What To Wear On Safari In Africa

Safari clothes are a serious affair in Africa. Yes, it is a bit “old-fashioned,” but fashions like the proper safari outfit never die. Unlike certain parts of the world, you won’t be laughed at if you show up in all khaki on a game reserve.

While we are not seasoned guides, we have spent a year in the bush. We have been to all of the major parks of Southern and East Africa and put our favorite clothes to the test. We have a severe addiction to finding and testing the best garments on the market to form the best safari knowledge possible.

This article can dispel some myths about what to wear on safari and back it up with solid packing advice. For more reading, check out our Africa packing list and tips. Let’s get some expert advice on what to wear in Africa and where to buy safari clothes.

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What Clothes to Pack for a Safari?

You don’t need an endless collection of safari clothes in your luggage. We’re big fans of versatility and minimalism. When you overpack for a safari, it can become a burden. You are likely traveling to the wilds of the African bush. An entire wardrobe of clothes is unnecessary. In addition, the standard form of transportation is a small Cessna bush plane or overland truck and there are weight restrictions, so a heavy suitcase of clothes will not work. Truthfully, most safari operators don’t allow you to bring hard sided suitcases if you have to take a bush flight to your destination.

We break down the clothes that help you look the part, but any safari expert will agree there is no set dress code or safari outfit. Let’s start with some safari packing lists and what to wear on safari and then progress to recommendations for safari clothes.

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What Season to go on Safari?

Weather plays a significant role in what you wear. Most African climates do not have your standard four-season environment. In most of Africa, seasons vary between dry and wet seasons, especially in Eastern Africa. The dry season in East Africa is hot. However, Southern Africa’s opposite, where the dry season means cool evenings and mornings.

Then it flips. The rainy season in East Africa brings cooler weather patterns and perpetuates constant spring-like weather in Tanzania and Kenya. In contrast, the rainy season in South Africa can coincide with its hottest months. The hottest temperature in Southern Africa occurs before the first rains as humidity slowly creeps up, leading to dramatic thunderstorms.

The season impacts what you’ll wear to stay comfortable and the color of your clothing. We suggest you wear khaki, brown, and tan during the dry season. Then, it’s time to bust out the browns and greens in the rainy or green season. You dress to match the vegetation.

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Where to go on safari?

The first decision in packing for a safari is where you go on safari. Africa has a vast range of landscapes, vegetation, and climates. It would help if you packed for where in Africa you’re headed; that’s pretty straightforward.

We have another post on the best destinations to go on safari, along with our favorite parks, camps, and lodges. While you’re at it, you can read up on our favorite safari animals to see while traveling. Deciding where to go on safari is tough as you have many options!

You have three primary regions for a safari divided into Southern, Central, and Eastern Africa. Southern Africa tends to be arid and sees a wide range of temperature shifts. Central Africa is typically hot and humid but can receive cool evenings. East Africa is your classic destination and is famous for its perpetual spring.

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What to Wear in Southern Africa?

In Southern Africa, the climate varies across the region. Summers can be blisteringly hot, while winters are freezing in the back of a game vehicle. Many visitors arrive in the winter, thinking they’ll be in the hot bush, only to find zero-degree weather in an open car. Yikes!

The key to a comfortable safari outfit is layers. We often pack and wear layers to adjust to the wide range of temperatures you can experience on a typical day. While the morning can be freezing in arid locations like Botswana by midday, it can be hot so layers will save you.

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What to Wear in Central & East Africa?

Here the weather is more temperate year-round. It is known as the “never-ending spring.” However, morning game drives can still be chilly, so convertible pants and a light jacket are great options.

Always come prepared for rain, given the time of year. We’ve been in several of the famous thunderstorms of Africa, including a flash flood in Tanzania!

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Safari Shirts

The perfect safari shirt will make all the difference in being comfortable throughout the day. A synthetic shirt will give the most practicality, while cotton or linen shirts have a more timeless look.

Organic textiles like cotton, wool, or hemp can provide an excellent base for warmth on a cold morning or a fantastic evening. Synthetic advantages mostly relate to quick-drying, stain resistance, and keeping cool. We recommend long sleeve shirts as it provides UV and bug protection.

Below is a collection of some of the best safari shirts we’ve found on the market. It is a guide about what to look for; the best fit for you may not be on this list. We’d also suggest you check out our post on safari shirts.

