Safari Dress Code: What to Wear On Your Safari

Dressing For a Typical Day on Safari

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Alright ya’ll, this is what you have been waiting for! Now, you may have done some googling or Instagram searching on what people usually wear on safari and it may feel overwhelming, but don’t fear, we are here! There’s absolutely nothing to worry about as you most likely have everything you need in your closet anyway, and potentially just need one or two more essentials before you are good to go!

For us, comfort is key, but if you would like to zhuzh it up a bit then by all means, go for it!

Okay, then let’s get chatting!

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Setting the scene…

You wake up to the beautiful sounds of nature in the wild, the bush is slowly coming to life, and you are getting excited to catch the first light…It’s time to get ready! It’s typically pretty cold first thing in the morning at this time (around 5:30/6am) and could be in the 50s-60s in an open vehicle, so be prepared.

Cool, let’s get dressed for the morning game drive

Up top:

Layer up by wearing a T-shirt or tank +  light zip-up fleece + warmer/puffer jacket. Great option is a Patagonia puffer. And for underneath the jacket, we like just wearing plain tees or tanks. There are some lovely linen tops or silky cotton tops from Athleta and Everlane. And if you like Everlane, these tops for the ladies are also cute!

*If you are visiting Southern Africa during their summer, from around October to March, then you will not need the added warmer layer.

Down below:

Long pants - we love a jogger or lightweight travel pant, (Ladies - something like the Athleta Brooklyn pant is ideal, or the cargo pant, and for the men - something like the Vuori Ripstop pant). Be comfy, remembering that you don’t want something TOO warm because once the sun comes up a during your game drive, it gets hot! If you do want to feel a little stylish, I am LOVING these wide leg pants atm. Also comfy and stretchy, and can be dressed up or down.

Any closed toe shoes (Blundstone boots are a win, but hiking boots or anything sturdy that you won’t mind getting dirty will work). Also, if you want to buy a pair of veldskoen (vellies) while you are here, the local ‘bush shoe’, let us know and we can point you in the right direction!

If your legs are still feeling a little chilly to start you can tuck yourself up in one of the blankets provided to you on the vehicle. As the drive goes on, you will be shedding those layers as the sun starts to heat up!

Back in Camp…

After brekkie, you will most likely spend the next while lounging around, so if you would like to change, it would be into something comfy and cool (most places do not have A/C). Ideas for this time could be a pair of shorts, a simple dress, or a swimsuit/coverup if hanging by the pool. (Generally, it can get up to 80s, or much hotter if in Southern Africa during their summer). You can put those closed shoes to the side for now and throw on your flip flops or sandals, let those feet breathe people!

Afternoon Game Drive Time

After a lovely couple of hours at camp relaxing, having a drink by the pool, napping, going through some cool pics from the morning, doing a bit of birding, whatever it may be, it’s now time to prepare for your afternoon drive! Kicking off around 3:30-4:30pm, you are going to want to layer up again but the other way around….

It’ll still be lovely and warm now, but it will get cooler later on during your drive. So go ahead and change into your outfit similar to morning, BUT bring your layers with you for when the sun sets. Pop those closed shoes on again and be prepared to have your ankles covered (long socks over your pants works), to avoid being eaten alive by mosquitos during your sundowner .

Evening Attire

When you get back from your afternoon drive you can either change for dinner, or can totally stay in your same outfit. We actually rarely change before dinner, and if we do, it’s usually into cozy pants/leggings with a sweater or something chill like that, keeping our closed shoes on. Once again, we recommend being comfy….There is no need to dress up for dinner unless you wish to!

But What About a Walking Safari?

If you are going on a walking safari/bush walk, you can dress similar to what you would wear on an afternoon drive (tank top or tee, light jacket, long pants, and hiking shoes/boots (cover ankles with long pants or socks). Have your hat, some sunscreen and a water bottle handy - you will want it!

What Are Some Things I Should Always Take With Me On Drives?

• Water bottle

• Jacket (s)

• Hat/cap

• Sunscreen

• Bug spray

• Camera/phone

• EXCITEMENT

Will I Have Enough Clothes to Last Me?

