summer To Look Chic In The Heat

What month did you travel to Africa?

We were there in April, during their dry season. Hope this one was helpful for you, Lynn! ~Erin xo

Hi Eri! What an epic experience! Your family was so fortunate to make this memory together, good for you for having the perseverance and drive to see it through. I was wondering about kids clothes, specifically. I have two daughters 10 and 13, and would love to do a trip like this with our family of 4; what packing list would you recommend for kids that age? I gather it would be similar to adults but maybe less variety of one type of clothing? Any advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for sharing this incredible experience and for being such a key resource for anyone wishing to have a similar adventure! Best, Olga

Thanks for reading and following along for this journey, Olga! It was truly incredible… Very similar for the kids, just minus skincare/makeup, tech gear, and then you can share any of the toiletries/first aid items that you need to. If you haven’t seen it yet, I just shared a video with more details on this epic trip right here: https://youtu.be/o21Q0HfoF-w I hope you get to take your family on a trip like this too, and hope my stories and tips help with your planning! ~Erin xo

• Pingback: How To Style Rompers... Yes, You CAN Wear a Romper Over 40!

Hi Erin, The timing of this post is perfect for planning my trip to Namibia and Southern Africa in 6 weeks time.looks like you all had a fabulous trip and yes Cape Town can be very windy and cold. We have 10 days on Safari or in the bush in Namibia (Safari clothes) and 4 days in South Africa. Remaining 7 days are is in cities or travelling to and from JNB/Windhoek/Madikwe. I have a couple of questions for you. 1. Noticed the kids wore some light tan pants , same as the guides. How did that colour go re laundering? Was there any red dirt marks that wouldn’t come out? I have cargo joggers that colour…. 2. How chilly did it get (early morning/evening) in Botswana and how warm during the middle of the day, please? I’m trying to gauge if extra layers (light merino mid layers, cami undershirt) needed for evening and night drives vs middle of day clothes. Namibia is tropical/subtropical but I know inland always has a large temperature variance. Thank you for sharing your trip. Bel (Brisbane, Australia)

Perfect timing! Thanks for reading, Belinda. We didn’t have issues with stains personally, and they recommended these colors for safari. It was pretty warm during the day, but surprisingly chilly in the mornings and evenings. The name of the game is layers! Make sure you have a jacket and the layers that you described sound like a great plan. I’ll be sharing more on all of the details of our trip in this coming Thursday’s YouTube video! ~Erin xo

Oh my gosh, Erin, I came upon this post at just the right time while searching for African safari fashion inspiration. I hit the jackpot here! Thank you! I’m 46, I feel like 26, and I like to think I look 36 (but that may just be a dream). Like you we have been planning our trip (to Tanzania and Zanzibar) for years and we’re finally heading there in July 2023. I’m insisting upon making every outfit count (cute and practical) but unfortunately we’re limited not to 40lbs but to only 33lbs per person, including any carry-ons, cameras, bags, etc. Fortunately, because my husband is like most other guys, he’ll only be needing about half of his weight allocation…I’ll make sure of that. :). Without having seen your packing list, it’s uncanny how much our lists already overlap…down to the Paige joggers, Golden Goose sneakers, R&B fedora hat, BR scarf, romper, green utility jacket, and more. I absolutely adore your Veronica Beard Cargo Jacket, but I’m guessing that will be a casualty of the weight restriction…but maybe not. Fingers crossed. I had also hoped to pack a long-sleeved utility jumpsuit, cargo leggings, linen safari dresses, and some cute lugged-soled canvas sneakers (in addition to my GG sneakers, and Frye combat boots…which I had already purchased before seeing your really cute Sam Edelman boots…. which leads me to my two questions. Did you find yourself wearing long-sleeves and long pants more often than shorts and short-sleeves (to ward off the sun and bugs)? And if you had to cut a few more pieces from your list, what could you have lived without? I’m finding the hardest part so far is finding the perfect leather bag to carry with me wherever I go. Thanks so much! You are so beautiful and inspiring. Lauren (Portland, OR)

Perfect timing, Lauren! I’m sharing even more details about this trip in next week’s YouTube video… stay tuned for that! But could have cut out the dress that I only got to wear for taking pictures, and honestly didn’t feel I needed my professional camera. Chris’s small point and shoot camera did a really great job capturing the images. The VB cargo jacket is SUPER lightweight, which made it all the better for this trip! I did wear long sleeves/pants more than expected because it was cooler than I had anticipated. Wear your heaviest shoes/jacket on the plane to save on bag space/weight too! Hope this is helpful as you continue to prepare for your own amazing trip. ~Erin xo

• Pingback: 5 Summer Wardrobe Staples to Have in Your Closet | Busbee Style
• Pingback: I'm Loving The Cool & Edgy Cargo Trend - Here's How To Wear It Over 40!

Hi Erin, your African photos and packing post inspired me to finally make the call for planning our family trip to Africa next summer 2024! I am also looking at Elephant Camp – did you like it? And how long did you spend in Cape Town? I love your style and tips and have been following you since before Covid first on You Tube then Instagram. Your Africa looks are wonderful – I am so inspired :)!!

How amazing, Annette!! You will absolutely love it… It’s surreal. We did really enjoy the Elephant Camp, though our favorite place that we stayed was andBeyond. Only had a few days in Cape Town, and would have loved to have more time there! Will share more details in a video soon! ~Erin xo

What a wonderful trip did you plan it yourself or did you have an agent help you to plan? Your outfits were great. You did a great job and you have some wonderful pictures. What type of camera did you use?

