Ultimate Safari Packing Guide: What to Wear on a Safari

Planning an African Safari is an exciting but also an unfamiliar experience for many! From selecting your safari lodge to choosing the perfect time to catch the great migration, a lot goes into preparing for your trip.

Packing for an African safari often poses a whole new challenge.  Having been on over 100 days of safari in various parts of Africa, from the open savannahs of the Serengeti to the rugged terrain of Botswana, we know first-hand the importance of packing well and packing the right gear.

This guide breaks down everything you need, from safari-appropriate clothing and accessories to practical tips we’ve gathered through our extensive travels. Whether it’s your first or your tenth safari, these packing tips will help ensure you’re ready for whatever the African wilderness throws your way.

Safari Clothing: The Basics

Colour Matters: Stick to earthy tones like tan, brown, and army green. These colours help you blend into your surroundings and avoid attracting animals or tsetse flies drawn to blue and black.

Comfort Over Fashion: Your clothing should prioritize comfort. Soft, natural fabrics that allow for movement and breathability are key. Remember that you’ll be spending many hours in a vehicle. 

Pack Layers: Mornings and evenings can be cold, while midday temperatures can soar. Layering is essential for maintaining comfort throughout the day.

Pack Light: If your safari trip includes air transfer between lodges, you may have to pack light as luggage limits are set to just 15kgs per person. So, it’s essential to pack smart and choose versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched. 

Free Laundry: Many safari lodges offer free laundry services on-site, so consider that when packing. It is perfectly fine to pack 2-3 outfits and re-wear them over and over for the duration of your trip. 

Our Recommended Safari Packing List

Clothing for Game Drives

Bottoms (3 pairs)

When packing for a safari, opt for long pants instead of shorts. While it may seem counterintuitive given the heat, full-length pants offer protection from the sun, insects, and brush. Lightweight, quick-dry fabrics are best, as they’ll keep you comfortable during hot days and cool mornings.

Women’s Safari Pants

• prAna Halle Pants: Durable and comfortable for all-day wear.  
• prAna Double Peak Pant: Versatile, breathable pants for any activity. 
• Patagonia Quandary Pants: Lightweight, moisture-wicking. 

Men’s Safari Pants

• prAna Stretch Zion Slim Pants II: Stretchable and quick-drying. 
• prAna Brion Slim Pants II: Stylish yet practical for safari life.  
• Fjallraven Vidda Pro Lite Trousers: Rugged and tough for all terrains.  

Alternative: Safari Shorts (x1-2 pairs)

Although pants are usually preferred, packing a pair of shorts can be helpful for extremely hot days around camp or on game drives. Max feels more comfortable in shorts and often opts for shorts on our safari game drives. 

Women’s Safari Shorts

• Prana Halle Shorts: Comfortable, quick-drying, and practical.
• Prana Elle Shorts: Stylish yet functional for warm afternoons.

Men’s Safari Shorts:

• Fjallraven Abisko Hike Shorts: Lightweight and durable for comfort in the heat.
• prAna Stretch Zion Shorts: Flexible and breathable, perfect for game drives.

Shirts (3-4)

The best safari shirts are lightweight, breathable, and offer protection from the sun. Layering is key, as early mornings can be cool, and midday temperatures can get very warm. Opt for natural fabrics like cotton or linen for extra comfort, especially for long days in the sun.

Women’s Safari Shirts:

• REI Co-op Sahara Solid Long-Sleeve Shirt: UV protection and breathable fabric.
• prAna Railay Long-Sleeve Button-Down Shirt: Stylish and functional for layering.

Men’s Safari Shirts:

• REI Co-op Sahara Solid Long-Sleeve Shirt: Lightweight and great for sun protection.
• Outdoor Research Way Station Shirt: Excellent for moisture-wicking during hot afternoons.

T-shirts/Tank Tops (x2-3)

Breathable, natural fabrics are your best friend on safari, especially for base layers. These shirts can be worn alone or layered under a safari shirt or jacket.

For Men:

• Unbound Merino Crew: Natural temperature regulation for comfort.
• Patagonia P-6 Logo Responsibili-Tee: Soft and eco-friendly with a timeless design.

For Women:

• Unbound Slim Merino Crew Neck T-Shirt: Slim fit and moisture-wicking.
• Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt: Great for hot days, quick-drying and lightweight.

Shoes (x 1-2 pairs)

Boots are not a requirement for any game drives unless you are doing a walking safari. You’ll be pleased to know that it does not matter whether you wear flip-flops, running shoes, or boots inside the safari vehicle. So, what you choose to wear is completely up to you. 

However, keep in mind that practically all morning game drives include a coffee/tea break or an evening sundowner. This means that at one point or another, you will get out of the car and find yourself walking on red dusty soil. You’ll venture through bushes (those bush toilets don’t have any paths) and your feet will be exposed to the elements.

Max loves wearing flip-flops while in the car; they let his feet breathe, and he is not at all bothered by the cold or the dust that often gets kicked up into the vehicle during the drive. I, on the other hand, prefer to wear boots. They keep me warm during cool mornings and chilly evenings while keeping my feet protected from elephant poop and other dust/dirt on the ground. 

Women’s Safari Shoes:

• Blundstone Original Chelsea Boots: Durable boots that can handle rough terrain.
• Chaco Z/2 Classic Sandals: Comfortable and supportive for casual walks around camp.

Men’s Safari Shoes:

• Blundstone Original Chelsea Boots: Reliable, tough, and great for bush walks.
• Chaco Lowdown Flip-Flops: Perfect for relaxing at the lodge after a long day.

