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.

On a 2026 safari, you should strictly avoid Blue and Black clothing, as these colors are magnets for tsetse flies, which have a painful bite and can carry sleeping sickness. You should also avoid Bright White or Neon colors, as these stand out sharply against the savannah and can startle or distract wildlife, preventing you from getting close. Camouflage patterns are also a major "don't"; in many African countries (like Zimbabwe or Zambia), camo is reserved for the military, and civilians wearing it can face legal trouble or unnecessary questioning. Additionally, skip heavy fabrics like denim, which are slow to dry and uncomfortable in the heat. Instead, stick to "safari neutrals" like khaki, olive, and dusty grey. These colors hide the pervasive African dust and help you blend into the landscape, which is essential for "disappearing" from the animals' perspective to observe their natural behavior.