Shirt	Price	Shop
Columbia Tamiami II	$50	Women | Men
Patagonia Long Sleeve Sun Stretch Shirt	$119	Women | Men
REI Co-op Sahara	$59	Women | Men
Unbound Merino Wool Shirt	$85	Women | Men
Classic Linen shirt	$85	Women | Men

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Columbia Tamiami II

MSRP: $50 | Material: Ripstop Polyester

The Columbia Tamiami II Shirt is a great safari shirt with various features for a comfortable outdoor experience. With its blend of Omni-Wick moisture management and antimicrobial treatment, this shirt is perfect for hot and humid climates, actively breathing and wicking away moisture for fast evaporation. Although, the material is heavier and feels more crinkly than a typical shirt. Its heavier weight gives the Tamiami II superior durability.

While this shirt’s loose cut and outdoor style may not appeal to everyone, its practical features make it an excellent option for those seeking an affordable, well-designed safari shirt. It’s not the most stylish shirt in the world, but for around $50, it’s an excellent value.

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Patagonia Long Sleeve Sun Stretch Shirt

MSRP – $119 | Material – Recycled Nylon/Polyester

We love the Patagonia Long Sleeve Sun Stretch Shirt as it’s practical and comfortable. A large part of this is the fabric that blends recycled nylon and polyester. The result is a safari shirt that is quick-drying and lightweight. That lightweight fabric is ideal for Africa’s hot and humid conditions. In addition, the material has enough stretch to not limit mobility, despite its button-down style.

In addition to its technical features, the Patagonia Long Sleeve Sun Stretch Shirt also boasts stylish western-inspired drop-in pockets, making it ideal for carrying essentials. The shirt also features collar snaps to keep the collar from flapping in windy conditions and a hidden lens cleaner to keep optics clear. Our only complaint about the shirt is the high price tag.

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REI Co-op Sahara

MSRP – $59 | Material – Nylon/Spandex

The REI Co-op Sahara Long Shirt is an excellent choice for a safari shirt. It offers a timeless, versatile look for travel, safari, or hiking. We love that REI delivers a comfortable midweight shirt with fantastic value. Along with reliable performance, the shirt comes in a range of pattern and color options suitable for the bush.

Features include two front breast pockets, roll-up tabs for the sleeves, a sunglass keeper loop, and a back vent with a mesh yoke underlay that helps keep you cool. The front breast pockets are convenient for storing small essentials such as sunscreen, bug spray, or a camera lens cap. Outside of a slightly loose fit and some temperature issues, it’s a solid value.

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Unbound Merino Wool shirt

MSRP – $85 | Material – Merino Wool

Our favorite t-shirts for safari and travel are from Unbound Merino. A merino wool shirt is a worthy investment and one of the best travel clothes for any trip. Despite the price, we’ve already transitioned much of our wardrobe to the material. Wools shirts stay fresh longer and do an excellent job at temperature management. Best of all, the heavier fabric looks better.

Despite being wool, the shirts can handle the heat surprisingly well, far better than their cotton counterparts. Performance is not as good in heat as a synthetic material like nylon or polyester, but it is far more comfortable and soft against the skin. We recommend the v-neck cut for a slightly more feminine shape for women.

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Everlane Linen Shirt

MSRP – $85 | Material – Linen

I like to pack a technical long-sleeve shirt for a safari, but it’s tough to beat a classic shirt from a classic material like linen. It looks and feels excellent. There is no better summer shirt. Best of all, the material remains practical as the linen has anti-microbial properties and fights against odor.

It’s tough to find decent linen shirts online, but I love the quality and value of Everlane’s linen shirts. You can often score a deal, so if you stain or snag the shirt, it won’t end the world. Amazon makes some cheap linen shirts, but like most things from the company, they’re poor quality, but they will get the job done.

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Safari Pants

With safari pants, you should keep the activity in mind. Light pants will be much more practical than shorts if you plan for bush walks. Pants provide excellent protection from mosquitos, a vital feature in malaria regions. We suggest bottoms with some stretch on all trips, such as hiking pants, not jeans, chinos, or khakis. New outdoor gear utilizes synthetic materials for strength, temperature management, and flexibility. When you hop into a safari vehicle, your pants need some flexibility. Temperature management will be critical in hot and humid environments where wearing shorts, like in the jungle for gorilla trekking, is not a good idea.

Pants	Price	Shop
KUHL Freeflex/Free Radikl Pants	$109	Women | Men
REI Co-op Trailsmith Pants	$69	Women | Men
Fjallraven Vidda Pro	$175	Women | Men
prAna Fernie/Vaha Pant	$95	Women | Men

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KUHL Freeflex/Free Radikl Pants

MSRP – $109 | Material – Enduro Fabric / Freeflex

Kuhl’s ENDURO™ blend fabric in their men’s Free Radikl and women’s Freeflex Roll-Up pants is a testament to their commitment to quality and durability. We prefer the comfort of lightweight synthetic pants as most safaris occur in hot weather. These safari pants are lightweight and super comfortable.

