What to Wear on Safari in Africa
We’re going to Africa in August and can’t wait to go back on Safari. We’ve been lucky enough to go on African Safaris in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Botswana.
Dave and I have learned a lot about dressing right for safaris around the world and here are our tips and tricks for what to wear on safari in Africa. When watching the Indiana Jones or The Mummy movies, I loved the way that everyone dressed for the part. They looked like adventurers. Therefore, when going on safari we want to look like an adventurer too.
What to Wear on Safari
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A safari is definitely a grand adventure. But dressing right isn’t only for looks; there are practical reasons people carefully choose what to wear on safari. From keeping cool to blending in, your khakis will be put to the test on the African plains and within the lodge.
- Dave is wearing a Tilly hat buy it on Amazon now
- Deb’s hat is a Bugs Away Exofficio adventure hat: Get yours on Amazon now
Watch the video here! How to Prepare and Pack for an African Safari
1. Dress in Neutral Colours
Wonder why everyone dresses in khakis when going on safari? Well, it’s because you want to blend in with your environment. Especially if you’re going on a walking safari. Chances are, if you embark on a multi-day safari, you will be walking at one point or another. We’ve even ridden horses on safari.
The more you blend in with your surroundings, the better your chances are of not disturbing the wildlife. Here is what we are wearing in our photograph.
2. Cover-Up!
When going on safari, it’s important to protect your skin from the elements. We’ve faced immense heat while on safari in Africa and South East Asia. Although your first instinct may be to wear shorts and a T-shirt, you are better off wearing long sleeves and long pants that are lightweight and breathable.
Staying covered up not only protects you from the sun but also keeps bugs away. Consequently, you have a better chance of avoiding mosquito bites if you are covered from head to toe. There are even clothes available that have UV protection and repel insects; BugsAway Products are a good option.
Light colours will also help keep the bugs at bay. They are attracted to dark colours, so stick with beige, light green, and khaki colours to scare off tsetse flies and mosquitoes.
3. Safari Shirts
I prefer button-down tops made of microfibre material. Flowing fabrics can be cooler in the stifling heat than bare skin. Having a collar protects the back of your neck from the sun, while long sleeves keep your arms from burning.
4. Safari Pants
A lot of people don’t like the look of convertible pants, but the zip-off options are perfect for a safari. Many times on safari, you’ll venture out at the crack of dawn. Mornings can be quite cool in the jungle or on the Savanna; thus, having the option to take layers off when the weather warms is important.
I start my morning in pants, and as the temperature rises, I can zip off the bottoms, transforming my pants into shorts. Make sure the safari pants are lightweight and breathable, as you don’t want heavy fabrics like denim.
5. Safari Shoes
Lightweight hiking shoes are a great option for safaris. Even when staying in luxurious lodges, you’ll be in the middle of nature.
We’re fans of Keen or Merrell footwear mid-ankle waterproof hiking boots. They’re light, comfortable, and provide sturdy support. Be sure to break your shoes in before heading out; you don’t want sore feet and blisters while trying to enjoy Africa.
For women, bring a pair of nice travel slippers for dining in the lodge, and flip-flops are a good option for relaxing around camp.
If you are camping, Crocs or similar shoes are advantageous because they can be worn with socks and slip on and off easily.
Men should have a smart pair of shoes for the lodge. While it’s not necessary, it is nice to change out of your hiking shoes after a long day on safari.
After our recent safari in Tanzania, we found that our Keen whisper sandals (for men us this link) worked great, keeping our feet cool in the truck while protecting our toes from bumps and bruises.
6. Safari Hats
I’m a fan of wearing hats on safari. Even while inside a covered safari vehicle, a hat is essential. The sun can come in from all directions. A hat helps keep sun off your face which, if you burn easily like I do, is crucial.
A good hat also keeps the sun out of your eyes, making it easier to watch the wildlife. When choosing a hat, opt for one with a brim all the way around, as this provides extra shade for your neck, ears, and nose.
- Dave is wearing a Tilly hat buy it on Amazon now
- Deb’s hat is a Bugs Away Exofficio adventure hat: Get yours on Amazon now
7. Buffs
We found a buff to be invaluable. Sometimes at dusk, the bugs can be relentless. A buff can be pulled up over your neck and nose. Now that you are covered from head to toe, you are ready for anything.
8. Safari Vest
We don’t typically wear a safari vest, but they’re a great idea. If you prefer not to carry a large bag on safari, a vest is an excellent choice to pack all your gear. Safari vests have several pockets to store extra batteries, cameras, and even sunscreen and lip balm.
Check out this mesh safari vest on Amazon
9. At the Lodge
Don’t worry about bringing formal clothing while on safari. Even the most luxurious lodges don’t expect you to dress up at night. Light neutral clothing is all you need.
For dinner, I recommend wearing long pants and shirts to stay warm and keep bugs away. I like to dress up a bit with a silk scarf, while Dave prefers a crisp button-down shirt.
It cools off significantly in the evening on safari in Africa, so a fleece sweater or extra layers is a good choice. While you can wear smart casual attire, you don’t need to break out high-end fashion. A nice pair of trousers and a stylish shirt will suffice.
I’m a fan of long skirts with sandals while on safari. It’s flowing yet comfortable. Sarongs are also a favorite; they make a great cover-up from the sun and work well at the pool.
10. Sunglasses
The sun can be harsh on the African plains, making sunglasses essential. I recommend bringing two pairs. We’ve experienced broken sunglasses while on safari, and having a backup is invaluable.
We’re big fans of Switch Sunglasses as they allow us to quickly change lenses based on weather conditions, enabling versatility for bright days, overcast skies, and low-light situations.
Dave has RX sunglasses that are prescription, allowing him to spot wildlife even while wearing them. Having these ensures everything is crisp and clear during your safari adventure.
First Aid
Ensure you pack all your prescription medications and extra supplies, as you’ll find yourself in remote locations. A well-stocked first aid kit is crucial. In addition to the usual items, consider bringing:
- Chapstick
- Sunscreen
- After-sun lotion
- Bug spray
- Allergy medication (you never know what might trigger allergies)
- Tylenol or Advil
- A good moisturizer, as it can be quite dry on the African Savannah.
Now that you know what to wear on safari, follow these tips to ensure you not only look good but feel great as well! By adhering to these guidelines, you’ll be the most stylish adventurer in the lodge.
