WHERE WE WENT:
• South Africa • Kruger National Park
WHERE TO STAY IN KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Kambaku River Sand Lodge
BOOK HEREWHEN WE WENT:
Mid-September (beginning of Spring in South Africa).
TEMPERATURES:
The weather experienced significant swings, ranging from sunny and nearly 90°F (32 °C) degrees to a shift in conditions with clouds, wind, and temperatures in the upper 50s °F (10 °C).
Before I delve into my safari outfits, let me share a little bit of background. Going on a safari had been on my bucket list for years (probably since I was a teenager), and when Dwayne surprised me with a trip to South Africa for my 40th birthday, I suddenly burst into tears! Weirdly enough, even though I’d always dreamed of going on a safari, my knowledge about what it entailed was surprisingly limited. I’ll further embarrass myself by explaining how much I didn’t know.
For the record, English isn’t my first language (yes, I will use that as my excuse, LOL!). When I embarked on my research and came across the term “game drives” – those excursions organized by lodges to explore the reserve or other wild areas in search of wildlife – I genuinely believed they were called so because it was like a thrilling “game” of spotting animals. Little did I know that the term “game” is also associated with hunting, referring to the wild mammals or birds pursued for sport or food. To be perfectly honest, I still find my interpretation of the term more appealing, LOL!, especially since safaris, thankfully, have nothing to do with hunting, and no harm comes to any animals. But I digress!
It was the first trip where I didn’t handle the planning, as Dwayne took charge of all the arrangements. However, one thing managed to keep me on edge – packing! Whenever I travel, I make a conscious effort to assemble outfits that harmonize with the destination, not only for aesthetic reasons but also to ensure that I’m suitably attired for the location, climate, and activities. Yet, without a doubt, packing for this adventure turned out to be the most daunting task. When we envision a safari, we often have an image of the quintessential traveler seated on an off-road vehicle, with binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens in hand, dressed in neutral tones, complete with cargo pants and sturdy hiking boots. Some outfits lean towards practical and sporty, while others exude a sense of glamour, almost bordering on the stereotypical (picture Meryl Streep in the movie “Out of Africa”).
Browsing through Pinterest boards, Google images, and blog articles, I immediately realized I had some shopping to do, but I also quickly started getting confused and overwhelmed. What made things even more complicated was that our trip wasn’t just a South African safari; we were also visiting Johannesburg and Cape Town. With a multitude of activities, very different climates, and numerous flights ahead, I had to figure out how to pack relatively light but simultaneously bring various items to put together several outfits suitable for different places and weather conditions.
Before even thinking about what to buy and what I could use from my closet, I had to decide what style I would choose. I am not going to lie; I initially got caught up in the model-style fashionable outfits. The large felt hats, silk/linen bottom-up white shirts, the thick leather belts, etc. In my head, I was ready to be on the cover of Vogue (ok, maybe not the cover, but at least in the first couple of pages). I WAS INVESTED! LOL! Luckily, my disillusion ended before I hit the stores! I quickly reminded myself who I was and offered a gentle reality check: “Daniela, that’s not your style. You will end up not wearing that, and even if you do, you will never use those clothes and accessories again when you go back home.”
Once I assessed that, I was able to start working on my safari outfits! In the process, I gathered some information that I hope you will find helpful. Regardless of my internal debate, in this article, I strive to offer you a range of choices that can cater to different styles. While nothing is extremely high-fashion or editorial, there’s a nice blend of stylish and casual safari outfits that you can either wear as-is or adjust to your liking, depending on your taste and the weather conditions.
PS: Read till the end for my bonus Safari Outfit Packing Checklist.
WHAT TO WEAR ON SAFARI
(WOMEN'S OUTFITS)
First and foremost, you must research the weather and the activities you will do while on your safari adventure because that will determine several factors. We traveled to Kruger National Park in Hoedspruit, South Africa, in mid-September, which is the beginning of Spring and the last stretch of the dry season. We stayed at the Kambaku River Sands lodge (you can read the full review here). While there, we had days we were going on game drives in 100F (38C) degree weather and others in barely 60F (16C) degrees with gusty winds. We had two daily game drives: one from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and another from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (with the last part of the drive being in pitch black). Our off-the-road vehicles had no roof hatch, so we were more subject to weather conditions, even though the lodge offered warm blankets and insulated ponchos to help with the wind. In our case, it was key to be able to layer our safari outfits, but being there during the dry season, we didn’t have to worry about protecting ourselves from the rain or mosquitos.
Below is a list of clothing items I recommend packing to put together your safari outfits. Several pieces can be worn in multiple ways to diversify your looks without packing too much stuff. Feel free to select what suits you and your style best. You don’t need them all! 🙂 As a side note, our lodge, Kambaku River Sands, provided a complimentary laundry service, but we only found out that upon arrival. I recommend visiting your lodge’s website to check if they offer a similar service. This can assist you in determining how much you truly need to pack for your stay.
• If you fly with an internal bush flight to your safari destination, the luggage allowance is 15kgs (33 pounds) in soft-sided bags, not a suitcase, and includes your checked and 'carry-on' luggage. Make sure to check with the airline or your travel agency.
• Many camps offer a complimentary laundry service (usually one load per day). This is a huge plus, and it will allow you to pack lighter. Ask your lodge if it is included in your package.
