african safari jacket

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

African Safari Clothes: 7 Useful Tips

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

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

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

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

1. Leave the luxury safari clothing at home

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

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

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

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

2. Keep your clothes for safari simple

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

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

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

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

3. Your safari wear should include comfortable shoes

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

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

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

4. Safari fashion: accessories

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

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

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

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

5. What to wear on safari – quality

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

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

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

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

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

6. Best safari clothing brands

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

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

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

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

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

7. What color clothing for African safaris

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to Wear on an African Safari: Checklist

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

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

Africa safari clothing list

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

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

Safari gear and accessories list

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

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

Start Packing Your African Safari Clothing

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

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

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

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

About The Author

Sharon van Wyk

Related posts.

African safari packing list – What to bring on a trip to Africa

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Safari Suits

The a-z of safari suits… and the best safari suits to buy.

Looking for a safari suit? Going on a safari is a fun experience, it allows you to explore a vast range of new locations, and it can be incredibly interesting too. The safari experience is fun, rewarding and you will find it very immersive. With that in mind, having the right safari suit is very important. It helps you avoid standing out to protect against predators, and it also makes it easy to stay away from the unwanted heat.

What is a safari suit?

At its core, this is a suit that will help you protect yourself against any potential challenges during a trip in the savanna. It’s a very good idea to have a safari suit because it protects you against any problems. You can pair a safari jacket with dedicated shorts or trousers and it will become a safari suit.

The main idea here is to have a suit that offers protection against many of the challenges that appear in the wilderness. There can be insect bites , predators attacking and so on. The safari suit is designed to be inconspicuous, so you can explore the region at your own pace without worrying about any possible problems that can appear.

Roger Moore shows off his safari suit style

What makes a great safari suit?

As we mentioned earlier, the best safari suit is the one that will not make you stand out. The main colors for this tend to be beige, brown, tan or khaki, although you can find some white safari suits too. The idea here is that you want to avoid any impact on the wildlife, instead you want to be camouflaged and experience the wildlife in its most natural format.

Bright colors will most likely make you stand out in the environment. When that happens, you end up scaring the animals, and that’s definitely something you must take into consideration as much as you can. If you would have safari suits that are blue for example or very dark, these will attract a lot of insects that carry yellow fever, dengue fever and malaria, among many others. That’s why specific coloring is very important because it will help you stay safe.

What kinds of safari suits are there?

You can have the standard safari jacket which has the traditional length, it comes with multiple pockets and it should fit perfectly. You also have the mid-length jacket which is shorter and that can be a bit easier to wear. If you want to traverse challenging territories, the bush jacket is very handy.

This one has a belt around the waist and it can have either a similar length or it can be longer when compared to other jackets.

Lastly, you have safari bomber jackets that are made out of polyester fabric. Most of these tend to have 4 path pockets, zippered front and an inside pocket. They are the most durable and dependable, but also the most expensive.

You can also get a safari vest if you want, this one is designed to offer the extra warmth and protection you may need. It also delivers extra pockets too, which is something you need to take into consideration as much as you can.

What to wear with a safari suit?

The upper garments would usually include a shirt under the jacket. Some people want a sleeveless option because it can get very hot. There’s also the option for long sleeves, depending on your own needs and requirements.

For the lower garments, you want to have either shorts or khaki trousers. Women can go for leggings if they want to. Long skirts can be a good idea too, since they offer added protection. When it comes to what footwear you need, you do want safari boots or hiking shoes. Slip on or closed shoes are ok too, but it’s better to go with boots or something that delivers an even better protection.

How to wear a safari suit?

Ideally, you want to use the safari suit when you go in a safari trip with a designated guide. You want to have a shirt, a jacket on top of it, safari trousers and proper shoes. You can adapt everything according to your own needs, and the results can be very interesting once you go down this route. You will be incredibly impressed with the value and results, and the experience is amazing because of it.

Do you need a safari hat?

Yes, normally you do, because there can be all kinds of hazards in the wilderness. A good safari hat needs to be waterproof, to provide you with proper coverage and it should help you fight against the UV rays. Obviously it needs to be comfortable and when it comes to material it can be cotton based, rubber or leather based.