Thanks for reading, Cheryl! We had a travel agent help plan the trip to ensure it was all coordinated just right. I used my professional camera (same one that I do for most of my style pictures, but with a longer range lens) plus Chris actually got a ton of great pictures with his tiny point and shoot camera! We really would have been fine just packing his, surprisingly enough. ~Erin xo

Appreciate the detail in this post, and the lovely photos. Your well-coordinated accessories take these looks over the top! I want EVERYTHING! Your family adventures are truly amazing, and I look forward to hearing more about Africa. Inspiring!

Thanks so much for reading, Rachel! SO glad you enjoyed following along on our journey. It was truly an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime trip. ~Erin xo

dear Erin You always make me feel better with your lovely videos ! I was humiliated at the grocery store for trying to buy 2 packs of paper towels There was no sign and I could not know that I was walking into such an unpleasant situation Thus the new normal has slapped me in my face and it still hurts ! Oh well at least I am still well and counting my many blessings ! You are one of them ! Thank you!

I’m so sorry, Theresa.

Explore More

The chic, comfy & affordable spring outfit you won’t want to take off, 10 timeless pieces that never go out of style…you will wear these closet essentials for years, what to wear during menopause – 6 tips to help you feel & look your best, 12 elegant & versatile mother’s day dresses you can wear for so many special occasions.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• World's Best

Travel + Leisure Readers' 10 Favorite Safari Outfitters of 2023

T+L readers said these safari outfitters strike the perfect balance between respect for nature and animal-spotting thrills in our annual "World’s Best Awards" survey for 2023.

How Voting Works

What readers loved, the full list.

Courtesy of Thomson Safaris

When it comes to trying to spot animals in their own habitat, there’s only one element that can really make a difference: instinct. And these safari outfitters all know the terrain so well that they’ve become known for creating “once-in-a-lifetime” experiences on almost every trip, simply by knowing how to follow the continent’s most famous residents on their home turf. Whether it’s searching for the Big Five in Kruger National Park or gorilla trekking in Rwanda , our readers put their trust in these safaris to show them the best of the animal world. 

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 165,000 T+L readers completed the 2023 survey, an increase of nearly 25 percent over pre-pandemic voting levels. A total of more than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Tour operators and safari outfitters were specifically rated on the criteria below:

• Staff/guides
• Itineraries/destinations
• Accommodations

For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.

Consistency is key when it comes to leading safaris, as seven of the top 10 reader favorites return to the list from last year . Making its debut in the No. 2 spot is Piper & Heath Travel , which readers hailed for its thoughtfulness when it comes to guests’ specific needs. A family with a 7-year-old found “they were very purposeful in selecting camps and advocating for guides that were particularly family-friendly.” Another said that, ahead of a three-generation trip, a conscientious travel consultant initiated a video call with all their grandchildren and “answered the hundreds of questions they had.” Yet another reader raved about “outstanding travel advice, planning, and execution” on a private 12-person, two-week safari. Piper & Heath Travel’s dedication to the environment was also appreciated, as one reader had a “seamless“ Kenya trip that was ”conservation-focused,” while another applauded the company’s focus on “sustainability.” 

Africa Adventure Consultants (No. 5) and Rothschild Safaris (No. 9) also made it back to the list this year.

When it comes to situations out in the wild, you just never know what you’ll face. Thomson Safaris (up from No. 7 last year to No. 3 in 2023) was beloved by one reader who had a medical emergency in the bush and received top-notch care: “They saved my life.” Another said, “Falling asleep to the grunts of hippos sharing the Serengeti's starry canopy is something I'll never forget.” To see which other safari outfitters T+L readers ranked in the top 10, keep scrolling.

Alluring Africa

Courtesy of Alluring Africa

Team members at Alluring Africa like to think of themselves as “safari matchmakers.” After all, everyone is looking for something different in an animal-spotting adventure, and the Florida-based company has long been hailed as one of the foremost experts in finding the perfect match, as one reader called their trip the “best African experience I could have ever dreamed of having.” Rising from No. 3 last year to the top spot, which it also held in 2018 , it’s no wonder the operator has been attracting repeat customers. One reader said they’d been on four trips and will “trust only Alluring Africa with all of my Africa destinations,” adding that “the first African ‘trip of a lifetime’ was so addicting, I continue to go back for more.”

Best African experience I could have ever dreamed of having.

1. Alluring Africa

Reader score: 99.21

2. Piper & Heath Travel  

Reader score: 96.89

3. Thomson Safaris

Reader score: 96.28

4. andBeyond  

Reader score: 94.87

5. Africa Adventure Consultants  

Reader score: 93.78

6. Go2Africa  

Reader score: 93.75

7. Wilderness

Reader score: 92.22 

8. Micato Safaris

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader score: 92.10

9. Rothschild Safaris

Reader score: 86.34

10. Africa Adventure Company

Reader score: 86.21

Related Articles

Ultimate African Safari Packing List and Outfit Ideas

An African Safari is an amazing bucket list vacation . If you fortunate enough to be planning a safari vacation, you are in for a treat! Once you plan an African Safari , you are likely wondering what should be on your safari packing list.

Unlike other vacations, packing for an Africa safari takes a bit more thought and consideration. There are packing restrictions, color limitations and comfort to consider.

In addition, there are many extras to pack such as a headlamp and binoculars that you may not need for a traditional vacation.

