Going on a safari is exciting. You get to see wild animals, ride through nature, and take great photos. But many people wonder what they should wear. The good news is that safari clothes for women do not have to be fancy or cost a lot. You may already have the right clothes in your closet.
When I started traveling with my husband, who is an engineer and loves the outdoors, I learned to choose clothes that are comfortable and useful. I still dress up when I need to, but for travel, I go for what works best. Unless you are doing tough hikes or camping deep in the wild, your safari clothes can be simple and affordable.
Here is an easy guide to help you decide what to wear without spending too much.
Am I the Right Person to Give Safari Clothing Advice
I have only been on one African safari, but I have also been to safari parks in Sri Lanka, nature reserves in Central America, and camping trips in many places and weather. Sometimes your clothes matter a lot, and other times not so much.
If your safari includes staying at a lodge and going on game drives in a vehicle, then comfort matters more than style or gear.
What to Think About When Picking Safari Clothes
Versatility
Your safari clothes should be easy to use more than once. Small safari planes often have luggage weight limits. Some lodges are far from the parking area. So it helps to pack light. Choose clothes you can mix and match for different days.
Comfort
You will spend many hours sitting in a vehicle. Choose clothes that are soft and loose enough to sit in for a long time. Avoid anything too tight or itchy.
Fabric
Good safari clothes for women are made from the right fabric. Synthetic materials like nylon dry quickly. This is great if you plan to wash clothes during the trip. Natural fabrics like linen and hemp are also nice because they keep you cool.
Protection from Sun and Bugs
In many safari areas, the sun can be strong and there may be insects. You will need sunscreen and bug spray. Clothes that cover your arms and legs will also help protect your skin.
Always Pack Layers
Africa is not always hot. Many safari places get cold in the early morning or late evening, especially in open-air vehicles. Most game drives happen at these times because that is when animals are active.
It is smart to pack layers. You can wear a t-shirt with a sweater or jacket over it. Later, you can take off layers when it gets warmer. Layers also help protect you from bugs.
How to Deal With Insects
Insect problems are not the same everywhere. When I went on safari in Kenya, bugs were not too bad because we stayed away from thick forests. Still, you should carry insect repellent.
If you are going to a malaria area, choose a good repellent. I used one with 30 percent DEET. If you want a natural product, you can use oil of lemon eucalyptus. Be careful when shopping. Lemon eucalyptus oil used for smell is different from the kind used to keep bugs away.
You can also spray your safari clothes with permethrin before your trip. This spray keeps bugs away and stays on your clothes after washing. It is cheaper than buying special bug-proof clothes.
Sun Protection is Very Important
The sun in Africa can burn your skin fast. I got sunburned in Hawaii before, and I forgot the lesson when I started my Kenya safari. I got burned again when my sister missed spots while putting on sunscreen for me.
After that, I made sure to wear long sleeves. You should also use sunscreen every day and wear sunglasses. They protect your eyes and stop dust from flying into them during game drives.
If you like wearing hats, choose one that protects your face and neck. Pick a light one with sun protection built in.
Two Simple Safari Outfit Ideas for Women
I packed too many clothes for my safari. In the end, I wore only a few favorites over and over again. Here are two simple outfit ideas if you want to pack smart.
Outfit One: Cool and Light
My favorite outfit for game drives was a soft tank top and linen pants. The tank top was loose and great in hot weather. Linen pants were cool and easy to wear. I got both from Old Navy for under 45 dollars. They were simple and easy to wash.
Outfit Two: For Active Days
On days with more walking, I wore Prana Halle pants and a Merino wool t-shirt. These clothes cost more, but they are great for travel and outdoor fun. The pants stretch well and dry fast. The wool shirt is soft and does not smell, even after a few wears.
Why Safari Clothes Are Often Beige or Tan
Many people wear beige, khaki, or brown on safari. This is not just for style. Bright colors scare animals. Dark colors like black or blue attract biting tsetse flies. White gets dirty quickly from dust and mud.
Neutral colors like beige and olive help you blend in. They are also cooler in hot weather. Still, if you already own clothes in other colors, that is okay too. I wore different colors during game drives because most of my body was inside the vehicle.
Only wear dull colors when walking near animals. If you stay in the car, your clothes are less important.
What Shoes Should You Pack
You do not need heavy hiking boots for game drives. I packed three pairs of shoes:
- Light sneakers for short walks
- Soft casual shoes like Toms
- Simple sandals for the pool or beach
Wear closed shoes if you go walking in nature. For car rides, soft shoes or sandals are fine.
Extra Tip: Pack a Sports Bra
Safari cars drive on bumpy roads. If you want to stand in the car to take photos, a sports bra is a good idea. It also helps with sweat and comfort during long days.
Best Recommended Safari Clothes for Women
You do not have to buy all new clothes. But if you want to add a few useful items to your bag, here are some top picks. These safari clothes for women are comfy, useful, and great for other trips too.
Old Navy Swing Tank
This tank top is simple and soft. It works well in hot places and fits easily in your bag.
Linen Pants
These pants feel cool and light. They wrinkle a bit, but still look nice. You can wash and dry them without a problem.
Merino Wool T-shirt
This wool shirt is great in all weather. It stays fresh even after a few wears. It feels soft and can be used alone or with other layers.
Prana Halle Pants
These pants stretch well and look neat. They are great for hiking and also work for dinner or walking around the lodge.
Fleece Jacket
A fleece jacket is perfect for cold mornings and nights. It is warm but not too heavy. You can wear it in many types of weather.
Smartwool Socks
These socks keep your feet dry and comfortable. Even if your feet get wet or sweaty, they will not smell or get blisters.
Safari Hat
If you wear hats, choose one that blocks the sun and keeps sweat away. This helps protect your face and neck.
Final Thoughts
You do not need expensive clothes to enjoy a safari. The most important thing is to stay comfortable and safe. Use clothes you already have and buy only a few helpful items. Think about the weather, bugs, and long hours in the car.
Safari clothes for women should be light, easy to layer, and protect you from the sun and insects. Choose clothes that are simple and practical. If you plan carefully, your safari will be a fun and safe adventure.
To find more tips like this and plan better for your next trip, visit Travel With Bony. We share smart travel ideas for people who love nature, animals, and exploring the world.