Whether you’re a rugged outdoorsman or a casual adventurer, Kuhl’s technical pants offer UPF 50 sun protection, six pockets, and the ultimate in year-round performance, making them the trusted choice for any outdoor excursion.

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REI Co-op Pants

MSRP – $69 | Material – Cotton/Poly

The REI Co-op Trailsmith Pants combine style, comfort, and durability for an excellent safari pant. The pants come in two different designs based on gender. The men’s pants are traditional, while the women’s are joggers. No matter the design style, both styles use a blend of cotton, polyester, and spandex fabric. This allows them to wick away moisture and move with the body for a comfortable fit.

The pants have a wide range of pockets, including traditional hand and back pockets, a drop-in tool pocket at the side, and a pencil pocket at the thigh. We found all the pockets to be helpful. They also play well into the slightly loose fit of the pants, which provides comfort all day.

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Fjallraven Vidda Pro

MSRP – $175 | Material – Polyester/Cotton

The Fjallraven Vidda Pro Trousers are our favorite adventure pants. The pants use a G-1000 Eco Fabric, a durable waxed canvas material in construction. It’s a tough material that is abrasion resistant, but due to its excellent fit, features, and smart panel construction, the pants are super comfortable.

Despite the heavy fabric, the pants feature two ample ventilation zips on both legs, allowing you to dump heat effectively and efficiently. The pants also include many functional pockets, such as two large pockets, a knife pocket, and an axe loop. Even if you don’t need the robust features of these safari pants, they have a very cool utilitarian look.

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prAna Fernie/Vaha Pant

MSRP – $79 | Material – Hemp / Elastane

I spend so much time traveling in these pants they’ve become one of my favorite pairs. I now have a couple of pairs of Vaha pants. The prAna Vaha Pants and Fernie Pants (for women) are for yoga and climbing, but we use them for everything. The women’s pant is the Fernie pant, and the men’s is the Vaha pant. They’re great for a relaxed evening around camp or the lodge and can double as pajamas.

Hemp and recycled polyester give breathability to the pants with quick-dry and odor-fighting qualities and are a heck of an eco-friendly product. It’s a very relaxed and soft pant that feels like a regular pair of pants. The style works for almost all women, but the casual style may put some men off. We’re big fans of prAna, so we highly recommend checking out some of their products.

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Safari Shorts

Do not fear wearing shorts while on safari! Most safaris are very easy-going, involving riding in the back of the vehicle. You don’t need pants to ride in a game viewer, and it is tough to beat shorts on a hot day!

Whatever you pack, you should consider the location, time of year, and activity level. We spend most of our time in Africa in shorts and sandals. If you want to learn more, read about our favorite safari shorts.

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Men’s Safari Shorts

Shorts	Price	Shop
Patagonia Quandry Shorts	$79	Link
Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Shorts	$50	Link
Vuori Kore Shorts	$68	Link

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Patagonia Quandry Shorts

MSRP – $79 | Material – Nylon/Spandex

Patagonia’s Quandry shorts are classic safari shorts that offer comfort and versatility, making them great for safari adventures. We love the clean cut and subtle pocket of these lightweight men’s shorts, which also have a slimmer fit that moves well with your body thanks to the lightweight material that stretches when you do.

There are a few drawbacks to the shorts. It mainly concerns synthetic material, which can polarize a small minority of wearers. Consider looking elsewhere if you’re sensitive to these materials.

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Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Shorts

MSRP – $50 | Material – Nylon

The Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Shorts have great value and good all-around performance. These 100% nylon shorts are breathable and quick-drying, perfect as safari clothes.

With deep and easily accessible hand pockets, three large cargo-style pockets, and a zippered security pocket on the left thigh, these shorts provide plenty of storage space. The Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Shorts are an excellent choice for those looking for solid performance at a lower cost. They’ve been a best seller for years for a good reason.

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Vuori Kore Shorts

MSRP – $68 | Material – Polyester/Elastane

Vuori is known for its athleisure clothes, and its Kore Shorts are some of our favorites from the brand. While not the most technical option, the Kore Short’s uber-comfortable fabric makes them perfect for various activities. They’re durable, practical, and comfortable for safari and everyday wear. It’s a casual version of safari shorts, but they look great paired with a t-shirt.

These shorts won’t pair well with a button-down shirt, but work for a relaxed look with a t-shirt. They are relatively expensive for lightweight athletic shorts; however, we believe the price reflects the quality. Lightweight athletic shorts are perfect for safari as most days are spent riding in the back of a game viewer.

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Women’s Safari Shorts

Shorts	Price	Shop
Lululemon Cinchable Waist Shorts	$75	Link
Columbia Saturday Trail Short	$45	Link
prAna Elle Shorts	$59	Link
The North Face Aphrodite Motion Shorts	$45	Link

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Lululemon Cinchable Waist Shorts

MSRP – $75 | Material –  71% Polyester/Elastomultiester

I wouldn’t be listing these shorts, except for the fact that my wife lives in them, whether on safari, on the beaches of Greece, or exploring Tuscan towns. They are her go to shorts, and they go with everything. They are easy to care for, easy to clean, and look stylish no matter the outing.