The first time I went on safari, I remember my family frantically shopping for a new wardrobe that fit into the neutral color scheme. We stocked up on bug proof clothing, adventure wear, and supplies, then crossed our fingers that we packed correctly.

I’ve since been on three African safari’s and have mastered the art of what to wear on a safari. This packing list will take out the guess work for you by outlining exactly what you need to bring on your safari vacation.

Keep reading for my ultimate safari packing list. In addition, check out this packing guide for what to wear on your long-haul flight to Africa.

Some links on this blog are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them. All opinions are my own, and I only recommend products and services I personally use and believe in. Thanks for your support!

What to Wear on a Safari

As I mentioned, packing for an Africa safari is more complicated than packing for an average trip. Here are some important things to consider when planning your packing list for African safari.

Neutral colors – The color scheme for safari is neutrals, such as green, khaki, beige, brown, and light grey. This is for your protection from insects and optimal game viewing.

Casual safari clothing – Even a luxury safari packing list should consist of casual clothing. This seems counterintuitive when staying in a 5 star luxury resort, but safari is meant to be a rugged, adventurous experience.

Layering – The temperatures in sub-Saharan Africa can fluctuate widely throughout the day. Layering is your best friend to stay comfortable from below freezing to 80 degrees over the course of a day.

Pack light – Since you will be travelling in small plane and safari vehicles, there are weight and luggage restrictions for safari. Packing light is key!

Packing Restrictions for Safari

One of the main complications of a safari packing list is meeting all the packing restrictions set by the tour companies.

Weight Restrictions : Many tour companies will limit the weight of your luggage to 35 pounds to account for the small internal flights you will take.

Luggage Restrictions : Since tour companies transfer your bags between small planes and jeeps, pack soft-sided luggage such as backpacks or duffel bags for easily storage.

Patagonia Black Hole 55L Duffel Bag

✅ Removable backpack straps for easy carrying

✅ Highly water-resistant material

✅ Tough fabric for rough baggage handling

Building a Safari Capsule Wardrobe

To prepare for this limited amount of packing, utilize a capsule wardrobe to be able to mix and match a small amount of clothing items. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothing items that can be combined create different outfits. Typically, a capsule wardrobe includes staple pieces in the same color scheme so they can be combined make up a capsule wardrobe.

Additionally, many safari outfitters will include laundry in the price of the tour. At a few lodges, you will be able to get overnight laundry, allowing you to re-wear outfits easily.

Below are three helpful tips for packing for safari and two examples of safari capsule wardrobes.

Safari Packing Tip #1 – Stick to the Neutrals

An important guideline for a safari packing list is the colors to wear on safari. Tour operators strongly discourage certain colors for safety and comfort reasons. Some of these colors can be difficult to find and may need to be purchased specially for safari.

Colors TO Wear on Safari

The best colors to wear on safari are light blues, greens, browns, greys, and tans. Fortunately, these colors tend to match, making capsule wardrobes easy. The below collages are fantastic examples of how to create a capsule safari wardrobe.

One great option for a safari capsule wardrobe is a mixture of blues and browns . For clothing items, I love convertible pants like these that can be worn as both shorts and pants to save packing space. Also jumpsuits are super easy to throw on, are fashionable, and super comfortable.

Shop this blue/brown safari capsule wardrobe

An alternative color scheme for your safari outfits is greens and greys, shown above. You don’t have to be strict and only pack in one scheme, but it will make mixing and matching very simple.

Shop this green/grey safari capsule wardrobe

Colors NOT to Wear on Safari

Black/ Navy Blue – Dark colors such as black and navy attract bugs such as mosquitos and tsetse flies. Since these bugs are annoying and carry harmful diseases, it is best to stay away from these colors. This means to leave your jeans and black leggings at home.

Camouflage – Camo is a popular print right now and falls into the suggested green color category. However, many people in African countries associate camouflaged print with military and its even illegal in some places.

Red – Animals in Kenya and Tanzania associate red with the local Masai warriors. Animals avoid this color to avoid being hunted. To not scare off the wildlife, be sure to not pack any red or other bright colors.

White – White is ok in moderation, but easily get’s dirty and will be difficult to re-wear.

What to Wear on Safari Tip #2 – Materials Matter

As mentioned above, comfort is key when deciding what to wear on safari. Focus on materials that are moisture wicking, comfortable to sit in, and breathable.

The temperature on safari will have a wide range, depending on the time of day and location. On my trip, we experienced near freezing temperatures in the morning and in mountain locations. We also experienced warm, summer weather during the day at lower elevations.

To best dress for the heat, focus on clothes that are breathable for the heat, but easily layered to stay warm. Materials such as performance fabric, linen, and high quality cotton are great options.

Africa Safari Outfit Tip #3 – Wear Versatile Clothing

Since packing space is limited, it’s important to find clothes that can be dressed up, dressed down, and paired with a variety of other clothing items. This will allow you to wear different outfits with a few staple pieces.

To demonstrate this idea, here are a few examples:

Kuhl Womens Freeflex Dash Pant – These pants are a great staple piece for safari. The material is comfortable, durable, and hides dirt easily. The pants have a built in cinch at the hem that allows them to be worn as a straight-leg or jogger style. This versatility allows you to have two pants in one.

Kuhl Konstance Tank – This tank top is another example of a versatile piece of clothing for safari. It can be paired with different bottoms or layered with a jacket to create a completely different look. The cut is also super flattering and the material is soft and breathable.

