What Clothes To Wear On Safari: Safari Packing List
I’ve tracked lions across Kenya’s Masai Mara, felt the rumble beneath my feet in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater, and wound my way through Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve. Have learned to move quietly beside herds of elephants in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth wetlands and to respect the silent power of rhinos in South Africa’s Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park.
With every step, every sunrise over the savanna, I discovered which gear truly matters, and which items just weigh you down. Drawing on those hard-won lessons, this ultimate safari packing guide and what clothes to wear on safari will help you choose the right clothing, boots, and kit to stay comfortable, safe, and ready for every wild encounter.
Safari Colour Guide: What to Wear & What Not
Avoid blue and black, tsetse flies love dark colours. Neutral shades, khaki, olive, beige, sand, and taupe, absorb less heat, hide stains, and deter insects. For evening safaris or trips in Kenya and South Africa, add a fleece layer in a matching tone to stay warm after sunset.
Safari Outfit Ideas: Mix-and-Match
When deciding what to wear on a safari, think versatile layers and neutral colours to blend in and stay comfortable from early morning game drives to evening sundowners.
My top safari outfit choices include:
- Convertible zip-off pants and moisture-wicking tops for seamless outfit combos
- Long-sleeve shirts
- Hoody
- Wide-brimmed safari hat with an adjustable chin strap
- Sports bra for support on bumpy rides
- Socks
- Cotton underwear (easy to wash and quick-dry)
- Shawl or buff for sun and dust protection
- Closed-toe shoes or lightweight boots
- Rain jacket or poncho for unexpected showers
- Sandals for camp life
-
Swimsuit, flipflops and quick-dry towel for lodge pools or river dips
- Sunglasses
What To Pack For Safari: Health & Hygiene
Staying healthy off the beaten path requires thoughtful packing:
- Sunscreen
- Basic First Aid kit (gauze, tape, pain relievers, blister-kit)
- Insect repellent
- Tick-bite kit
- Anti-allergy cream for itchy bites
- Wet wipes (biodegradable)
- Soap sheets (easy to carry along)
- Laundry liquid for hand-washing quick-dry garments (travel-size)
- Lip balm
- Hand sanitizer
DIY Skincare Tips for Safari Trips
After sun and dust, soothe skin with:
- Aloe-Coconut Balm: Mix aloe vera gel and coconut oil
- Anti-Itch Roll-On: Lavender and tea tree oils in a roller bottle
- Banana Face Mask: Eat the banana, and rub the inside of the banana peel on your skin for antioxidants, leave it for a couple of minutes and rinse it off with water.
Safari Snack Strategies
Fuel your journey with:
- Unsalted nuts and trail mix
- Dried fruit (mango, banana chips)
- Energy bars
- Beef jerky or biltong for protein boosts
Safari Tech Toolkit
Capture your safari adventure with confidence:
- Binoculars for distant wildlife viewing
- Mirrorless camera or DSLR with extra batteries and memory cards
- Portable charger
- Power bank
- Universal adapter
- Multi-USB charger
- Smartphone with Woopies World offline travel guides and maps
Safari Bags & Gear: What to Pack For a Safari
Choosing the right safari bag and packing smart makes all the difference. I recommend a soft-sided duffel or a backpack under airline weight limits, plus:
- Daypack (I always use a lightweight foldable one)
- Zip-lock bags or weather-resistant covers to protect electronics
- Headlamp or flashlight for early-morning starts
- Reading glasses or spare prescription lenses
- Toiletries bag
Packing Pitfalls: Safari Suit & Gear to Skip
Leave these behind for a smoother trip:
- Bulky guidebooks, download safari e-guides instead
- Excess jewellery or valuables
- Single-use plastics, carry a refillable water bottle
- Hard-shell luggage, soft-sided makes packing easier
Safari Must-Haves: Essentials You Can’t Leave Behind
- Passport and visa
- Travel insurance
- Vaccination booklet
- Cash
- Credit Cards
Ready for Your Safari Adventure?
Download your free safari packing checklist at the FAQ page now to make sure you’ve got everything, from travel docs to DIY skincare, perfectly sorted. Then dive into the full Woopies World Africa Collection Travel Guides for curated routes, insider tips, and unforgettable safari adventures!