What to Wear on an African Safari

18 July, 2019 On Safari in Kruger National Park

Heading off on a tour of Africa that will see you searching for amazing wildlife encounters on safari? Taking a journey that is a far cry from your normal everyday life is incredibly special, but it also means that your pack will likely be filled with things that differ from your everyday items.

If you are usually a bright dress and heels type of gal, or a man who likes his colourful shirts emblazoned with slogans, perhaps you’ll need to rethink your wardrobe. Here are a few things to consider when you are packing for your safari through Africa, whether it’s by car or on foot.

Stick to Neutral Tones

When you are looking at what you will wear in Africa, it is best to stick to neutral colours on safari. This is particularly important if you are doing a walking safari where you will be tracking native animals on foot. Think browns, soft greens and beige.

Sticking to neutral colours will help you blend into your surroundings and avoid scaring off or unwantedly attracting the animals around you. If you are visiting countries or areas known to have tsetse flies, then avoid blue or black clothing which is said to attract them.

It’s important to note that camouflage fabrics and gear for your trip is not advisable, you don’t want to catch the eye of the authorities.

Go for Practical Over Chic

The reality is you won’t need fancy clothes and high heels. Even at lodges in the evenings, casual attire is generally appropriate. Go for clothing that is versatile and can be worn day or night and can be layered to keep you comfortable as the temperatures change. Depending on where your itinerary takes you and when you are travelling, you can experience extremely hot days but feel the temperature fall at night – make sure you pack some warmer layers. It’s not unreasonable to add a fleece and beanie for cold morning starts.

A common safari favourite is pants with zip off legs. These are a great addition to stay comfortable in varying temperatures and will keep you warm when you set off on safari at dawn but can convert to shorts during the middle of the day. They also allow you to zip back on to cover your ankles if you find you are getting bitten by insects, or if the sun is a bit too harsh on your skin.

It is important not to forget your sun protection and as well as long light layers, pack a hat that offers well covered protection as well as sunglasses and sunscreen. Clothing with pockets are great to keep a tube of sunscreen to reapply as well as lip balm and insect repellent handy.

Choose Suitable Fabrics

Go for light moisture wicking fabrics which will go a long way in keeping you cool while protecting you from the sun. These will also dry easily if you are doing your washing along the way in camp, thicker materials like cotton and denim will take too long to dry.

Expect that your clothes will get dusty so choose more durable fabrics that you’re comfortable to see a bit dirty and that don’t require gentle washing or ironing. If you are getting your laundry done at the lodges or camps, there may not be the same facilities that you are used to at home.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Comfortable walking shoes are important, particularly if you are doing some walking safaris during your tour. Make sure these are worn in before your trip and that they are sufficiently waterproofed so that you stay nice and dry if you are crossing creeks or making your way through muddy terrain.

Pack Light

Pack light as you will be on the move regularly and may be travelling by small aircraft – your trip notes will outline any tour specific luggage restrictions. Refrain from overpacking as you’ll usually get an opportunity to do laundry and you could always pop a travel clothesline in just in case. Go for quick drying underwear, and ladies, sources tell us to expect a bumpy ride at times in your safari vehicle, maybe pack comfortable sports bras.

Necessities not Accessories

When you are out in the safari vehicle you might find a lot of dust kicked up, so a light scarf can be handy to wrap around your mouth and nose (or camera gear) and can also be good to throw around your neck if your hat and collar isn’t keeping enough of the sun at bay. Choose a lightweight scarf in neutral tones, it’s about practicality not accessorising. Speaking of accessories, leave your expensive jewellery at home – you won’t need them in the wilderness.

Your tour operator may provide more specific packing suggestions for your trip, so make sure you read through your travel documents and trip notes for more ideas and recommendations before setting off on your adventure of a lifetime.