The Best Shoes to Wear on Safari

Hiking Boot

If you are doing any hiking on your trip, a hiking boot is a must. These are super comfortable for all-day wear and come in safari-friendly colors.

Hiking Shoe

If you are not hiking, save space and bring a hiking shoe instead of a boot. These have plenty of support for walking around camp and the bush.

Sturdy Sandal

In addition to a sneaker, a pair of adventure sandals is great for around camp or on game drives. I even wear these on short hikes because they’re so comfy.

Safari Packing List: Clothes and Shoes

• 1 Pair of Walking shoes : Even though you will spend most of the day in vehicles, it is important to have sturdy shoes for any walking that you may do. The African bush has uneven ground and dirt, so sturdy shoes like these are important.
• 1 Pair of Sandals : In addition to your hiking/walking shoes, pack a pair of sturdy sandals to wear around camp or in the safari vehicle.
• Convertible Jacket : Depending on the area, temperature can range from freezing to 80+ degrees during your safari trip. Be sure to include a convertible jacket, like this 3-in-1 option on your safari packing list.
• Tops : For a 7-10 day safari, I recommend packing three short sleeve shirts, one long sleeve shirt, and two button up shirts for layering
• Pants : Bring one pair of pants for every three days of safari and 1-2 pairs of shorts for the entire trip.
• Swimsuit : This item is easily overlooked, but you will appreciate the swimwear to spend time in resort pools.
• Safari hat : A good safari hat will protect from sun and bugs.

Safari Packing List: Other Important Items

• Headlamp : Many lodges and camps will have outdoor pathways connecting common areas to rooms. At night, the paths can be hard to see, so a headlamp can be helpful for hands-free lighting.
• Binoculars : Binoculars are critical for seeing faraway animals.
• Camera : Safari is prime for getting amazing photographs. If you have a good camera or are thinking of buying one, make sure it makes it on your safari packing list.
• Phone zoom attachment : iPhone attachments can help enhance phone photos.
• Insect repellent : As mentioned above, it is important to keep bugs off you. Pack bug spray with deet or bug-off wipes for daily use.
• Sunscreen : Wear sunscreen daily for protection from the near-equator sunshine.
• Cash : It’s super important to bring all the cash you will need for your trip. ATMs are very hard to come by in the bush, and often local currencies are not preferred. Bring enough new, crisp, US dollars for tips and purchasing souvenirs.

Summary of What to Wear on a Safari

The most important aspect of an African safari packing list is focusing on essentials that will provide comfort, safety, and function. Be sure to utilize layers in complimentary colors to make your items go far. Do not forget the other essential items like bug spray and a headlight.

Want more outfit ideas? Check out my guide to what to wear in Uganda that explains what to wear on safari for all activities and occasions such as a game drive, hiking, or lounging at the lodge.

For more information on safari travel, read my post on what to expect on a luxury South Africa Safari .

If you have any questions, please leave a comment below and be sure to share this post on Pinterest for others to find.

– Camoflauge or military-style clothing – White clothing – Black / Navy blue clothing – Red clothing – Expensive jewlery – Formal clothing – High heels

Dinner attire on safari is very casual, even at luxury resorts. You can often wear what you wore on safari that day, such as long pants, hiking shoes, and a button down top. If you prefer to change your outfit, something simple like a green jumpsuit or linen set is very appropriate.

Most safaris require you to pack in soft-sided luggage such as a duffel bag. I recommend a duffel bag that is waterproof and a scratch-resistant material. In addition, there are weight limits for safari, so ensure your bag is the appropriate size to not be overweight.

The best colors to wear on safari are neutrals such as green, beige, brown, grey, and light blue.

I do not recommend wearing jeans on a safari. First, they are often dark blue which is a big no-no for tsetse flies. In addition, jeans are not breathable or flexible for active days.

Related Posts:

• Ultimate Uganda Packing List – What To Wear In Uganda On Safari
• Planning A Trip To Uganda | Complete Uganda Travel Blog
• The Best Luxury Lodges In Uganda – A Quick Guide To Where To Stay In Uganda On Safari
• What To Expect On A Luxury South Africa Safari
• 110 Best New Orleans Captions for Instagram Photos and Reels
• 2 Day Disneyland Itinerary: Are Two Days Enough?
• Top 6 Fun Things to do in Gilbert AZ (from a Local)
• How to Plan a Trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras (2024)

Lauren is the creator of The Traveling Moore blog. She's travel obsessed, having been to nearly 50 countries and all 7 continents. She has a full time corporate job, and loves showing others that it's still possible to travel the world with limited PTO hours. Lauren is also travel hacking obsessed, finding every way to travel more often and more luxuriously.

