Safari Attire - Free Guide To What Safari Attire To Pack For Your Africa Safari!

Know What African Safari Attire Is Essential For Your African Safari!

Want to know what African safari attire you need for your safari?
You've come to the right place!

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�s some essential African safari attire tips we�ve learned from going on over 80 African safari vacations.

We moved to South Africa as a family in 1993. My wife is a local. Since then we've been on South Africa safaris, Kenya safaris, Tanzania safaris, Botswana safaris, Namibia safaris, Zimbabwe safaris, and Zambia safaris.

African safari attire elephant
Having The Right Attire Is Essential On African Safaris
photo of African hiking safari courtesy of Wilderness Safaris

"I never knew of a morning in Africa
when I woke that I was not happy"
Ernest Hemingway

We are relaxed travelers and African safari enthusiasts. And it is important for you to be comfortable to enjoy your safari.
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�s 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, complimentarily 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.
Binoculars
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

Other Indispensable Items & Tips For Your African Safari & Vacation

Valid passport: A valid passport is required. Make sure you check that expiration date. Ensure that it expires at least 6 months after your return. Carry a photocopy of the photo page and the entry stamp page of your passport as an additional piece of identification. STORE THESE PHOTOCOPIES IN A DIFFERENT PLACE THAN YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS.

If you lose your passport, this is one thing that you will be very happy you did. Click here to check your nationality�s passport requirements by country you plan to visit or travel through (link African safari vacation)

Valid visa - if required

Click to find if the visa requirements for the countries you plan to visit or travel through.

One other picture ID (e.g. driver's license)
Photocopy of passport page to carry in wallet
Expense money
Air tickets - here's a link if you need cheap flights to Africa
Recommended travel immunizations - click here to see immunizations for recommended overseas travel
Travel insurance - click here to find low cost travel insurance

Final point, you should travel light. Have a day pack to carry any essentials you want to have while on safari.

Whew! I hope all this helps!

Ready to go? Want more advice? Contact us now for a customized itinerary for your African safari vacation suited to your interests & budget! Fill in the form below and submit it. We will get back to you shortly.

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