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Can you wear white on safari in Africa?

Can you wear white on safari? White stands out more than any other colour in the African bush and so isn't suitable for safari activities.



While you can wear white on safari, it is generally discouraged for two very practical reasons: dust and visibility. Most safari destinations in Africa are extremely dusty, especially during the dry season. A white shirt or trousers will turn a dingy shade of orange or brown within the first hour of a game drive, and the fine African silt can be very difficult to wash out. More importantly, white stands out sharply against the natural browns and greens of the bush. While most animals see in muted colors, high-contrast white can be startling to wildlife, making it harder for your guide to approach animals closely without them becoming skittish or running away. The "gold standard" for safari attire is neutral earth tones like khaki, olive green, tan, and stone. You should also avoid bright colors like red (which can be seen as a threat or attract unwanted attention) and dark blue or black (which are known to attract biting tsetse flies). White is perfectly fine for dinner back at the lodge, but for the actual game drives, "blending in" is the best way to ensure a great viewing experience.

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Camouflage clothing is illegal in some African countries and bright colours, black, and white should be avoided unless around the lodge. Dark colours also tend to be more attractive to insects. Technical fabrics are also preferable over natural fibres for their comfort and performance in hot climates.

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You should pack a pair of comfortable closed shoes. The African bush has a lot of rugged terrain, so you need sensible, worn-in shoes that are suitable for walking around in dusty, muddy, or rocky places. After a long day in your safari boots, you'll also need a pair of sandals or slip-on shoes to wear around the camp.

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Shorts and shirts are quite comfortable on a safari especially during the day, but sometimes during the game drives and short walks in the bushes you might wish you had covered up a little more. So light weight pants in light colors like cream,khaki and Chinos or grey are good for the game drives and walks.

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Safaris are casual, so bringing fancy items to wear to dinner is unnecessary. Still, I like to change into something a little nicer for the evening. Because it was chilly and I was trying to avoid bug bites, I always wore long pants in the evening, typically pairing those with a long-sleeved shirt and my sweater wrap.

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Leggings and yoga pants are especially popular on safari because they're lightweight and comfortable, especially if you're going to be sitting in a Jeep all day. If you anticipate being cold, a fleece-lined pair is good to have too.

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That's right – no flushing toilet, no toilet seat and no toilet paper! You will be 'going to the loo' behind the nearest bush. What to expect on safari? Well, ladies, it is a good idea to carry tissues and a small bag to deposit them in until you can dispose of them back at camp (and a hand sanitizer too).

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What NOT to Wear on Safari. Dark colours attract Tsetse flies, so stay away from dark blue or black clothing – they have a painful bite! Now that you know what to wear, make sure you know how to pack. Most safari operators will ask that you only bring one suitcase, one overnight duffle bag, and one day pack.

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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.

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We were in luxury tented camps and they do put a nice hot water bottle in your bed at night which is great! A t-shirt and sweat pants with a pair of socks is all you need,in a regular season the temperature is not nothing a nice thick blanket cant handle...Enjoy Hakuna matata.

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Black clothes attract mosquitos and other insects. Additionally, trekking around the jungle under the Amazonian sun, wearing black clothes, will leave you tired and exhausted.

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Bug repellents containing DEET (30% or less DEET recommended) are the most effective against tsetses. The fine-mesh bug screens on all nyumba camp tents will keep out those pesky flies, but remember to always keep your tent zipped!

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Safari clothing should be comfortable and casual—suffice it to say, any fine jewellery should be left at home.

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