Similar Posts

What to Expect on a Luxury South Africa Safari

Share via: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy Link More An African safari is a once in a lifetime experience. I…

Luxury Lodges in Uganda: 6 Best Safari Lodges in Uganda

Share via: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy Link More This guide to the best luxury lodges in Uganda will share…

Best Uganda Packing List: What to Wear in Uganda on Safari

Share via: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy Link More This Uganda packing list includes ideas for what to wear on…

Complete Packing List for Mexico All Inclusive Resorts

Share via: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy Link More I am going to Mexico this weekend! I literally cannot wait…

What to Wear to Disney World in October: Halloween Outfits

Share via: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy Link More If you’re visiting Disney World around Halloween, one of the biggest…

What to Wear on a Long-Haul Flight: Cute and Comfy Outfits

Share via: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy Link More I feel like there are two types of people at the…

Safari Outfit Ideas to Pack When You Finally Take That Dream Trip

By Mara Balagtas and Andrea Whittle

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Packing for a safari is a science: You need to be prepared for changing temperatures, high sun, and plenty of dust, as well as cocktail hour and a dip in the pool—and all of your safari outfits, plus toiletries and gear, have to fit in a soft-sided duffel with a strict weight limit. We polled our resident experts and trusted specialists for safari outfit ideas, whether you're staying in a luxe tented camp on the Okavango Delta in Botwsana or traversing the Sabi Sands game reserve in South Africa . Note that most safari outfitters will provide travelers with an itemized packing list, so check with yours about specifics (as well as any vaccines or medications you might need) before you go.

Getting there

Most safari camps are only accessible by small propeller planes, which don’t allow hard-sided luggage. Pack everything in soft duffels that can be easily tossed into the back of the plane or the back of a Land Rover (weight limits are strict, too, so make sure you check with the outfitter before you go). Our advice: bring along some low-tech entertainment and have your camera handy for the views. Go Pro's Hero 9 has built-in tech to help keep any footage you shoot looking steady, making it perfect for bumpy rides.

On a game drive

Specialists disagree on the details, but you’re generally advised to avoid red and white clothing (as well as anything Day-Glo) while on game drives because it can attract insects or make you more visible to certain animals. Instead, go for clothing in shades of khaki, brown, and olive, which help you to blend in with the environment and hide dust and dirt, and pair it with some sneakers with a decent tread (on most safaris, you don’t need serious hiking boots). You’ll also want to pack plenty of layers since it can be chilly in the early morning, and blazing hot a few hours later. Don't forget a hat to help keep your skin protected under the harsh midday sun.

Around camp

You’ll want casual, cozy clothes to wear while you’re lounging around camp in between your daily excursions. A durable sandal with some grip will work just fine, and don’t forget a bathing suit —many lodges or tented camps have gorgeous pools.

Safari chic dinner

Some travelers like to have a more dressed-up option for cocktail hour and dinner back at camp—think flowy, breezy dresses, flats that can withstand a little dust, and a warm scarf to wrap yourself up in. Jumpsuits are a great option since it eliminates having to pack both tops and bottoms for evenings. In terms of accessories, leave any really blingy jewelry at home and opt for a more simple, pared down look.

• Safari Stories
• What To Wear On Safari: Quick Guide To Safari Colours

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

What to Wear on Safari: Quick Guide to Safari Colours

One way to celebrate safari is by wearing made-for-purpose safari clothing in Africa.

If you have booked your trip to Africa, how you should dress for a safari will be an important part of your travel plan. When planning what to wear on an African safari, colour is one of the most important considerations. This quick guide to safari colours should assist with what to wear on safari.

SAFARI PACKING TIPS: COLOUR

What colour should you wear on safari? We recommend neutral safari clothing for your African travels. This includes shades of khaki, brown, beige/tan, and green. These colours blend in well with the bush and are best-suited to safari travel for a few important reasons.

WHY DOES THE COLOUR OF YOUR SAFARI CLOTHES MATTER?

Game-viewing By blending in with your surroundings, you enhance your game-viewing. Watching wildlife behaving naturally is the best way to see Africa’s spectacular fauna. The colour of your clothing can potentially scare off or disturb your sighting – something you want to avoid.

Activities Don’t miss the chance to experience the bush in as many ways as possible. For game drives and self-drives, dress the part to make the most of any opportunity to go on a short walk. For walking safaris and other active safaris , the colour of your clothing matters for your wildlife encounters and can contribute to the quality of your sightings and, in some cases, your safety.

Made for safari Exploring the bush can be gloriously dusty and dirty. Shades of khaki have long been worn by safari-goers for not showing up dirt as easily as other colours.

When in Africa One way to celebrate safari is by wearing made-for-purpose safari clothing in Africa. With fashionable safari clothes for women and men always being in style, you can add a touch of safari to your wardrobe back home too.

Want to know exactly what to pack for a safari? Use our free customisable safari packing list tool to create a travel checklist of what to take on safari.

WHAT COLOURS SHOULDN'T YOU WEAR ON SAFARI?

Blue and black Black and blue stand out in the bush, but there is another reason to avoid wearing these colours on safari. If you are travelling to an area with tsetse flies, this attracts the dreaded fly – an insect with a painful bite – so much so that fly traps are made from blue and black fabric.

Can you wear white on safari? White stands out more than any other colour in the African bush and so isn’t suitable for safari activities. That said, slipping into a white shirt for dinner in the evening is a great feeling. Shop men's and women's white shirts .

More Stories

Go To Give Back

Safari Shoes: Quick Guide to Safari Footwear

SAVE UP TO 60% OFF:

Shop the sale.

Includes Factory Shop Specials. Get the best outdoor gear now for even less.

While stocks last

Safari Bags:

The new rufiji™ explorer ii.

Our upgraded bestselling canvas & leather duffel bag | Full leather handles | Leather pad on shoulder strap | Leather detail & brass studs for strength | Removable shoulder strap | Comes in a drawstring bag | Free Rufiji™ Leather Moneyclip

Essential soft & squashable luggage

Products in our Story

Men's bugtech™ anti-insect safari shirt, short sleeves, men's bugtech™ anti-insect zip-off cargo safari trousers, men's rufiji™ safarielite bonded long sleeve fleece, men's savute safari t-shirt, men’s mara&meru™ savute safari cargo shorts with stretch.