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Columbia Saturday Trail Short

MSRP – $45 | Material – Nylon/Elastane

The Columbia brand is always good for affordable outdoor wear. The Saturday Trail Shorts are perfect for a safari in Africa as they provide UPF 50 sun protection and insect repellant. Their stretchable fabric makes them ideal for sitting in a safari vehicle for long hours throughout the day.

Even though these are safari shorts, they are still fashionable enough for dinner and other activities around your safari. The best part about these shorts is that you can wear them daily life after your African safari experience. They are perfectly acceptable for hiking or running errands around town.

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prAna Elle Shorts

MSRP – $59 | Material – Nylon/Elastane

The prAna Elle Shorts are ideal for women seeking comfort and versatility on their safari adventure. The shorts blend organic cotton and spandex for excellent breathability and stretch. The result is a super comfortable pair of shorts that look great. As prAna generally strives for sustainable materials, the cotton is Fair Trade Certified and organic.

The downside of these shorts is they’re primarily cotton, so they are not the best-performing shorts for safari. However, they feel more versatile as everyday shorts that suit various daily activities. With a mid-rise, fitted design and available in 3″ and 5″ inseam options, the prAna Elle Shorts are the perfect addition to any adventurous woman’s wardrobe.

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The North Face Aphrodite Motion Shorts

MSRP – $45 | Material – Nylon/Elastane

The North Face Aphrodite Motion Shorts are perfect for safaris and other adventures. They’re made with a soft herringbone fabric that stretches for mobility and has water-repellent, sweat-wicking, and sun-protecting properties.

The shorts come in various colors, including khaki, and have a comfortable waistband, hand pockets, and a secure-zip pocket. The shorts are also adjustable thanks to a stretch drawcord. These skew a little younger as they are for more relaxed travelers. However, there are no rules, and these shorts still look great. You spend most of your time on safari in the back of a game viewer, so comfortable shorts are an excellent choice.

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Safari Jackets

No matter what season you go on safari, you should at least bring a jacket in case it gets cold (we pack a down jacket on most trips). However, we suggest a safari jacket if you want something more stylish for warmth and photos. The jackets below provide some warmth but are light enough for mild days. If it’s frigid, you’ll want something warmer.

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Men’s Safari Jackets

Jacket	Price	Shop
Orvis Heritage Field Jacket	$275	Link
Everlane The Bomber Jacket	$128	Link
SCOTTeVest Essential Jacket 2.0	$250	Link

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Orvis Heritage Field Jacket

MSRP – $275 | Material – Waxed Cotton Canvas

The Orvis Heritage Field jacket is one of the company’s best-selling products and makes for a tremendous safari jacket. There is a lot to love about the jacket, but it starts with the dry-waxed cotton canvas. It provides excellent protection from the elements.

The rugged protection makes it highly versatile, as it’s tough enough to resist thick brushes and stylish enough to wear around town. The jacket is also highly functional with two snap button bellow pockets, handwarmer pockets, and one interior breast pocket.

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Everlane The Bomber Jacket

MSRP – $128 | Material – Cotton/Polyester

Everlane’s The Bomber Jacket is a modern version of a classic flight jacket. It’s a stylish jacket that is perfect for mild weather. We love the clean lines and timeless design that make it ideal for any setting or destination. While it’s not the classic safari style, its timeless design still works well.

We love that you can wear the jacket up or down to suit any occasion. It just feels like a tremendously versatile jacket. The khaki color is a great complement to any modern safari outfit.

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SCOTTeVest Essential Jacket 2.0

Introducing the Essential 2.0 from ScotteVest, packed with an array of practical features, a whopping 24 pockets, and innovative zip-off sleeves that allow you to switch effortlessly between a jacket and to a vest. It’s the perfect choice for safari as you typically start off cold in the morning and easily warm up throughout the day!

This safari jacket has enough space for your camera, binoculars, and a cheeky snack to eat on a game drive! We find ScotteVest clothing in general to be overkill and a tad goofy, but they have a loyal following so some love their stuff.

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Women’s Safari Jackets

Jacket	Price	Shop
Lululemon Always Effortless	$150	Link
Barbour Beadnell Jacket	$385	Link
Banana Republic Norfolk Jacket	$275	Link

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Always Effortless Jacket

MSRP – $150 | Material – 89% Nylon, 11% Elastane

Experience the epitome of versatile style and functionality with this safari jacket from Lululemon, expertly crafted for those who are always on the go – on or off safari. This remarkable jacket embodies the spirit of adventure and is designed to seamlessly accompany you through every urban exploration and outdoor escapade.

