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What do you wear on safari at night?

It can get quite chilly during the evenings on safari, which is why we recommend always taking a warmer layer on safari. Take your fleece, jacket, and beanie or scarf along with you to dinner and stay snug and warm as you tell safari stories next to the fire.



Dressing for a safari at night requires a focus on warmth, protection, and neutrality. While days in the bush can be scorching, temperatures often plummet as soon as the sun sets. The "golden rule" is layering. You should start with a moisture-wicking base and add a high-quality fleece or a lightweight "puffer" jacket (like a Patagonia Nano Puff) for the evening game drive. Long trousers are essential, not just for the chill, but to protect your legs from mosquitoes and tsetse flies; many travelers opt for "Nosilife" or permethrin-treated clothing. Regarding colors, stick to "safari neutrals" like khaki, olive, or tan; avoid bright white (which attracts bugs and stands out to animals) and dark blue or black (which specifically attracts biting flies). For footwear, closed-toe boots or sturdy sneakers with warm wool socks are a must to keep your feet protected from the cold and the uneven terrain of a camp. Finally, don't forget a beanie or a scarf; sitting in an open-air 4x4 vehicle moving at 20 mph in the dark can feel much colder than the ambient temperature suggests, making head and neck protection vital for comfort.

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That's why clothing made from quick-dry fabrics will allow you to stay clean and comfortable throughout your safari vacation! Jeans might seem like the ultimate staple item, but denim is hard to dry and may attract pesky tsetse flies.

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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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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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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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The African summer, October to April, is quite hot so plan on wearing tee shirts, shorts, swimsuits and cargo pants. We recommend that you select lightweight and preferably neutral-colored materials.

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Quite honestly, the animals don't care what colour clothing you decide to wear on safari. It is not necessary to purchase an entire wardrobe of khaki-themed safari clothing for your safari. And since you're not coming on safari to hunt or stalk the animals, you can leave your camouflage hunting outfit at home.

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

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You don't need to bring a large variety of shoes on your safari in Africa. Just a pair of casual dress shoes and a pair of hiking boots will do. To give your feet a respite from the boots, add a pair of sandals.

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Closed toes are preferable when you're out and about. Open toe sandals or sturdy flip flops are sometimes a good option if you are in a vehicle-based safari. A hat – the sun can be fierce, so protect yourself with a lightweight hat.

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We often get asked “Can you still go on safari if you have your period?” and the answer is: absolutely! Remember to bring sufficient supplies with you. If you are due to have your period on safari, please do NOT assume that you will be able to purchase tampons or pads easily.

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Conventional wisdom suggests the best time to go on safari is during the dry season, which is June to October for the majority of sub-Saharan Africa. It's easier to spot animals at this time, because they gather at water sources due to the scarcity. However, Africa's seasonality is legendary.

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Each day on safari in Africa is a magical experience, whether you're exploring the savanna on foot or in a 4x4 vehicle in search of the Big 5, taking to the sky in a hot-air balloon to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, or hiking through the thick rainforests of Uganda or Rwanda on a gorilla trek.

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I recommend choosing two neutral-colored pants for a safari wardrobe — beige, tan, and khaki green are all great choices.

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We've put together a short guideline on dressing for the best safari experience. This is pretty straight forward. Khaki, olive, tan, brown and earthy greens tend to be your best bets. The idea is to blend into the bush so that wildlife is undisturbed, and you can view them in their natural habitat.

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We always suggest wearing neutral colours like earth tones or khaki for your safari, especially if you are doing a walking safari. Try to avoid any bright colours, which are more visible and distracting to others and may attract insects.

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