Safari Clothing List

The safari clothing mistakes list below has been compiled from my own personal experience and the online photographic travel journals of many other travellers at African Safari Journals.

Safari Clothes Mistakes List

#1: Wearing "Hollywood style" and/or camouflage outfits. Normal non-synthetic, comfortable fitting, neutral coloured clothes are what you you need to be taking with.

#2: Bright coloured clothing should be avoided and white clothes will show up dust and dirt. Red makes you very conspicuous to the wildlife especially on a walking safari. Khaki, brown and olive colours are ideal.

#3: Not packing something warm. Although the days in Africa can be blisteringly hot the temperature will sometimes drop sharply at nights. Pack a jersey, pullover or safari jacket.

#4: Don't go without a safari hat. Safari hats are essential to ward of the African sun and protect you from sunburn.

#5: Packing in your heavy walking boots is unnecessary (unless you are doing a walking safari). Simple lightweight safari shoes/trainers (non white) or sandals/sports sandals are more sensible.

#6: Packing too much clothing. You will not need more than 2 or 3 comfortable non-synthetic short sleeved safari shirts and the same amount of long sleeved safari tops.

Also pack 2 or 3 (each) comfortable non-synthetic shorts and long trousers. Long trousers and a long sleeved safari shirt can be worn at night to stay warm and protect from mosquito bites and safari vests are great to carry all the essential gear with you.

Where to get the best safari clothing

This is a pretty specialised niche and there are less than a handful of safari wear companies that have got it right.

If you live in the USA try...

...and for those of you in the UK these two are a very good bet (I used to shop there all the time when I stayed in the UK).

Too many safari company options? Find out who the top three operators in Africa are...

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