The water-repellent Glyde fabric not only shields from unexpected African drizzles but adds a water-repellent sophistication on the back. With its classic fit and hip-length design, the jacket strikes the perfect balance between fashion and practicality – great for photos in the bush and keeping warm in the early morning!

The downside is that it’s a jacket for style and not the most durable on this list. It’s not going to protect you from hard weather or supply much warmth if you need it. However, we love that it’s machine washable, so you won’t have to run it to the dry cleaner when it gets dusty on safari.

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Barbour Beadnell Jacket

MSRP – $385 | Material – Waxed Canvas

The Classic Beadnell jacket by Barbour is the one you’ll reach for every season of the year. Its waxed cotton exterior looks gorgeous and highly functional as it supplies wind and water resistance.

We appreciate the women’s fit that keeps an excellent shape that is done with front and back panels. The one downside is it’s too warm for hot destinations, but it is ready to tackle any cool weather. It’s an expensive jacket, but we feel it’s a worthy investment that will last a lifetime.

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Banana Republic Norfolk Jacket

MSRP – $250 | Material – Cotton / Linen

The Norfolk Linen-Cotton Jacket is a statement piece that complements any safari look perfectly. Its picturesque riding jacket style is right out of our favorite safari movie. However, we don’t love it purely for its style as it’s reasonably practical.

The downside is that it’s a jacket for style and not the most durable or practical. It’s not going to protect from weather or supply much warmth. However, we love that it’s machine washable, so you won’t have to run it to the dry cleaner when it gets dusty on safari. Another excellent suggestion for a safari jacket from Banana Republic is the Heritage Suede Shirt Jacket.

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Safari Dresses & Jumpsuits

Wearing a safari dress in Africa is always a great idea! Don’t be the girl who only goes on safari in khaki pants and a long-sleeved top. Safari dresses are a thing and can dress up your African safari. One can be as comfortable with the right safari style as shorts and a shirt.

Dress	Price	Shop
Patagonia Fleetwith Romper	$129	Link
Scotch & Soda Safari Dress	$165	Link
Fernie Jumpsuit	$100	Link
Kuhl Vantage Dress	$85	Link

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Patagonia Fleetwith Romper

MSRP – $129 | Material -Recycled Polyester/Spandex

I love Patagonia and its brand ethos around sustainability. The Patagonia Fleetwith Romper is Bluesign certified and super comfortable. While the Fleetwith is available as a dress, I prefer the romper best. It’s just so functional, comfortable, and cute!

The one-piece romper is made from a 91% recycled polyester/9% spandex blend, moves with your body, resists wrinkles, and quickly dries. The romper and dress make for excellent safari wear, and they are so versatile you may end up living in them at home.

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Scotch & Soda Safari Dress

MSRP – $165 | Material -Tencel

This fashion-forward safari dress from Scotch & Soda delivers everything I want in style. The classic off-white look, cuffs, and buttons down the front will feel right at home on a safari.

It’s made from a lightweight material called Tencel that is eco-friendly and operates in a closed-loop system. That soft material is light and breathes easily, so you’re comfortable and cool in the African sun. Be warned, this is a super popular item from the brand, and they regularly sell out, so the dress may be linked to a good dupe!

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Fernie Jumpsuit

MSRP – $100 | Material – 100% TENCEL™ Modal

Finding a more perfect jumpsuit than the Fernie Jumpsuit from prAna for travel, safari, and life is tough. The fit, material, and colors are perfect! It all comes down to the quality of cotton and linen blend material.

We love prAna as they practice sustainability well and this jumpsuit uses sustainable materials. It’s lightweight for packing and adjustable for all levels of comfort.

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Kuhl Vantage Dress

MSRP – $85 | Material – Polyester/Spandex

The Kühl Vantage Dress is super casual, comfortable, and practical. It features lightweight fabric that is soft and wicks away moisture. A polyester and spandex blend allows the fabric to stretch in four ways to move comfortably with your body.

Synthetic materials also allow the technical dress to resist odors, stains, and wrinkles. Yet it remains super lightweight and comfortable in warm weather. Best of all, the drawcord and cut make the dress flattering for various body types. The green color is also an excellent choice for safari!

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Safari Boots

A good safari boot is the one thing that is a must when it comes to safari clothes and bushwalks. Sure, you can dress up in khaki, leather, leopard print, and dark green, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter all that much about what you wear on safari if you don’t have the shoe.

