What to Wear on Safari in South Africa
If you’re planning a Southern African getaway, you might have a thrilling safari or two at the top of your itinerary. But, you might be curious about the best attire for an exhilarating safari experience. The African climate presents a unique challenge, and embarking on a game drive for hours demands thoughtful preparation to maximize your comfort.
Fortunately, we have some expertise in safaris and the perfect attire for game reserves. We provide Southern African safari tours to some of the most breathtaking destinations in Africa and have gathered a few insights throughout our journey.
As you prepare for your thrilling safari adventure and seek outfit ideas that are practical, versatile, and comfortable, we have the perfect guide for you. We’ll explore all aspects, from our favorite picks for safari attire to helpful advice on getting ready for your journey.
Preparing for an African Safari: Essential Advice
Seeking inspiration for your game drive attire? Discover our top recommendations for packing for your exciting safari adventure.
Opt for Earthy Tones
When preparing for a safari journey in South Africa, consider choosing cool and comfortable attire for your adventure outfits.
Light materials and neutral tones like beige, khaki, brown, and green are perfect for staying cool while harmonizing with the great outdoors. It’s wise to avoid camouflage clothing, as it often brings to mind trophy hunters and military personnel in various African nations.
Blend into the surroundings by steering clear of vibrant hues like reds, oranges, blues, and white. Avoid wearing darker shades like navy and black, as they can draw in tsetse flies.
Casual clothing is perfect for any African safari, and in addition to choosing neutral or muted colors, safari attire is typically comfortable and effortless.
Bag ready for an exciting journey
Layering is essential
Layering your safari outfits is the smartest approach to navigate the ever-changing temperatures in the wild. As the sun climbs higher, you can shed a layer, and as the evening breeze sets in, you can wrap yourself up again.
Pack in plenty of comfortable t-shirts and long-sleeved sweaters with collars that help protect your skin from the sun and mosquitoes. Women might seek out comfortable safari dresses that are perfect for both thrilling game drives and elegant dinners at the lodge. Men might consider getting a pair of convertible safari pants that can easily transform into shorts.
Apply Sunscreen/Sunblock
As you explore the vast African bush, be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF between 30 and 50 to shield your skin from the intense sun rays.
We absolutely adore this sunscreen from Neutrogena, boasting an impressive SPF of 70. The lodges will more than likely have sunscreen available for guests, but it’s best to bring your own to use at your convenience. If you have sensitive skin, we recommend opting for a zinc oxide sunblock.
Explore the Weather
Explore the internet and discover what the weather has in store for your vacation spot. During the height of summer, you might not require an abundance of winter clothing, but having a lightweight sweater or jacket can be useful for those chillier evenings. Do not forget to pack your swimsuit and sarong!
Get ready for a touch of elegance
We’re not discussing formal attire, just something a touch enchanting for your candle-lit dinner beneath the vast African sky. While staying at a bush lodge or safari camp, you might want to bring along a lovely dress or a sharp shirt for dinner.
If your travel plans feature a few nights aboard the opulent Rovos Rail, be sure to include some stylish pieces in your luggage. Dinners aboard the train are an exhilarating experience. So if you’re setting off on a rail journey, don’t forget to bring along a pair of fancy shoes and your black tie attire.
Intrigued by this opulent steam locomotive? Discover more about our Rovos Rail journey.
Travel Smart
Many small regional airlines impose strict weight limits on travel luggage, so it’s wise to pack light. The weight limits typically range from 33 to 44 lb, though they can differ depending on the region. It is wise to check in before you embark on your journey. A soft duffel bag is an excellent choice, as hard-shelled and wheeled bags tend to be heavier and are often restricted on smaller planes.
Embark on an exhilarating safari game drive in Malilangwe Reserve. Zimbabwe
Safari Attire: The Best Outfits for an Exciting Game Drive
With a few tips in your pocket, let’s dive into our list of must-have safari attire to bring along on your journey.
Cozy Attire
Many people mistakenly believe that South Africa is perpetually basking in warmth. Indeed, the winters can be quite frigid, particularly during those early morning game drives. Even though the sun shines brightly in summer, the mornings can still carry a refreshing chill.
Your layers will be essential, allowing you to adjust your outfit as the journey unfolds. Pack a waterproof jacket for those brisk mornings and evenings, especially when the skies might open up. If you are embarking on a winter journey, don’t forget to pack a pair of gloves and a beanie if possible!
A Cozy Set of Sneakers or Trekking Boots
Bring along a sturdy pair of sneakers or shoes for the exhilarating game drives, and don’t forget to pack some comfortable flip-flops or sandals for those relaxing moments at the lodge.
