Less is more when it comes to safari clothing, and most camps and lodges in Kenya offer same-day laundry services, so keep this in mind before packing a huge suitcase full of safari clothes! You will need at the very least:
1. Safari Shirts
A few long-sleeved shirts and long-sleeved t-shirts are comfortable. Long-sleeved safari shirts have the advantage of providing sun and insect protection while also allowing you to roll up the sleeves if it gets too hot. Shirts with collars to protect the neck from the sun are recommended, as are shirts with pockets to store your belongings.
2. Shorts and Trousers
A pair of comfortable long pants or two, as well as a pair of shorts. Combat style trousers and shorts are ideal safari gear because they have multiple pockets, which are ideal for storing compact binoculars, suncream, and cameras, among other things.
Long trousers keep you warm and protect you from the sun during the day, as well as mosquito bites during evening and night game drives.
3. Shoes
The type of footwear required for safari depends entirely on the type of safari you are planning. Special safari footwear is not required for standard game drives or self-drive safaris. You’ll be climbing in and out of safari jeeps, as well as walking around the bush, so comfortable sneakers are a must.
4. Hat
While not strictly necessary for safari wear, any hat or cap is preferable to none at all. It will provide sun protection as well as shield your eyes from glare, potentially resulting in better wildlife spotting opportunities. To provide maximum protection, a wide-brimmed safari hat is ideal.
5. Sunglasses
The African sun can provide a surprising amount of harsh glare, so sunglasses should be included as part of your safari attire. A pair of polarized wrap-around sunglasses will protect you from both the glare and the dust that is common on many game drives, giving you a better chance of spotting that elusive leopard!
6. Evening Attire
When it comes to evening safari attire, keep in mind that the days of wearing jackets and ties to the dinner table are long gone. Most safari lodges have relaxed dress codes for dinner, so you won’t need to bring any formal safari attire.
After a long and dusty day of game viewing, you’ll want to bathe and change, but a pair of jeans or trousers and a long-sleeved shirt will suffice, perhaps with a warm fleece or safari jacket to keep you warm at night. Evenings should be dressed in light colors to avoid attracting mosquitoes.
7. Swimwear
Check to see if your lodge has a swimming pool, and if it does, pack some safari-chic swimwear. A mid-day break between game drives is a great time to reflect on your wildlife sightings (past and future!) while working on your tan.
The information provided above should give you a good idea of what safari clothing to bring with you.
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