This website uses cookies for it's shopping basket, you must have cookies enabled in order to use this site.

• Travel Interests
• Destinations

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:

Also Read or Continue With Article

Road trip ready: the best time to visit alaska, you and a friend could get paid $10,000 to watch solar eclipse 2024, how many national parks are there, discover glamping, where nature meets luxury.

• 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?

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive blog updates and free travel advice. No spam ever. *

Yes, I would like to receive emails from The Trip Wish List. (You can unsubscribe anytime)

The Trip Wish List is a boutique travel agency that helps people from all walks of life pursue their travel dreams. Follow us on social media for inspiration for your next trip. Visit our blog and sign up for our mailing list for travel news, tips, and hacks. Join us on one of our trips to tick exciting places off your travel bucket list.

FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM

• Privacy Policy

© 2023 The Trip Wish List - All Rights Reserved.

• Central America
• United Arab Emirates
• United States
• South America
• Fall Travel
• Family Travel
• Food + Drink
• Luxury Travel
• Outdoors & Adventure
• Shopping + Fashion
• Solo Travel
• Summer Travel
• Wellness Travel
• Winter Travel
• Women’s Travel

5 Outstanding Safari-Inspired Outfits for 2023/24

The safari-inspired trend is unquestionably coming back strong to influence the 2023/24 season. Beiges, browns, khakis, and creams make up the color palette of safari style, sprinkled with animal print patterns typical of the safari fauna and utility clothing suitable for a hot, humid adventure in the wilderness. 

The energy safari fashion brings is remarkably contagious—whether in structured dresses, utilitarian pants, vests, safari shorts, shirts, or jackets. These fashion trends will be all over the place in the coming seasons as demand for practical yet stylish attire increases. 

This article explores five must-know safari-inspired outfits buyers would love to own in 2023/24.

Table of Contents 5 top Safari-Inspired outfits of 2023/2023 Watch these trends

5 top safari-inspired outfits of 2023/2023

1. safari jackets and chinos.

A safari explorer’s look isn’t complete without a classic safari jacket and good ol’ chinos. While a safari jacket can add drama to any outfit, and in a significant way imaginable, it makes a complete fit when worn with chinos bottoms. Safari jackets and chinos are a classic combination perfect for formal and casual events. The safari jacket is versatile and can be dressed up or down, while the chinos are comfortable and stylish bottoms.

It’s easy to look stylish with this fit’s casual style while keeping cozy on cool evenings or breezy in the summer sun. Consumers can complete the safari look by adding complementary accessories or tone it down by wearing a white T-shirt. They can also dress it with a button-down shirt for a more formal look. This outfit also works well with a silky blouse for a party or tank top, making it fit for activities throughout the day.

2. Safari-inspired dress

Ladies consider safari-inspired dresses high-end investments. They are structured for added sexiness and deftly distinguish between evening and more formal clothes. Everyone can choose their adventure with a safari dress—from shirt dresses to midis, trench dresses, full-lengths, and several other styles. 

Dresses in this category usually have simple designs like a shirt-like collar and pockets or a belt. They are often manufactured from strong fabric in neutral colors, like cotton or linen.

For shoppers who want to be the star of any event, wearing a safari-themed dress is a surefire way to achieve it. Pair it with a black jacket for the party look, or rock it alone. 

A safari-themed dress can also be the ideal get-out-and-go outfit for the average day. All it needs to make a complete outfit for wherever the day may lead is a denim jacket, blazer, and trainers.

3. Khaki pants and safari shirt

Looking for the perfect safari ensemble? Look no further than the khaki pants and safari shirt pair. These two promise coverage, comfort, protection from the sun, and blending in with the environment. They are perfect for an adventure in the wild, a regular day out in the urban jungle, or any occasion.

Minimalists who prefer to look effortlessly chic while avoiding over-the-top fashion are fans of khaki pants . These slacks are the perfect blank slate to create an outfit masterpiece. They have a unique, timeless appeal and versatility, second to none. Any contemporary safari outfit looks excellent with khaki.

On the other hand, Safari shirts are an absolute versatile staple that exudes cool explorer vibes. They are good layering pieces. They are usually lightweight, breathable, quick-drying, and wrinkle-resistant.

Pair it with casual accents to give the outfit a more practical appearance. Shoppers can balance the outfit with sleeker accessories to create an off-duty look for a formal setting.

4. Tank tops and safari shorts

This duo is a perfect feminine option for when the weather gets hot, especially in the middle of the day. Seeing that safari fashion demands lightweight pieces with excellent layering options that provide comfort, tank tops and safari shorts are a must-have. The khaki shorts and tank top offers a very polished appearance while keeping the wearer comfortable in the heat.

This outfit comes in a wide variety of different fabrics, colors, and designs. The tops include white tanks, animal prints, and cropped. The shorts include cargo shorts , khaki, athletic, denim, and linen, amongst others. There are matching sets that are very functional and stylish, all of which are relaxed and breezy for all-day comfort. 

Tank tops and safari shorts are also sensible for casual, dressy occasions and perfect all-year-round fit. Consumers would love a set that lets them shine through exuding vacay vibes and a fierce sense of style. Tank tops and safari shorts are the perfect set to achieve that.