What Colors To Wear On A Safari
The colors you choose for your safari outfits aren’t just a matter of fashion; they’re recommended to help you blend in and avoid drawing the attention of wild animals. Bright colors and prints (especially animal prints) are a big “no-no,” and blue and black can attract mosquitoes and other insects. When looking for what to wear on a safari, opt for earthy neutral colors such as military and forest greens, beige, khaki, and brown.
JUMP TO SECTION
SAFARI BOTTOMS
• SHORTS
Shorts are an excellent choice for game drives during hot days and while spending time at your lodge, but make sure not to forget sunscreen and insect repellent.
I am wearing these shorts in one of the pictures.
• PANTS
There are different types of pants you can wear on a safari. It all depends on the weather, type of activity, and, of course, your personal style. Cargo joggers/pants and linen pants are all excellent options, allowing you to create a variety of safari outfits that go from sporty to more classy. Convertible zip-off pants are also a great choice to save space and quickly change during morning or evening game drives when the temperature increases or drops rapidly.
I am wearing these pants in one of the pictures.
SAFARI TOPS
• SHORT AND LONG SLEEVE SHIRTS
I prefer short-sleeved shirts, but long sleeves come in handy when the weather is a little cooler or you want to take a break from the sun (especially if your safari vehicle doesn’t have a roof hatch). They also help you protect yourself from mosquito bites. Regardless of the sleeves, always go for breathable materials and neutral colors.
I am wearing the beige t-shirt in one of the pictures.
• TANK TOPS
They take up very little space in your luggage and are great for layering your outfits.
I am wearing the green and brown tops in some of the pictures.
• BUTTON-DOWN SHIRTS
You can never go wrong with a button-down shirt on a safari. It’s classy, cool, and a great piece to put together your more “dressed up” safari outfits.
I am wearing this button-down shirt in one of the pictures.
• OVERSIZE HOODIE
This is the garment that accompanies me wherever I travel. It’s a must-have on the plane and the ideal layering piece for keeping warm or dry when the weather turns chilly or rainy.
SAFARI JACKETS
Your choice of jacket for your safari largely depends on the season and location.
• UTILITY JACKET / RAIN JACKET
A utility jacket can be a stylish choice for creating nice safari outfits but for the wet season, a rain jacket is undoubtedly the more practical option. It’s worth noting that some lodges may provide insulated ponchos, and game drives typically don’t occur in heavy rain.
SAFARI ROMPERS / JUMPSUITS
I understand that rompers may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Many people find them impractical or uncomfortable, but I personally love them (especially short rompers). To me, they are perfect if you want to create a more fashionable safari outfit, but I also like them because they are easy to style, being a one-piece.
I am wearing this romper in one of the pictures.
SAFARI ACCESSORIES
• HATS
I am not usually a hat type of girl, but having a couple in my bag was very useful. Our safari vehicle was completely open, and I don’t know what I would have done without wearing a hat.
As far as the style, there are different types of options.
Classic felt hats
They are incredibly fashionable and great as an accessory for a cool picture, but I don’t find them very practical. They are difficult (if not impossible) to pack, and they quickly fly away when windy or driving a little faster.
Bucket hats
They are the ones that offer the most protection against the sun and can be secured and tied up around your chin if needed.
Baseball hats
They are also a good alternative, but make sure to wear them pretty tight if wind is a factor.
• BAGS
You don’t really need a big bag to carry around. A small backpack or crossbody bag will do. If you have photo equipment, I definitely recommend a proper camera bag.
• SCARF
I find it highly practical to shield your shoulders from the sun or drape around your neck on windy days. Moreover, it serves as a charming accessory that can help your safari outfit come together.
• SUNGLASSES
They are extremely useful for sunny days (and those early mornings when you’d rather not showcase your “raccoon eyes” LOL!) and serve as a valuable shield against dust on windy days.
SHOES
You won’t need more than three pairs of shoes for a safari. Definitely leave your heels at home! 🙂
Hiking boots
Even if you aren’t planning to hike or go on bush walks, I find boots to be incredibly versatile. They excel in dusty or wet conditions and can look quite stylish when coordinated properly.
Sneakers
You can never go wrong with sneakers, plus you will probably wear them while traveling, so why not have a pair? PS: Some lodges also have a gym in case you would like to work out.
Sandals
I wouldn’t recommend them for your game drives because it gets pretty dusty, but they are great to wear around the lodge during meals, etc.
SOCKS
Opt for hiking socks to pair with your boots and some standard socks for your sneakers.
BELTS
I usually don’t wear belts and I didn’t think about bringing one with me, but looking at some of the pictures, I definitely think a nice brown leather belt would have completed and elevated my outfits.
SWIMSUITS
Some lodges might have a swimming pool and/or a SPA, others might not, but a swimsuit is always a good thing to have in your luggage during any trip.
I hope this article offers valuable advice for assembling your safari wardrobe. Conducting thorough research on your destination, its climate during your visit, and the activities you’ll engage in will undoubtedly assist you in making more informed choices.
Wishing you an enjoyable and unforgettable first safari adventure!
For your convenience, I created an African Safari folder in our Amazon store where you can find these and other products. Please note that the links are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we earn a small commission if you make a purchase.
BONUS! SAFARI PACKING LIST
Save this image. You can either print it or check the list using your iPhone or iPad.
