What to wear on safari

My top tip for what to pack safari travelling gear are as follows

Clothing

I usually take two pairs of shorts and a pair of longs and a couple of shirts. A fleece of puffer jacket is usually fine as a top layer — and I rely on blankets and ponchos provided in camps if the weather turns. Most safari camps offer a good laundry service so you can travel very light. Khakhi and bush coloured clothing is best — blue attracts tsetse flies and they bite!

Hats and stuff to beat the elements.

Take a wide-brimmed hat — it must be able to pack flat in your bag. You may also want to wear a peak. When it’s cold, especially for early morning drives, I also pack a beanie, plus a buff to cover my face. Sunglasses are a must too. Take lots of sunscreen, lip salve, mosquito repellent too

Shoes

Unless you are doing long walks, you do not need heavy hiking shoes when on safari. A good pair of running shoes will do the job and also something lighter for wearing in camp.

Bags

We suggest you chose a duffel bag that is compact and squashable especially if you are flying in light aircraft. Also consider your weight limits may be 15 kg in some areas plus carry on. If you are combining safari and city you may want to take an extra bag that you can leave with the hotel/ground handler before going on the safari portion.

Binoculars and cameras

Please see our separate blog on camera gear. Binoculars are also a must. Usually something in the range of 40 x 8 or 10 will be ideal. I usually take a kikoi (a piece of cloth) for covering cameras while on game drives.


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