| Taking the right safari clothing with you to Africa | | | | going to be in a safari vehicle all the time because |
| is one of the more important decisions you will | | | | the animals don't take any notice of you then. |
| make about your trip. The conditions you will | | | | As far as the material goes you want something |
| encounter on a safari means you have to take | | | | that will "breathe" because you can expect to get |
| some specialised clothes but be careful not to go | | | | pretty hot on safari so lightweight, durable, |
| overboard. | | | | non-synthetic material is the best. |
| Here are the apparel essentials for a safari... | | | | Safari Trousers and Shoes |
| Safari Hat | | | | Again, you need to pack both long and short |
| The African sun can be very strong particularly if | | | | trousers to cover up at night against those pesky |
| you are used to a milder climate so a good hat to | | | | mosquitoes (it is often still warm at night but a |
| protect you from sunburn is essential. | | | | little discomfort is better than being bitten) and |
| What makes a good safari hat? One with a brim | | | | you can wear the shorts during the heat of the |
| that provides you with all round protection | | | | day. |
| because the sun will burn you even when it is low | | | | Muted, neutral colours are best but avoid white as |
| on the horison. | | | | it will become dirty quickly. |
| It should be absorbent on the inside because you | | | | Safari boots are only essential if you are going to |
| are going to be sweating in the African heat and | | | | be walking through the bush. If you are going to |
| waterproof on the outside for those sudden | | | | be spending most of your time in the vehicle then |
| thunderstorms that can catch you unawares. | | | | a pair of comfortable shoes or sandals will do just |
| And it needs to be gas permeable so that heat | | | | fine. The sandals are particularly useful back at |
| can escape and allow you to cool off because a | | | | camp because they are cool and you can slip |
| large percentage of the body heat you generate | | | | them on and off quickly. |
| is lost through your head. The hat should be tough | | | | Safari Jacket |
| and rugged to withstand regular use and if | | | | In summer, the only time that you are going to |
| possible be crush packable because space is going | | | | need a safari jacket on safari is late at night and |
| to be at a premium on your trip. | | | | in the early mornings because the temperature |
| Safari Shirts | | | | can drop sharply then. In winter, you might need |
| You need to pack some long as well as short | | | | it during the day but when the sun shines the |
| sleeved shirts because the ones with the longer | | | | temperature can be remarkably mild even in |
| sleeves come in handy at night to protect you | | | | winter. |
| from mosquitoes but they are too hot to wear | | | | If you are a keen photographer a safari jacket or |
| during the day. | | | | vest with many pockets is extremely handy |
| And remember to leave the brightly coloured | | | | because you can take all your photographic |
| shirts at home especially if you are going on a | | | | equipment with you. Twenty pockets is more |
| walking safari because they make you stick out | | | | than enough for most travel situations and a few |
| like a sore thumb in the African bush. It's much | | | | interior pockets are also a good idea for the really |
| better to blend in so pick khaki, olive or brown | | | | valuable stuff. |
| garments but this is less important if you are | | | | |