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.

In 2026, safari experts emphasize avoiding bright colors (red, yellow, orange), which make you conspicuous to wildlife and can disturb their natural behavior. More critically, you must avoid blue and black clothing, as these colors are scientifically proven to attract tsetse flies, which carry sleeping sickness and have a painful bite. You should also steer clear of white clothing, as it quickly becomes gray with the fine dust kicked up by safari vehicles, and camouflage patterns, which are strictly reserved for military personnel in many African nations (wearing "camo" as a civilian can lead to questioning or even arrest). Avoid heavy fabrics like denim that are slow to dry and uncomfortable in the midday heat; instead, opt for lightweight, moisture-wicking materials in muted earth tones like khaki, olive, and tan. Finally, avoid open-toed shoes for evening bush walks where thorns, scorpions, or uneven terrain could cause injury.