We recommend still wearing closed shoes even if doing a midday safari drive. This will protect your feet from sunburn. But if you do choose sandals, please be sure to put sunscreen on your feet – folks often forget to protect the skin on the top of their feet.

You can wear sandals while inside the safari vehicle, but they are generally not recommended for the duration of a safari. On a typical game drive, you are sitting in a car where flip-flops are fine for comfort, but the moment you step out for a bush "sundowner" or a bathroom break, sandals expose you to thorns, biting ants, and sharp "wait-a-bit" bushes. For any type of walking safari, sandals are strictly prohibited; you need sturdy, closed-toe hiking boots to protect against snakes, scorpions, and uneven terrain. In the evenings, it is best to switch to closed shoes with socks to protect your ankles from mosquitoes, which are most active at dusk and are the primary carriers of malaria. A common pro-tip for 2026 travelers is to pack a pair of "bush-soled" sandals for lounging around the lodge pool or your tent, but to rely on lightweight trail runners or boots for the actual excursions. This "two-shoe" system ensures you stay comfortable in the heat without compromising your safety in the wild.