Safari Packing Guide: What to Wear While on Safari in Africa
While traditional safari gear may or may not align with your personal aesthetic, the fact is, wearing the proper clothing will have a big impact on your overall overlanding experience. That’s because the right garments will help you avoid pesky bugs and unwanted burns, and ensure you stay comfortable in the various conditions or climates you might encounter.
Our safari packing guide will give you a clear picture of what (and how much) to bring with you, as well as what you’re better off leaving at home.
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Safari Packing Guide: 20 Items to Bring
The reality of traveling is when you overpack, all that extra weight can become a burden and really put a damper on your trip. This same idea applies to going on safari, which is why you’re encouraged to have a minimal wardrobe with ample versatility.
The amount you pack will largely depend on the type and duration of your safari, though you should be set for a whole week with: three shirts, two pairs of pants, one jacket, and two pairs of shoes. With that said, our list contains a total of 20 recommendations (in five different categories) because we wanted to provide options to suit every budget and every style.
The following are suggestions for the best safari shirts, best safari pants, best safari dresses, best safari jackets, and best safari shoes.
4 Best Safari Shirts
CAMIXA
Linen is a great choice for sunny days spent on safari since this material is naturally antimicrobial, meaning you’ll stay feeling fresh no matter how much you sweat. This French linen blouse from CAMIXA is an easy, breezy choice for your trip, thanks to its slightly loose and relaxed fit that’s sure to keep up with you on the go. Plus, it’ll effortlessly transition from season to season, making it a true wardrobe staple that can be styled in countless ways.
Price: starting at $59
Columbia
What we love most about this long sleeve shirt from Columbia is its durable moisture-wicking fabric that also comes with serious sun protection (UPF 40) built right in. The Omni-Wick and Omni-Shade technology will keep you feeling cool and comfortable regardless of how warm the day turns out to be. There’s also an inner mesh lining and an open back yoke for added ventilation; in other words, this button-down is ready for all kinds of adventurous conditions.
Price: starting at $30
Outdoor Research
Outdoor Research knows a thing or two about creating durable gear that can withstand any number of elements. Their Echo Long Sleeve Tee is a pretty impressive piece, boasting tons of performance features that are sure to come in handy while you’re out on safari. In addition to being ultralight and odor-blocking, this shirt is wicking, quick-drying, and comes with ‘movement-mirroring’ stretch that’ll increase your comfort and improve the overall fit.
Price: starting at $49
ExOfficio
Although ExOfficio is perhaps best known for their travel underwear, they have tons of other innovative garments that are worth checking out, as well. The brand’s Brisa top is not only made from a Bluesign® approved fabric, it also has ultraviolet protection and an antimicrobial finish for major odor protection. But the coolest part? This shirt features ExOfficio’s BugsAway® technology, which acts as an invisible insect-repelling shield for up to 70 washes!
Price: starting at $53
3 Best Safari Shorts & Pants
REI CO-OP
When you’re trying to save space in your luggage — and add versatility to your safari wardrobe — convertible pants make a great option. This Sahara style is made from a recycled nylon and spandex blend, and comes with a durable water repellent coating, UPF 50+ protection, and flat seam stitching to prevent chafing (and to allow these pants to pack down small). Wear them at full-length or unzipped into shorts, and enjoy the same comfort and ease either way.
Price: starting at $79
SANTINY
These cargo shorts from SANTINY would make a terrific complement to your safari expedition, due in large part to their multi-pocket design. This pick has two side zippered pockets, as well as two cargo zippered pockets that are deep enough to store your phone, wallet, keys, and more. We love those details and the extra room the pockets provide, especially since you’ll want your phone nearby so you can snap photos of all the wildlife at a moment’s notice.
Price: starting at $29
prAna
The Halle Pant II from prAna comes very highly rated, and it’s not too hard to see why. These pants are made from a recycled nylon blend that’s the ultimate in stretch performance, meaning you can adventure with confidence knowing there’s tons of durability backing you up. Along with their four-way stretch, these pants are also equipped with secure pockets and zipper closure, a stealth gusset for greater mobility, and roll-up snaps in case you feel like adjusting the hem.
Price: starting at $95
3 Best Safari Dresses
Arc'teryx
If your safari experience includes some hot temps, it’s a good idea to pack a dress that’s well-suited for this type of weather. The Contenta Dress from Arc'teryx is made from a lightweight and breathable material that allows moisture vapor to quickly escape; in turn, this helps to regulate your body temperature and elevate your overall comfort. And while this dress is quite durable, it’s also highly packable (i.e. its flatlock construction folds down super small).
Price: starting at $100
Columbia
Let’s cut right to the chase: this design from Columbia is basically the perfect casual dress to take with you on safari. It blocks UVA and UVB rays to prevent you from getting burnt, repels moisture and dries quickly to keep you feeling clean, and has adjustability at the hem to help you secure a just-right fit. What’s more, the lightweight fabric offers unmatched ease of wear so you can spend less time adjusting your outfit and more time looking out for lions.