If you are gearing up for a hike during your vacation, like a trek up Table Mountain or an adventure in the Drakensberg, make sure to pack a sturdy pair of thick socks and durable hiking boots that can also serve as walking safari shoes if needed.
We absolutely love Salomon hiking boots and shoes, especially the Speedcross trail running range and the hiking boots.
A Hat with a Generous Brim
The African sun radiates with incredible intensity. Be sure to bring along a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and the back of your neck from the sun. Neutral colours like this wide-brimmed hat blend seamlessly and typically complement a variety of safari outfits.
Shades
Don’t forget to bring a solid pair of sunglasses along, as the bright sun can be quite intense and may cause discomfort or strain on your eyes.
Essential Items for Your Safari Adventure in Kruger Park
Are you embarking on your inaugural safari journey in South Africa? Are you feeling uncertain about what to bring along? This is your essential guide for embarking on an unforgettable safari in the Kruger National Park.
Numerous lists exist to guide adventurers on what to pack, yet many still find themselves making mistakes. Packing too much can definitely be an issue. International flights offer generous luggage allowances, yet when it comes to the smaller planes and safari vehicles, the restrictions can be quite strict. You might find yourself facing hefty fees for exceeding the weight limit.
What should you don for a safari adventure?
Bright, airy fabrics in soft shades
Many first-time visitors arrive in South Africa and stand out because they embody the classic safari image. Select soft hues and airy materials, ideally cotton. These fabrics thrive in warm environments. Bring along around 3 t-shirts and 3 pairs of shorts. Avoid packing white shirts, as they easily reveal dirt and can attract attention from wildlife. Avoiding certain colours can enhance your experience in the wild. Red tends to attract animals, while blue and black should be skipped if you are venturing into Tsetse fly territory.
For the Women
It is a good idea to bring along a more polished outfit for your time at a private lodge, but generally, casual attire will serve you well. It’s essential to pack a reliable support bra, as the excitement of game drives can lead to some bumpy moments.
Long Sleeved Shirt and Trousers:
Bring along a few long-sleeved shirts and a pair of long pants. The evenings bring a refreshing chill, perfect for warding off pesky mosquitoes and other insects.
A Featherweight Rain-Resistant Coat
The temperatures in Kruger can fluctuate significantly. During winter, the morning game drive can be quite chilly, yet by midday, you’ll find yourself perfectly at ease in shorts and a t-shirt. The key is to don multiple layers that you can easily remove or add depending on the situation.
A Quality Set of Trainers or Hiking Footwear
Unless you are embarking on a thrilling walking safari, there is no need to lug around those heavy-duty hiking boots. A sturdy and reliable pair of trainers is all you really need. Consider bringing along a pair of sandals for leisurely strolls around the lodge or by the pool.
A Wide Brimmed Hat Many first-time visitors to Africa often overlook the intensity of the Sun, even during the late afternoons. Select a hat with a broad brim to protect your eyes and the nape of your neck from the sun’s rays. (This is a spot that often slips people’s minds, leading to unexpected sunburns.)
Sun protection
Select a sunscreen that boasts a high SPF, ideally ranging from 30 to 50, to ensure your skin is well-protected during your outdoor escapades. Never overlook the strength of the African sun – the last thing you want on your journey is to suffer from a painful sunburn or sunstroke.
Shades
Bringing along a pair of sunglasses is wise, as the bright midday sun can be harsh on your eyes and may lead to discomfort, particularly if you are not accustomed to it.
A camera, charger, and extra memory cards
Be prepared to capture every thrilling moment, so don’t forget to pack extra memory cards for your camera. Make sure to remember the charger for your journey!
A compact flashlight
Bringing along a compact flashlight is always a smart move. At times, venturing into the unknown is necessary, and having a clear view of your path through the wilderness is always beneficial!
Adventure-ready medical kit
Gather a compact bag or medical kit filled with pain relievers, sufficient chronic medications for your journey, insect repellent, vitamins, and more. Many of the lodges and Rest Camps will provide a basic medical aid kit; just remember to bring along any items that may be hard to find in South Africa. Pack some lip balm and a tiny bottle of moisturizer.
Malaria prevention
The Kruger National Park is located in an area where malaria is present. Be sure to check in with your doctor about preventive measures before your journey, and remember to pack them for your adventure.
An engaging read
Think about bringing along a book that will take you on an exciting journey through its pages. In those moments of leisure, whether in the middle of the day or while awaiting a flight, you will find yourself thankful for the adventure that a good book can offer.