Yes! Remember that you will have LAUNDRY included everywhere on safari. You only need a few outfits that you can easily interchange (we try to keep everything neutral so that it’s easy to mix and match shirts and pants). You are going to want to pack LIGHT. It’s sooo much easier.

I Don’t Want to Leave Anything Behind!

We’ve got you, print out this packing list and tick your way through while you are packing so that you don’t leave anything off!

How About a Little Inspo?

Sure thing! Check out out Pinterest page here for some ideas!

Thrills and Spills: What to Expect on an Average Day on Safari

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Imagine waking up before sunrise to the sound of birds chirping and lions roaring in the distance. The anticipation of seeing majestic wildlife up close is almost palpable. This is just an average day on safari, and it's about to get even more exciting!

Early Morning Game Drive

As the sun begins to rise, you hop into a rugged 4x4 vehicle with a knowledgeable guide and tracker by your side. Your heart races with excitement as you set out into the wilderness in search of the Big Five - elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalos. The air is cool and crisp, and the scent of fresh grass fills your nostrils.

As you make your way through the bush, you spot a herd of giraffes gracefully munching on leaves high up in the trees. Your guide expertly navigates the vehicle closer to the herd, and you're amazed by their sheer size and beauty. You take plenty of photos, trying to capture the moment, but nothing compares to witnessing these creatures in person.

Mid-Morning Bush Breakfast

After a thrilling game drive, it's time for a break and a delicious bush breakfast. You park the vehicle under a shady tree, and your guide sets up a makeshift table with a spread of breakfast goodies. You sip on hot coffee or tea and indulge in fresh fruit, muffins, eggs, and bacon. The scenery around you is breathtaking, and you feel grateful to be in such a magical place.

Late Morning Game Drive

As you resume your game drive, you can't help but feel awe-inspired by the vastness of the wilderness. Suddenly, your guide brings the vehicle to a halt - there's a lioness stalking her prey! You hold your breath in anticipation as the lioness creeps closer and closer to a herd of impalas. Then, she pounces, and you witness an intense and enthralling scene. You can't believe how lucky you are to be in the right place at the right time.

Lunchtime

After an exhilarating morning, it's time to head back to camp or lodge for a well-deserved lunch. The chef has prepared a delicious feast, and you sit down to enjoy the meal with fellow travellers. You share stories and photos of your morning adventure, and your guide fills you in on more interesting facts about the wildlife you saw.

Afternoon Activities

After lunch, you have a choice of activities - you can take a nap, go on a guided nature walk, or visit a local village to learn about the culture and traditions of the area. If you're feeling indulgent, you can also enjoy a spa treatment or a dip in the pool.

Afternoon Game Drive

As the sun begins to set, you set off on another game drive. The lighting is perfect for photography, and you capture some incredible shots of wildlife silhouetted against the stunning sunset. As the sky turns dark, your guide turns on a spotlight, and you spot nocturnal animals like hyenas, civets, and genets.

Sundowners and Dinner

As the game drive comes to an end, it's time for a safari tradition - sundowners. You park the vehicle in a scenic spot and enjoy a refreshing drink and snacks as you watch the sunset one last time. After sundowners, it's back to camp or lodge for a sumptuous dinner. You savour every bite of the three-course meal or barbecue, enjoying the company of your fellow travellers and guides.

Bedtime

As the night falls, you retire to your comfortable tent or room. You fall asleep to the sounds of the bush - the hoot of an owl, the distant roar of a lion, and the rustling of leaves. You feel a sense of awe and gratitude for the unforgettable experiences of the day. As you drift off to sleep, you can't help but wonder what adventures tomorrow will bring.

In conclusion, an average day on safari is nothing short of thrilling. From the early morning game drive to the late-night bush sounds, every moment is filled with excitement, wonder, and a sense of adventure. With expert guides and trackers, you get to witness Africa's most majestic animals up close and learn about their behaviour, habitat, and conservation. With delicious meals, comfortable accommodations, and a variety of activities to choose from, your safari experience is sure to be unforgettable. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime in the African wilderness!