Price: starting at $75
Modernmiss
We’ve already noted what a great fabric linen is for warm climates, which is a big reason why we included this dress from Modernmiss on our list. This 100% linen style has a flowy tunic shape complete with short sleeves, side pockets, and V-neck detail. If you’re looking for a lightweight dress with a loose-fit and pull-on closure, this design easily checks all those boxes — not to mention, you can also layer this dress with leggings or a jacket if needed.
Price: starting at $39
4 Best Safari Jackets
Orvis
The Pack-and-Go Jacket from Orvis is both wind- and water-resistant, as well as resistant to stains so you’re guaranteed to always look your best. The fabric in this jacket is also Bluesign® approved, making this an environmentally conscious investment on your end. Other notable features include the interior zip pockets to store your valuables, the versatile hood that can be tucked inside the collar, and this jacket’s ability to pack down into a small stuff sack.
Price: starting at $149
KOGMO
We couldn’t make a list about the best safari gear without talking about this piece from KOGMO. Not only is this marketed as a true safari jacket, but it has tons of functional details that are perfect for navigating wide open spaces. There’s a drawstring closure, buttoned pockets at the hips, zippered closure at the chest, and an elastic waistband at the back for added ease of movement. You’ll love this classic look no matter which of the twenty colors you go with.
Price: starting at $30
Carhartt
Carhartt is a beloved brand for its durable materials and quality craftsmanship. Their work wear can stand up to daily, rough use, which makes it a dream for times you’re *roughing it* on safari. This utility jacket is made from 100% nylon, and features taffeta lining, a three-piece hood, and interior storm cuffs to prevent wind and rain from getting inside. There’s also multiple pockets to utilize: two interior pockets, two handwarmer pockets, and a drop-in pocket on the chest.
Price: starting at $109
KUHL
KUHL’s Jojo™ Trench is a versatile layering piece that’s loaded with thoughtful details. This pick is equipped with both wind- and water resistance, and has been treated with a special wax blend for added protection (and a unique appearance). Highlights of this jacket include the double princess seams, back mesh panels, and waist drawcord to give you a custom fit. Any time of year you travel, this lightweight outerwear can easily make the journey with you.
Price: starting at $139
4 Best Safari Shoes
Blundstone
Blundstone makes some of the best Chelsea boots you can find — and while they’re certainly an investment, they’re not going to totally break the bank. The 558 style is made from 100% leather and features a removable footbed, soft lining, and pull-on tabs. These boots are truly a go-anywhere, do-anything type of footwear, which is why they’re an excellent option for going on safari. Choose from classic black or brown, or get a little wilder with the Blueberry shade!
Price: starting at $159
Merrell
While Merrell’s hiking boots are definitely top of the line, we’re pretty big fans of their hiking shoes, too. This Moab design has durable leathers, a supportive footbed, and Vibram traction to stabilize your footing on unsteady terrain. If your safari itinerary includes its fair share of walking or climbing, then these all-terrain shoes would really do the trick. They’re also waterproof, so you won't have to worry about taking them through mud or similarly wet conditions.
Price: starting at $59
Cariuma
Cariuma is hands down one of our favorite sustainable shoe brands, and we think this suede high-top style would pair well with the great outdoors. The OCA High is crafted from high-end raw materials, and comes with the brand’s signature cushion technology, a perfectly-weighted rubber sole, and a cap-toe design that gives them an old-school feel. The suede exterior is sure to elevate your whole look whether you pair these with some joggers or a casual dress.
Price: starting at $129
Chaco
In addition to a pair of sneakers or hiking shoes, it’s beneficial to bring sandals with you on safari, as well. We’d recommend these sport sandals from Chaco, which are designed with a breathable mesh upper and polyester webbing for added structure and toe protection. These shoes are designed to give you ‘the durability of a hiker, the freedom of a barefoot trainer, and the performance you need from land to water.’ Sounds like they’re up for anything, really!
Price: starting at $75
Common FAQs about safari clothing
What should you not wear while on safari?
While on safari, make sure to avoid black or dark blue clothing, as both colors attract Tsetse flies (which have a painful bite). You’re also encouraged to stay away from white garments, since these will wind up getting pretty dirty. Your best bet is to stick to brown, khaki, or green, and to look for lightweight materials that have UPF protection and versatility of wear.
Can you wear red on safari?
If you’re spending most of your time on safari inside a vehicle, then you can probably get away with wearing red clothing. However, if you’ll be out walking among the wildlife, most experts suggest avoiding red and white clothing (as these colors can make you more visible to the animals). Generally speaking, you should keep with a neutral palette of khaki and olive shades.
What do you wear to a safari dinner?
It can get pretty chilly after the sun goes down on safari, so you’ll likely want to layer up by dinner time. Throw on a jacket or a cozy fleece, and maybe even pop on a beanie or a pair of gloves if the temperature really dips. You won’t have to worry about dressing up, either; there’s a good chance it’ll be a relaxed atmosphere where you’re gathered around a fire.
Related: read our guide on the Top 5 African Adventures for Newlywed Couples