5. Cargo pants and utility vests

Cargo pants and utility vests embody the two essential qualities that define safari fashion: comfort and color. Individually, they are very functional and can be styled to fit several occasions.

Cargo pants are the ideal safari bottoms. They offer water resistance, are lightweight, and dry quickly. Most cargo pants have elastic waistbands and endless pockets for storage, making them very practical.

Utility vests are must-have items if aiming for a safari look or going on a safari. They’re a beautiful accessory with many pockets that never cause harm to anyone. They can be worn alone in warm weather, and on chilly days, they can be worn as an outer layer. Most utility vests are lightweight and have a waist cinch, providing wearers with practicality and other features they love in a vest.

Combined, these two pieces exude a relaxed utilitarian look buyers love. They are perfect for travel and other outdoor activities. They are always in style and surprisingly very handy.

Watch these trends

As everyone knows, all good trends tend to come back around. Years after floating through the fashion radar, there is a resurgence of themes and designs that remind the industry of safaris, wild adventures, and nature. Safari-inspired outfits are all about choosing personal fashion adventures. 

There is something for everyone, from sultry dresses to utility vests and cargo pants, jackets and chinos, tank tops, and shorts, or khaki pants and shirts. These would be popular picks for consumers looking to gear up in outfits reminiscent of an outdoorsy trek.

Was this article helpful?

About the author.

Sarah Cornley

Related posts.

Men’s Bag Forecast: Spring/Summer 24 Trends Unveiled

5 Young Women’s Subversive Opulent Prom Designs for Spring/Summer 23

Trendsetting in Textiles: Women’s Knitwear for a Stylish Spring/Summer 2024

The Ultimate Guide To Picking the Perfect Headband in 2023

Leave a comment.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

safari 2023

Dabney Coleman, actor who portrayed comic scoundrels, dies at 92

Dabney Coleman, a Texas-born character actor who created an acclaimed gallery of comically macho throwbacks in films including “9 to 5” and “Tootsie” and TV shows such as “The Slap Maxwell Story” and “Buffalo Bill,” died May 16 at his home in Santa Monica, Calif. He was 92.

His daughter Quincy Coleman confirmed the death but did not provide a specific cause.

Tall, mustachioed, athletic and with a slight twang to his speech, Mr. Coleman bore a swaggering intensity that he put in the service almost wholly of comedy. He became a household name in the late 1970s as a smarmy small-town mayor , Merle Jeeter, on the sitcoms “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” and “Fernwood Tonight.”

He was called on time and again to provide variations on that persona — pitiable lechers, conniving bosses, vain cretins who operate under a veneer of old-school propriety. Film critic Leonard Maltin once wrote that Mr. Coleman “raised the portrayal of comic jerks and loudmouths to an art form.”

He found his critical breakthrough in “9 to 5” (1980), portraying a predatory manager who seeks sexual conquest in the secretarial pool and gets his comeuppance courtesy of co-stars Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton and Lily Tomlin. Fonda called the movie, which explores unequal pay and other festering inequities of the modern workplace, a “feminist revenge fantasy.”

In the film’s most cathartic sequence, Mr. Coleman’s character desperately seeks safety from a mob of angry employees, pleading, “I’m not such a bad guy.”

“You’re a sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot,” Fonda, clad in a safari outfit and wielding a shotgun, replies.

“So I have a few faults. Who doesn’t?”

The next year, Mr. Coleman had a rare sympathetic part as Fonda’s dentist boyfriend in the drama “On Golden Pond” before returning to his unsavory bread-and-butter. He was a chauvinistic soap-opera director in “Tootsie” (1982), a hard-edged computer scientist in “WarGames” (1983), a seedy Broadway producer in “The Muppets Take Manhattan” (1984), a lisping smut peddler in “Dragnet” (1987) and an ignorant police chief in the slapstick comedy “Amos & Andrew” (1993).

On TV, he was among the first sitcom leading men with few redeeming values, memorably playing an insensitive talk-show host on NBC’s “Buffalo Bill.” The program ran for only 26 episodes in 1983 and 1984 but drew a devoted following over the years for the astringent performance by Mr. Coleman, who in character tells one guest, “I don’t care what the jury said, you look like a rapist to me” and reassures his latest love interest, “You’re better than 90 percent of those bimbos out there.”

Network television had long featured obnoxious characters, but usually as foils or leavened with endearing equalities. Carroll O’Connor made Archie Bunker on “All in the Family” into “a lovable bigot,” in the words of producer Norman Lear, but Mr. Coleman played Bill Bittinger as a misanthropic weasel to the core.

“We were trying to do something different and dangerous,” NBC Entertainment president Brandon Tartikoff told Time magazine. “Dangerous meaning the possibly lousy ratings you could get by putting on a character as despicable as Bill” as the star.

New York Times TV critic John J. O’Connor wrote that Mr. Coleman’s Emmy-nominated performance “brilliantly captures the fine madness of the . . . compleat egomaniac, living one step removed from the rest of humanity except for those moments when he instinctively senses an opportunity to score a self-serving point. Turning seemingly human for a few moments, he wheedles and cajoles with what he deems to be the ultimate in charm, and then returns to being utterly and hopelessly impossible.”

Mr. Coleman teased a slightly more filtered and humane performance — without losing any of the tartness — in “The Slap Maxwell Story,” which ran on ABC in 1987 and 1988. He played a fedora-wearing sports columnist who, unlike Bill, understands boundaries of decency but nevertheless struggles to remain within them. He again was Emmy-nominated.

