The 5 Essentials for Perfect Safari Outfits

When embarking on an African safari, it is essential to pack the right clothing to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The African bush can present various challenges, including extreme temperatures, sun exposure, and insect bites. Therefore, it is crucial to choose clothing that provides protection while still being practical and comfortable.

One of the basics of a good safari outfit is to wear long sleeves and pants. Opting for long pants and long-sleeved tops keeps your skin covered, protecting you from the cold and wind, sunburn, and pesky insect bites. This is particularly important during the early morning and evening game drives when temperatures can drop significantly.

When it comes to choosing colors for your safari attire, it is best to stick to neutral and earthy tones. These colors blend in well with the natural surroundings and help you avoid standing out, ensuring a more authentic wildlife viewing experience. Bright-colored clothing or busy patterns should be avoided as they may distract or disturb the wildlife.

In terms of footwear, closed shoes are essential. Opt for comfortable and sturdy shoes that provide support and protection for your feet. It is advisable to choose shoes that are suitable for walking on uneven terrain and offer good traction.

Protecting yourself from the African sun is also crucial. Bringing a proper sunhat is a must. Look for a wide-brimmed hat that shades your face, neck, and ears from the sun’s harmful rays. This will not only keep you cool but also prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of heatstroke.

In addition to considering what to wear, it is also important to think about what not to wear on safari. Avoid wearing camouflage clothing, as some African countries reserve this pattern for military personnel only. Dark colors, especially dark blue and black, should also be avoided as they tend to attract Tsetse flies, which have a painful bite. Furthermore, leave bright-white items at home, as safari parks are often dusty, and white clothes may become dirty quickly.

Lastly, it is advisable to avoid wearing strong perfume or cologne. The scents may attract insects, detract from the natural environment, or interfere with wildlife encounters. It is best to keep your scent as neutral as possible.

When planning your African safari outfit, prioritize comfort, protection, and blending in with the natural surroundings. Choose long sleeves and pants, opt for neutral and earthy colors, wear closed shoes, bring a proper sunhat, and avoid strong perfumes or colognes. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a pleasant and enjoyable safari experience while respecting the wildlife and their natural habitat.

What Do You Wear On Safari In Africa?

When going on a safari in Africa, it is important to dress appropriately for the environment and the activities you will be participating in. Here are the 5 basics of a good safari outfit:

1. Long sleeves and pants: It is recommended to wear long-sleeved tops and long pants to keep your skin covered. This not only protects you from the cold and wind, but also helps shield you from the sun’s harmful rays and insect bites.

2. Neutral and earthy colors: Choose clothing in neutral and earthy tones such as khaki, beige, and olive green. These colors blend in with the natural surroundings and make it easier to spot wildlife without standing out or startling them.

3. Closed shoes: Opt for closed shoes that provide protection and support for your feet. Walking or hiking boots are ideal, as they offer stability and help prevent injuries. Avoid open-toed shoes or sandals, as they leave your feet vulnerable to potential hazards.

4. Proper sunhat: A wide-brimmed hat is essential to shield your face, neck, and ears from the strong African sun. Look for a hat with a brim that is wide enough to provide ample shade and ensure it fits securely on your head to prevent it from blowing away in windy conditions.

5. Avoid strong perfume or cologne: It is advisable to avoid wearing strong scents such as perfume or cologne while on safari. The strong smells can attract insects, especially mosquitoes, which can be bothersome and potentially carry diseases.

By following these guidelines, you will be well-prepared and dressed appropriately for your safari adventure in Africa. Remember to also consider the specific climate and conditions of the region you will be visiting, as they may require additional clothing or accessories.

african safari clothes

What Is Safari Clothing Called?

Safari clothing is commonly referred to as a safari jacket or bush jacket. This particular garment was initially designed for the purpose of going on safari in the African bush. It provides practicality and functionality for outdoor activities while also offering protection from the elements. The safari jacket is typically made of durable materials such as cotton or linen, which are lightweight and breathable in hot climates. It often features multiple pockets for convenient storage of essentials like maps, compasses, or insect repellent.

When combined with matching trousers or shorts, the safari jacket becomes part of a safari suit. This complete outfit is specifically tailored for safari adventures, providing comfort and flexibility while traversing rugged terrain. The safari suit is also designed to blend in with the natural surroundings, often featuring earthy tones or camouflage patterns.

The term “safari clothing” encompasses the safari jacket or bush jacket, as well as the safari suit, which consists of the jacket paired with trousers or shorts. These garments are specially designed to cater to the needs of individuals embarking on safari expeditions, offering both functionality and style for outdoor adventures in the African bush.

What Should You Not Wear On An African Safari?

When going on an African safari, it is important to be mindful of what you wear to ensure a comfortable and safe experience. Here are some things you should avoid wearing:

1. Bright-Colored Clothing: It is best to steer clear of bright colors as they can attract unwanted attention from animals. Stick to neutral tones like beige, khaki, or olive green, which blend well with the natural surroundings.

2. Busy Patterns: Similarly, avoid wearing clothing with busy patterns as they can also draw unnecessary attention. Opt for solid colors or simple patterns that are less distracting.

3. Camouflage Clothing: In many African countries, camouflage patterns are reserved exclusively for military personnel. To avoid any misunderstandings or potential legal issues, it is advisable to leave your camouflage clothing at home.

4. Dark Blue or Black Clothing: Tsetse flies, which are common in some parts of Africa, are attracted to dark colors, particularly dark blue and black. These flies can deliver painful bites, so it is best to avoid wearing these colors to minimize the risk of attracting them.

To sum up, remember to choose clothing in neutral tones, avoid busy patterns and camouflage, and steer clear of dark blue or black colors to have a more enjoyable and safe safari experience in Africa.

What Color Should You Not Wear On An African Safari?

When embarking on an African safari, it is advisable to avoid wearing black and dark blue clothing. This is because these colors are known to attract tsetse flies, which can be quite bothersome during your safari experience. To minimize the chances of being bothered by these flies, it is best to opt for lighter-colored clothing.

Furthermore, it is recommended to leave bright-white items at home when packing for your safari. Safari parks are often dusty, and white clothes can quickly become dingy and dirty. Instead, consider packing clothes in earthy tones such as khaki, beige, or light brown. These colors not only blend well with the natural surroundings but also help to conceal any dust or dirt that may be encountered during your safari adventure.

To summarize, the colors to avoid on an African safari are black, dark blue, and bright white. Instead, opt for lighter-colored and earthy-toned clothing to maximize comfort and minimize the attraction of tsetse flies, while also avoiding the issue of dusty clothes.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the right clothing for an African safari, it is important to prioritize comfort, protection, and practicality. Opt for long sleeves and pants to protect yourself from the elements, sun, and insect bites. Stick to neutral and earthy colors to blend in with the surroundings and avoid attracting unwanted attention. Closed shoes are a must to keep your feet safe and comfortable throughout your safari adventure. Don’t forget to bring a proper sunhat to shield yourself from the scorching African sun. Lastly, avoid wearing strong perfumes or colognes that may attract insects or disrupt the wildlife. Remember, the key is to be comfortable, respectful of the environment, and ready to fully immerse yourself in the incredible experience of an African safari.

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Ilona

Ilona is an experienced travel counselor who loves everything about Africa! She studied Tourism and Hospitality Management at Middle Tennessee State University, and now lives in Nashville. With 15 years of experience under her belt, Ilona is well-equipped to plan your perfect African adventure.