Safari Boots	Price	Shop
Blundstone Chelsea Boots	$229	Women | Men
Danner Mountain 600	$210	Women | Men
Merrell Moab 3	$145	Women | Men

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Blundstone Chelsea Boots

MSRP: $229 | Material: Leather

Blundstones are our go-to travel boots and make excellent safari boots. This boot is stylish, functional, and practical for any travel adventure. While it’s not a “technical” boot, it impressively handles moderate hikes and terrain. Style is a strong suit here, with a wide range of leather finishes to match your taste.

As they use premium leather, they require some upkeep with leather treatment to ensure longevity and water resistance. The Blundstone Chelsea Boot is a solid go-to for any stylish and practical safari adventure. We love these boots!

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Danner Mountain 600

MSRP: $210 | Material: Suede Leather

The Danner Mountain 600 blends the latest boot tech with classic style for a reliable safari boot. Crafted from waterproof suede leather, the Mountain 600 features Danner Dry waterproof protection to keep your feet dry and comfortable no matter the conditions. TPU heel frames provide additional support and stability, while OrthoLite® footbeds offer cushioning and comfort.

It’s worth noting that Danner recommends sizing down half a size from what you typically wear, so keep that in mind when ordering. Overall, the Danner Mountain 600 Boot perfectly balances performance and aesthetics, making it an excellent addition to any safari packing list.

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Merrell Moab 3

MSRP: $145 | Material: Suede leather/Mesh

If you’re in the market for hiking boots, the Merrell Moab 3 Boots are a popular choice. They’re made of leather, textile, and synthetic materials and are comfortable straight out of the box. Plus, with Merrell’s expertise in hiking boots, you can rest assured that your feet will be in good hands for long-distance walks.

We have owned several pairs of Moabs and can attest to their quality over the years. However, one thing to remember is that these boots are less specialized. While they are comfortable immediately, the soles are soft, making them less ideal for avid hikers. However, for everyone else, Merrell Moabs are a solid choice for comfortable safari boots that won’t disappoint.

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Safari Hat

A safari hat is the perfect accessory for safari clothes. It’s not just about fashion as it keeps the sun off your face. Since the equator splits Africa, expect intense UV rays. No accessory is better suited or more fashionable than a safari hat—it feels right and never out of place.

Safari Hats	Price	Shop
Tilley LTM6 Airflo Hat	$99	Link
Columbia Bora Bora Booney II	$30	Link
Scala All-Season Crushable Hat	$60	Link

10 Best Safari Hats for Men and Women

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Tilley LTM6 Airflo Hat

MSRP: $99 | Material: Nylon

Tilley has long been famed for its sun protection hats. They’ve seen the world and been on more than a few adventures. The Tilley LTM6 Airflo holds its shape, and the material has a stylish look. Tilley is set apart because they guarantee their hats for life against wear and tear.

A wide brim keeps the sun off your hat. What I love in addition to the guarantee are the features such as its ability to float in the water and a hidden pocket to store an I.D. or money. It has everything you could want in a great safari hat. Although the higher price point may deter some – just keep in mind it has a lifetime guarantee.

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Columbia Bora Bora Booney II

MSRP: $30 | Material: Nylon

I talk about stylish hats, but this Columbia safari cap is the least attractive. However, this hat is the most practical and cheap safari hat out of our selection. It still looks pretty good for a synthetic floppy hat that you can stuff and crush anytime.

The Bora Bora is made of nylon, is well-vented, packs well, and features UPF technology. Comfort is the strongest characteristic of this hat, as it keeps your head cool while sitting snuggly on your head. Unlike leather, which can be itchy, you’ll forget you’re even wearing this hat while in the bush. I love the built-in sweatband to keep moisture out of your eyes.

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Scala All-Season Crushable Hat

MSRP: $60 | Material: Wool Felt

We love the Scala All-Season Crushable Hat. It’s made of wool felt and is an all-around great-looking olive green stylish safari hat. The style is similar to a fedora with a very Western vibe. It looks great, and the price point isn’t bad, either.

The best part about it is that for such a good-looking hat, the material still allows you to crush the hat to fit inside your luggage. Because no one likes to have to wear their hat home on a 15-hour flight. Once you take it out of your luggage, it snaps right back into shape!

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Swimsuit

It all depends on where you’re going, but Africa has some of the best beaches in the world. Not to mention some stunning hotels, rivers, lakes, lodges, and waterfalls all present the ability to go for a dip. Plenty of great beach lodges make for a wonderful and relaxing end to a busy safari. You can read about the best hotels in Zanzibar or Diani Beach! You might not consider safari clothing, but we believe it is essential. Also, many high end lodges on safari have plunge pools to relax in.

For a fantastic women’s swimsuit brand, we recommend Londre. They make high-quality swimsuits for women. Many of their pieces are stylish yet supportive. Vuori makes fantastic lightweight Cruise Board Shorts in various prints and colors. They’re super comfortable, quickly dry, and the cut is perfect. We don’t like board shorts that are too long or loose, as they look sloppy.