In addition, Mr. Coleman co-starred as the villain opposite Carol Burnett in “Fresno” (1986), CBS’s soap-opera parody about rival California raisin magnates. He managed to impress critics and audiences in straight dramatic parts, as CBS chairman William S. Paley in the HBO film “Murrow” (1986) and as a lawyer involved in a landmark custody battle involving a surrogate mother in the ABC-TV film “Baby M” (1988).

Mr. Coleman won an Emmy for best supporting actor in the ABC television movie “Sworn to Silence” (1987), in which he and Peter Coyote play lawyers who face a community backlash for invoking attorney-client privilege in a murder case.

Mr. Coleman could be as playfully sarcastic as many of his characters, a trait he displayed at the Emmy ceremony when producer Steven Bochco pridefully discussed his much-honored show “Hill Street Blues.” “We told NBC we would only do the show if we could have creative autonomy,” Bochco said, “and you can see the result.”

When Mr. Coleman took the stage to celebrate his win for “Sworn to Silence,” he mocked the pompous intonation: “They asked me if I wanted to do the part, and I said, ‘Hell, no, I don’t want to do the part,’ then extracted from them a promise of artistic autonomy — and here I am!”

Sadness and anger

Dabney Wharton Coleman was born in Austin on Jan. 3, 1932. He was the youngest of four children and was 4 when his father, a businessman and cotton farmer, died of pneumonia at 39 amid the Depression. “There was such emptiness,” he recalled to Parade magazine six decades later. “I had sadness and such great anger inside me. I’m still angry. I think that sorrow has made me what I am.”

He grew up in Corpus Christi, part of an extended family of lawyers and doctors. He was expected to follow a similar professional path but instead found that college classes — initially at the Virginia Military Institute and later at the University of Texas — interfered with chasing women and playing table tennis at fraternity houses.

He was newly married and had just flunked out of a law-school program at Texas when an encounter in 1958 with Texas-born film star Zachary Scott — a friend of his first wife’s — proved transformative.

Scott stopped by their apartment for a drink, and Mr. Coleman said he was so smitten with the actor’s style and charisma that he flew to New York the next day and enrolled at the Neighborhood Playhouse acting workshop. Mr. Coleman soon made his TV debut, as a corpse, which he followed with a dozen years of brief film and TV parts.

His marriages, to Ann Harrell and model-actress Jean Hale, ended in divorce. Survivors include a daughter from his first marriage, Meghan Coleman; three children from his second marriage, singer-songwriter Quincy Coleman, Randy Coleman and Kelly Coleman; a sister; and five grandchildren.

Mr. Coleman’s later films included “You’ve Got Mail” (1998), in which he played Tom Hanks’s much-married father. He had guest roles on TV series ranging from the animated Disney-produced series “Recess” to HBO’s drama “Boardwalk Empire,” in which he played a former Atlantic City power broker with a predilection for young girls.

If Mr. Coleman felt he had been stereotyped over the years, he never betrayed those sentiments publicly. He once told People magazine that he embraced the ability to channel his darkest emotions — anger and petulance, among them — into something productive.

“I’m a little bit of a chauvinist if that means being an ambitious, self-serving person,” he said. “I don’t consider myself an evil S.O.B., but it is fun to play those characters because they are so well defined.”

Plan Your Lyubertsy Holiday: Best of Lyubertsy

Explore Lyubertsy

Essential lyubertsy.

The Unique Burial of a Child of Early Scythian Time at the Cemetery of Saryg-Bulun (Tuva)

<< Previous page

Pages:  379-406

In 1988, the Tuvan Archaeological Expedition (led by M. E. Kilunovskaya and V. A. Semenov) discovered a unique burial of the early Iron Age at Saryg-Bulun in Central Tuva. There are two burial mounds of the Aldy-Bel culture dated by 7th century BC. Within the barrows, which adjoined one another, forming a figure-of-eight, there were discovered 7 burials, from which a representative collection of artifacts was recovered. Burial 5 was the most unique, it was found in a coffin made of a larch trunk, with a tightly closed lid. Due to the preservative properties of larch and lack of air access, the coffin contained a well-preserved mummy of a child with an accompanying set of grave goods. The interred individual retained the skin on his face and had a leather headdress painted with red pigment and a coat, sewn from jerboa fur. The coat was belted with a leather belt with bronze ornaments and buckles. Besides that, a leather quiver with arrows with the shafts decorated with painted ornaments, fully preserved battle pick and a bow were buried in the coffin. Unexpectedly, the full-genomic analysis, showed that the individual was female. This fact opens a new aspect in the study of the social history of the Scythian society and perhaps brings us back to the myth of the Amazons, discussed by Herodotus. Of course, this discovery is unique in its preservation for the Scythian culture of Tuva and requires careful study and conservation.

Keywords: Tuva, Early Iron Age, early Scythian period, Aldy-Bel culture, barrow, burial in the coffin, mummy, full genome sequencing, aDNA

Information about authors: Marina Kilunovskaya (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Vladimir Semenov (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Varvara Busova  (Moscow, Russian Federation).  (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences.  Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Kharis Mustafin  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Technical Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Irina Alborova  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Biological Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Alina Matzvai  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected]

Shopping Cart Items: 0 Cart Total: 0,00 € place your order

Price pdf version

student - 2,75 € individual - 3,00 € institutional - 7,00 €

Copyright В© 1999-2022. Stratum Publishing House