Think about where you are going, this might require some changes to the safari suit

It’s important to know where and also when you are going on a safari. This will make it easy to identify the proper equipment you need. If you visit during the dry season, then the equipment above will do just fine. However, if you visit during the wet season, then you need to think about additional items that offer waterproofing and added protection. However, the colors need to stay the same for the most part, even if you visit during the rainy season.

The safari suits didn’t change that much over the past century. People have always been very excited to explore the wilderness, and the structure of a safari suit was very well prepared from the start. Granted, nowadays we are using different materials and the designs are a bit more modern, but the regular safari suits always had a thick jacket, durable pants, and high-quality shoes. It’s important to have the right equipment when you’re going into the jungle, so using the right tips and tricks will help you more than you imagine. Give these a try and remember to take all the little details into consideration as they can help save your life!

And that’s our take on safari suits. What do you think – any important information missing? Or perhaps you have a few safari suit tips of your own. Please let us know in the comments section below!

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Safari basics

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Best Women’s Safari Clothing for Africa Overland Travel

Africa Packing Lists , Packing Lists , Travel Packing Lists

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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-4X: Smartwool Merino 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 Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve : Amazon | Columbia (Sizes XS-3X)

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-XL: Unbound Merino Long Sleeve

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 XS-XL: Scuba Mid-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 2-24: Amazon | 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 prAna Halle Pant: Amazon | prAna

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 Columbia Freezer III Dress: Amazon | Columbia (Sizes XS-3X)

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 One Size: 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

Shop Sizes XS-XL: Terramar Silk Undershirts  |  Terramar 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 Columbia Full Zip Fleece Jacket: Amazon | Columbia  (Sizes XS-3X)

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 Columbia Switchback Jacket: Amazon | Columbia (Sizes XS-3X)

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

Shop Merrell Moab 3 Shoe: Amazon | Zappos

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.

Kirkland 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.

Shop Sizes XS-XL: Icebreaker Siren Merino Wool 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

Shop Osprey Fairview 55L: Amazon | Osprey

Which luggage should I choose for safari?

When it comes to choosing luggage for safari, check out the Osprey Fairview 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!

Left:  Compass Rose Medium Packing Cubes  (13″ x 8.5″ x 2.8″) | Right:  Compass Rose Slim Packing Cubes  (13″ x 5″ x 2.8″)

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.

Many readers use our packing cubes for this task. The  Compass Rose Packing Cubes  are now offered in two sizes: slim and medium. The  slim size cubes  measure 13 x 5 x 2.8, and the  medium size cubes  measure 2.8 x 13 x 8.5. Both fit an international carry-on suticase and can help you organize and compress clothing items. The medium sizes is great for bulkier items.

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

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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 🙂

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Style 101: The Safari Jacket

• Date August 2023
• Author Charlie Thomas

Who Wore it Well?

The Safari Jacket Today

The Noble Ninefold Path to Suit Enlightenment: Intro

A Signet of The Times

Renaissance Masters: Luca & Mariano Rubinacci

• Boni National Reserve
• Kakamega Forest Reserve
• Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Volcanoes National Park
• National Parks
• Serengeti National Park
• Tarangire National Park
• Udzungwa National Park
• Game Reserves
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Kibale Forest National Park
• Murchison Falls National Park
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Things to Do
• Sanctuaries
• African Safaris
• Safari Mate
• Travel Advice
• Travel Tips

Safari Clothing

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

Here are some essential African safari attire tips

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

Safari Attire Guidelines

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

Suggested List Of Safari Attire & Supplies

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

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

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

What you should also bring:

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

From our experience the following are also great to have:

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

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The 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!

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

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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

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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

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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.

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

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

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

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

Top 10 tips for selecting the best safari clothing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What safari clothing should I pack for my safari?

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

Safari Clothing: Colour is Key

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

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

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

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

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

Safari Clothing: Deciding on cotton or man-made fabrics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Safari Clothing: Pack a warm layer and pack light

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

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

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

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

Safari Clothing: Functionality & style

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

What luggage should you take on safari?

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

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

All our Safari Clothing is Expedition Tested™

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

Expert Advice™ on what safari clothing to pack

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