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Safari Bag

You’ll need a good safari bag to carry and pack all these safari clothes. You may take a bush flight or two if you’re going on safari. I recommend packing light, as most small planes severely limit baggage weight. We have been on flights where we are only allowed 15 kg a person, and some flights allow 25 kg. Make sure only to pack what you need.

The Best Safari Bags and Backpacks

Safari Bags	Price	Shop
The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel	$155	Link
Nomatic Travel Bag	$289	Link
Filson Medium Rugged Twill Duffel Bag	$575	Link

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The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel

MSRP: $155 | Capacities: 62L, 42L, 32L

The North Face Base Camp Voyager is one of the most functional duffel bags for safari we’ve ever tested. It’s an update to the Base Camp Duffel Bag, and we can confidently say we love every charge they made to the classic duffel bag. It starts with a sustainable build as the bag is made with 100% recycled materials. Its outer material is a TPU polyester that is ultra-durable and water-resistant, so your stuff is well protected.

The bag comes in three sizes 32L, 42L, and 62L. While we recommend the 62L for a safari as it has more room to pack for a week on the road, the two smaller sizes have a convenient laptop sleeve. The one big downside is the lack of a cross-body strap for a traditional duffel bag carry.

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Nomatic Travel Bag

MSRP: $289 | Capacities: 40L

The Nomatic Travel Bag is a good travel bag for short trips. It’s a bag built around the premise of one-bag travel, with all the features you need for a seamless safari. However, all those features can make the bag a little clunky and difficult to pack effectively. The bag’s exterior tarpaulin material on the top panel provides water and abrasion resistance.

At 40L, the bag is best suited for 3-5 day one bag trips or can support a suitcase for extended journeys. Its sleek design and intelligent features make it an excellent fit for everyone, from business travelers to backpackers.

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Filson Medium Rugged Twill Duffel Bag

MSRP: $575 | Capacities: 43L, 73L

Filson delivers beautiful products with attention to detail. The Medium Rugged Twill Duffel Bag makes for a gorgeous safari bag. Its unparalleled build quality assures us the bag should last a lifetime or, at the very least, a decade. Plus, it comes in three color styles to match any style.

A roomy interior has enough storage space, and two small internal side pockets work well for small essentials. Our only complaint would be for a better internal organization, which can be solved with packing cubes. Its 43L is enough for a savvy packer, or you can opt for the large version at 73L. Although, we prefer the 43L as we don’t trust airlines to check the 73L for international travel.

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Safari Accessories

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REI Coop Down Jacket

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Travel Sandals

Our favorite brand is Rainbow Sandals, as they last forever and are super comfortable once the leather forms to your foot. Another attractive option for women is the Sanuk Yoga Sling 2. If thong flip-flops aren’t great for your feet, choose something with more support. Some great options would be the Birkenstock Arizona, Teva Original, or Chaco Z/Cloud.

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Smith Lowdown 2 Sunglasses

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Buff Headwear

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Grayl GeoPress Purifier Water Bottle

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Nikon Monarch 5 8×42

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Sun Bum Natural Sunscreen

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Insect Repellant

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Elements of Good Safari Garments

There are a couple of key elements to look at with each piece of safari clothing. While you may picture yourself as an adventure seeker, remember that you are a guest, and your safari guide will handle the nitty-gritty.

Unless you’re driving across Africa like us, you’ll be safe. The clothes you pack should be for comfort, not some rugged adventure. If it doesn’t feel comfortable, you may as well leave it at home.

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Versatility

You’ll want to pack light. The days are often busy, so multiple wardrobe changes aren’t in the mix. Solid clothes that are casual yet stylish enough to wear to dinner in a lodge over a five-course meal.

Versatility can include the right material, fit, and functionality. For example, a good long sleeve shirt can keep you warm in the morning but cool during the day in a way that short-sleeve or tee shirts fail.

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Durability

This one is key. Africa can be hard on clothes, even on a short trip. Climbing in and out of a safari vehicle can rip a weak pair of pants or shorts. Look for clothes for Africa that stretch a little.

You also have a lot of dust and sun exposure. If you’re involved in conservation efforts, on a walking safari, or spending time outside a game vehicle. In that case, you need decent safari clothes that hold up to the elements.

The best way is often to stick with solid name brands that we trust when ordering online or to shop in your local store, although that can be difficult with limited selections.

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Material

With a safari, you’ve come to see nature, and that’s what you will encounter. So, your clothing needs to be well suited to the environments of Africa. We try to choose solid natural materials like hemp, linen, leather, or wool for our outdoor wear.

