What to wear on safari in Africa?

What to wear on Safari in Africa? Africa is such a popular safari destination that tourists from the world over prefer to visit. The roars of the African wilderness and the authenticity of the traditions very much different from those of the western world make many of the African countries a must-visit destination.

Deciding what to wear on safari in Africa is easier said than done because the weather in Africa is nothing like many travelers from outside Africa expect. Africa isn’t one hot continent, reality is it gets cold and hot depending on seasons and the time of the day.

It is important to know what to wear for a safari and some items need to be on any packing list for Africa since they are simply essential. The most important things to consider when choosing what to wear to Africa include comfort, ease, colors, temperatures, and style. Try as much as you can to blend in with the background and be comfortable for all the activities. In this post we highlight what you need to wear for a safari in Africa;

Clothes to pack for an African safari

When choosing clothes to wear on an African safari, choose clothes with safari-like color. Colors like khaki, beige, taupe, or grey. These colors are dull and blend well with the environment.

Avoid wearing bright clothes with colors like blue, red, orange, pink, and yellow. Black and dark blue are thought to attract tsetse flies and predators identify red with wounded animals. White shouldn’t be one to wear out to the field.

The evenings and game drives, pack light clothes including t-shirts. For the evening, you should wear shorts and light t-shirts when it’s in the dry season and always carry a sweater for the cold evenings.

For activities that require walking in the jungle-like nature walks, chimpanzee trekking, mountain gorilla trekking, or any other primate tracking activity always wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers.

Since you are going to walk in the jungle where insects can give nasty bites, wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers is recommendable.

Wear shirts, long enough to cover your hands to the wrist, and trousers long enough to be tucked into your stocking. Shorts and vests are not anything to think of when planning to go on a walking safari. The long clothing should also be comfortable and thick with colors that can’t get stained easily.

Footwear to wear for African safaris – What to wear on safari in Africa?

On your packing list, the shoes or footwear should be carefully catered for. For most of the safari, game drives sandals and open shoes can be worn since the game drive is in the vehicle and you won’t have to get out and walk. However, for activities that include getting close to the jungle with trekking, hiking, walking you require hiking boots.

Ensure to have comfortable hiking shoes such that hiking is made easy and you don’t get bruises. To keep your legs warm, put on cotton stockings inside to keep your ankles safe. It’s recommendable to try on your shoes maybe by taking morning jogging before you set out for the trip.

Brimmed hat

Wearing a brimmed hat on an African safari isn’t just for luxury during an African safari but for head protection from the scorching sun. A brimmed hat is very useful especially when you have to go on a walking safari or moving around during the day. Remember to carry your brimmed hat and for the trekking activities, simple hats or bandanas could keep especially female hair safe.

Hand gloves/gardening gloves – What to wear on safari in Africa?

For trekking activities, hand gloves come in handy. Since you will have your body covered, your hands will too need protection. You will need to wear hand gloves to protect your hands from thorns as you hike.

In case you slide and would like to have a firm grip on a tree or any kind of plant, you need to make sure your hands are safe. Wear hand gloves for protection.

The above things to consider and wear for an African safari should all be considered. These are applicable for Uganda safaris, Kenya wildlife safaris, Rwanda tours as well as Tanzania safaris.

Still, it is applicable to any other African destination though the above are our travel destinations and where we do tailor tours for clients.