Jackets (x1-2)

Even in hot climates, mornings and evenings on safari can be pretty cool. Pack a lightweight, packable jacket that offers warmth without taking up too much space. 

Men’s Safari Jackets:

• Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Jacket: Cozy and warm, perfect for early morning drives.
• Patagonia Houdini Jacket: Lightweight and wind-resistant for cooler evenings.

Women’s Safari Jackets:

• Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket: Lightweight insulation for chilly mornings.
• Patagonia Houdini Jacket: Perfect for layering over your safari shirt.

Hats

A good hat is absolutely essential for sun protection and a classic safari style. Choose something with a brim to keep the sun out of your eyes and off your face. 

Women’s Safari Hats:

• Will & Bear Felt Hat: Handcrafted, stylish, and durable hats perfect for safaris. These come in plenty of styles and colours
• The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat – Women’s: Lightweight and breathable with UPF 50 protection.
• Scala Matilde Palm Braid Safari Hat – Women’s: Natural, breathable, and ideal for sunny game drives.

Men’s Safari Hats:

• Will & Bear Collection Felt Hat: A collection of rugged, versatile hats that combine style with practicality.
• Scala All-Season Crushable Hat: Crushable, packable, and ideal for changing climates.
• Tilley LTM6 Airflo Broad Brim Hat: Durable and packable with excellent sun protection for all-day wear.

Clothes for the Lodge

After an exhilarating day of game drives, comfort is key when unwinding at the lodge. Here’s what to pack for your downtime:

• Dresses/Outfits (2-3): Choose lightweight, breathable dresses or casual outfits that can transition from day to evening effortlessly. Look for fabrics that dry quickly and are easy to wash, ensuring you stay comfortable during warm evenings while enjoying dinner at the lodge.
• Sweater/Jacket: Nights in the bush can get chilly, so pack a cozy layer that’s easy to throw on. Opt for lightweight fleece or a stylish sweater that will keep you warm without taking up much space in your luggage.
• Bathing Suit (1-2): If your lodge features a pool, bring a couple of swimsuits for a refreshing dip after your safari adventures. Quick-dry materials are ideal for easy packing.
• Cover-up: A lightweight cover-up is perfect for lounging by the pool or walking to and from the dining area. Choose something that’s easy to slip on and off.
• Sleepwear: After a long day, comfort is essential for a good night’s sleep. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics to keep you cool.
• Underwear (4-5) pairs:  Note that undergarments are usually not accepted into the laundry, so you will need to wash these by hand. 
• Socks (3-4 pairs): Pack lightweight, moisture-wicking socks that will keep your feet dry.

Accessories

• Water Bottle: A reusable water bottle is a must to stay hydrated. We love our HydroFlask and LARQ bottles. 
• Binoculars:  If you don’t own a pair, this is one accessory that we recommend investing in. 
• Sunglasses: Eye protection is essential. Make sure you choose a pair with polarization. 
• eSIM: Why waste money on roaming fees when you can stay connected for so much less? Check to make sure your phone is eSIM compatible. 
• Day Pack: A small backpack or a tote is great for bringing snacks, water, cameras, and other accessories along on game drives. 
• First Aid Kit: A basic kit can be useful for minor injuries or ailments. Pack some painkillers, 
• Insect Repellent is essential for protecting against mosquitoes and other insects. We highly recommend getting a DEET-free variety. It’s better for you, your health, and the environment. 
• Sunscreen: High SPF sunscreen is important to protect your skin from the strong African sun. Remember to apply it BEFORE you get out into the sun.
• Flashlight or Headlamp: Useful for navigating at night, especially in remote lodges.
• Snacks: Non-perishable snacks can be handy during long game drives.
• Power Adapter/Converter: Ensure you can charge your devices based on the local plug types.
• Earplugs and Eye Mask: Great for ensuring a good night’s sleep in lodges that may be noisy or have bright lights.

Camera

If you already own a camera, bring it along! But there is no need to drop $2000 on a new camera that you will only use once. Familiarity with your gear will help you capture the best moments, so stick with what you know. 

With that said, if you already have a camera that allows for interchangeable lenses and have the budget to invest in a Zoom lens, we would highly recommend it. We find 600mm + zoom gives us the most flexibility and allows us to capture really incredible wildlife shots. 

For those who prefer to use their smartphones, many modern phones come equipped with impressive cameras that can take excellent photos. Some smartphones even offer zoom capabilities, which can help you capture wildlife images from a distance.  

Non Negotiable: Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a crucial safeguard for any trip, especially an adventure like a safari. It provides coverage for unexpected events, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, or travel delays. Purchasing travel insurance as soon as you pay for your trip ensures that you’re protected from unforeseen circumstances right from the start. We highly recommend Allianz Travel Insurance for its comprehensive coverage and reliable customer service, giving you peace of mind to fully enjoy your safari experience without worrying about the “what ifs.” Seriously, don’t leave home without it!

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Final Tips

• Avoid dark colours, such as dark blue and black, in clothing to ward off Tsetse flies, which are especially prevalent in Eastern Africa. 
• Avoid bright colours or prints so you don’t startle the animals.
• Khaki green is great, but avoid camo prints. Many African countries consider camouflage a military-only print for tactical gear.
• Don’t bother bringing jeans. Convertible pants made from quick-dry fabric will cover you for game drives and dinners at the lodge. Jeans are heavy and take forever to dry—a no-go for safari clothing.
• Skip any perfume or heavily scented beauty products. Fragrances attract bugs, and we promise the animals won’t care how you smell.
• Avoid using plastic bags. Aside from the fact that they are not sustainable, they are actually illegal in many East African countries.  Use packing cubes instead.

Have other questions about packing for an Africa safari?

Leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you!