Manmade materials such as nylon or polyester are other great options, as they are excellent at moisture management and protection. The only material we’re not massive fans of is cotton, but it’s often the softest and warmest material with great value. I always read the tags and materials on outdoor apparel before I make a purchase and consider its intended purpose.

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Practicality

Things like having pockets can make or break good safari gear and wear. Where else will you stash things like lip balm, sunscreen, or even a pair of binoculars? The day-to-day wear of clothes is crucial because if you feel uncomfortable in the bush, you’ll likely look ridiculous. You aren’t walking the runways of Paris but spending time in the bush—care about your look, but not too much.

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Camouflage

Safari clothing should blend in with the environment. You should wear beige, green, and brown colored clothes. They are the staple colors of safari wear because they blend into the environment and can provide a better game-viewing experience.

While wearing, bright colors such as red are said to scare off animals and make you stand out. This may or may not be true. Only the animals know for sure. Of course, the Maasai Warriors in Kenya and Tanzania have been wearing red for centuries!

That being said, neutral colors do a great job of hiding dirt and dust, which will be plenty of on a drive or walk through the bush. White clothes aren’t going to stay white very long, and dark colors are believed to attract tsetse flies. Trust us; you do not want to become familiar with tsetse flies!

For example, wearing long pants and greens is advised when gorilla trekking. When on foot, wearing colors that blend well into the environment and a good pair of safari boots is always recommended.

We love greens, beige, and khaki just as much as the next wannabe Merryl Streep in Out of Africa. However, you will spend a lot of time in a car on game drives in Africa. Wearing these colors helps you blend in and not bake your body under the hot African sun, but in the end, most colors don’t matter.

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Tips On Safari Clothes

• Safari Clothes Are Not Required – You do not have to wear special safari clothes. Most time on safari is spent in a vehicle where clothes choice does not matter much.
• Blend – Attempt to blend in. Remember to wear a safari outfit and clothes suited for the environment.
• No Animal Prints – Don’t wear animal prints or some ridiculous getup. You’re not bushwacking through the African jungle. This isn’t Jumanji. You’ll spend most of your time in the back of a vehicle. So, wear comfortable clothes that will not stain by dirt, offer sun protection, and are comfortable from the heat or cold.
• It Can Get Cold – Mind the weather. It can get cold in the back of a game vehicle in Africa especially in the early morning or at night. Make sure to pack a nice jacket. Anything that breaks the wind should do.
• Ditch Dark Blue – DO NOT wear blue if you are traveling in areas with Tsetse flies. Blue attracts the Tsetse fly, which is not a myth.
• Don’t Overpack – You only need a handful of shirts and pants. You are in the African bush, and there is no need for multiple wardrobe changes. However, always to pack ample underwear and socks. Many high end lodges offer to wash your clothes daily for free as well.
• Relax – Keep it simple at five-star lodges in Africa. Things are still casual.
• Sunglasses – Good sunglasses will save your eyes from staring at landscapes all day.
• Layer – Make sure to pack in layers. It will go from cold in the morning to hot at night and then back to evening time.
• Light Rain Jacket – Bring a light rain jacket, depending on the season. Most Safari companies and lodges come prepared in this aspect and will provide their guests with nice thick ponchos, but if you’re doing it on your don’t forget a rain jacket.
• Pockets! – We love clothing with pockets to carry sunblock, chapstick, flashlight, camera, or binoculars. It’s better than having to juggle around a bag. We already have our safari cameras to contend with in the back of a game viewer.

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Clothing Brands We Recommend

Where to buy safari clothes? Finding a store that carries safari clothes is tough outside South Africa. I would recommend you shop online. We like to choose quality. A good safari outfit is versatile, long-lasting, and timeless. Spending the extra dough to buy reputable brands is always a good idea.

• Patagonia – You’ll know we love this brand if you’ve read our other packing guides. They make great quality clothes that hold up.
• REI – This is one of our favorite stores! There may be no specific REI safari clothes, but you can find many products that will serve you well in the bush.
• Columbia – This is a great outdoor company with affordable products. We tend to like Patagonia more, but the brand costs significantly more for a slight quality improvement.
• First Ascent – You can’t find this brand in America, but if shopping in South Africa, they make some great quality clothes.
• prAna – They’re a closer runner-up to Patagonia for style and quality in outdoor apparel.

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Book A Safari in Africa

Traditionally if you wanted to book a safari, you’d have to go to a travel agent and have them book your safari for you. They suggest camps and lodges then present you with a large bill. Most of the industry still operates in this fashion.

However, Timbuktu is a new platform that allows you to select the lodges you’d like and see the pricing per day to select the best itinerary for yourself. They will then contact the lodges and help you by booking your safari. Experts on staff can also provide suggestions and arrange the little details like a travel agent.