Like many people, taking an African safari had been on my bucket list for years. After a failed and disappointing attempt during my Semester at Sea voyage in Senegal, I was ready for redemption. During my first safari, we drove 13 hours of driving for one very unimpressive leopard sighting!
Needless to say, I was eager to plan another trip to Africa to have the true safari experience, like the the one you see in movies.
The opportunity finally presented itself when I booked a cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Dawn. Our 12-night cruise sailing from Mauritius to Cape Town with stops throughout southern Africa, including Cape Town, Richard’s Bay, Port Elizabeth, and Mossel Bay.
This cruise was booked with a wonderful friend of mine: Rosina! She is always down for an adventure, so we booked safari excursions in several South African ports during our cruise.
While most cruises are about pool decks and cocktails, this itinerary was all about early mornings, game drives, and off-the-beaten-path adventures! However, I struggled to figure out what to wear on an African safari and how to pack for such an exciting trip.
If you’re looking for outfit inspiration and packing tips, you’ve come to the right place! After spending multiple days exploring South Africa, I’ve compiled a list of my safari outfits and packing tips so you can prepare accordingly. Here’s exactly what I wore during my safaris and my must-have packing list.
Things to consider when packing safari outfits
I’ll be honest that packing for a safari was completely outside my comfort zone. I wanted to look put-together, but also be practical for long days out in the sun looking for animals.
Not to mention, you need to consider mosquitos, sun exposure, heat, and long drives in open-air vehicles.
I traveled to Africa in January, which is summer in South Africa. I found the weather to be warm, but still very manageable. You should prioritize packing breathable fabrics, outfits with coverage, and pieces with neutral colors.
Light, neutral tones: White, tan, soft pinks
Light-colored clothing is recommended on safari because it reflects heat, helping you stay cooler in the sun. Neutral tones also blend into the environment and they’re usually less distracting during game drives.
Some people also prefer neutral outfits because they photograph better against natural landscapes. As a bonus, dust tends to look more natural on light fabrics than on dark colors!
Long sleeves and pants: For sun and mosquito protection
Long sleeves and pants are essential on safari because they provide reliable protection from both the sun and mosquitoes. Game drives often last several hours in open-air vehicles, and consistent sun exposure can quickly become uncomfortable.
You should prioritize wearing lightweight, breathable fabrics that allow you to stay covered without overheating. Long sleeves and full-length pants can help minimize bug bites, especially in areas where mosquitoes are more prevalent.
Comfort and practicality: Without sacrificing style
If it needs to be said, I’m definitely not a fashionista. But, like most women, I love to wear cute outfits on vacation and take pictures for my social media!
Comfort should always come first when choosing safari outfits, but that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice style entirely. Look to bring relaxed, practical pieces that you can sit, move, and ride comfortably throughout the day.
I found a good balance of practical outfits and cute accessories for each safari. We had multiple people compliment our outfits, which always makes you feel good!
African safari outfits for women
Rather than packing overly trendy pieces, I focused on clothing that could handle long days in the national parks while still feeling comfortable and put together. These are the exact outfits I wore on safari and what made each one work in real conditions.
Outfit 1: Lightweight jumpsuit for game drives
One of my most practical safari outfits was a lightweight jumpsuit with pants. It was an easy one-and-done option that still looked put together, and the full-length coverage made it a smart choice for game drives. I liked not having to think about pairing pieces, and it stayed comfortable even when we were bouncing around in the 4×4.
Outfit 2: A lightweight white long-sleeve shirt with cargo pants
Another comfortable safari outfit included this long-sleeve, white button-down shirt paired with cargo pants. The shirt was lightweight and airy, which helped reflect the sun while still protecting my arms from bugs. I loved the flowy sleeves for airflow.
Cargo pants were also perfect for safari days, as they’re roomy, breathable, and functional. They weren’t too warm, but they kept my legs fully covered during drives through tall grass and brush.
Outfit 3: A white long-sleeve shirt with light pink cargo pants
I also wore a similar version with light pink cargo pants, which still felt neutral enough for safari but gave the outfit a softer, slightly more styled look. Another white, long-sleeved shirt was perfect for spending hours on the reserve looking for animals! In addition, I paired it with my safari hat and an animal-print scarf!
Outfit 4 (Cape Town): Comfortable sun dress
As a bonus, I’ve included my Cape Town outfit, as it called for a different approach than safari days. For Table Mountain and nearby wineries, I opted for a simple black dress with comfortable sneakers, which worked well for walking while still feeling cute enough for wine tasting.
Sunglasses were essential in the bright conditions, and the outfit made it easy to transition from sightseeing to a relaxed afternoon in the winelands without changing.
The item I was thankful for on every safari: A bucket hat
I originally thought bucket hats were more of an “athletic” item, but it quickly became one of my most-used pieces for my safari.
The sun can be intense on game drives, and the brim made a huge difference for keeping my face shaded. Even better, the chin strap kept the hat secure when the vehicle was moving fast, which happened more often than I expected.
Sometimes the 4x4s drive quickly to catch a specific animal, and I said multiple times how grateful I was that my hat wasn’t flying off into the reserve!
Shoes: Inexpensive boots worked best for me
For shoes, I bought inexpensive dark brown combat boots on Amazon, as I didn’t want to bring a nice pair of shoes. They were trashed by the end of the trip, so I was so thankful I didn’t pack any nice shoes!
We weren’t doing a ton of walking, so I wasn’t worried about breaking in new shoes. They were comfortable enough, protective, and I didn’t care when they looked worn. I ended up leaving them behind after the trip and didn’t regret it!
Pants: Lightweight cargo styles were perfect
If there’s one safari clothing item I’d recommend to almost anyone, it’s lightweight pants, especially cargo pants! These are quintessential safari pants for a reason.
Cargo pants are breathable enough for warm weather, but they keep your legs protected from bugs, sun, and the elements. I didn’t want to pack anything too tight for pants, as that would be extremely uncomfortable while riding around in the 4×4! I bought my cargo pants at Old Navy for an affordable price with multiple colors to choose from.
Accessories: All the animal print!
I kept accessories minimal, but I did pack a few animal-print scarves and earrings. They weren’t necessary, but they looked really cute and tied my outfits together in a way that felt safari-appropriate without being costumey!
Sunglasses were also essential, especially in larger reserves where the sun feels stronger and there’s not always shade. If you’re going to bring any “fun” element into your safari style, animal print is an easy way to do it through accessories.
What to pack for safari
Along with safari outfits, you’ll want to ensure you’re prepared for long, hot days out on game drives. I figured it was better to bring more than needed instead of not having exactly what I needed for my safaris.
Here’s everything else that I packed for my safari adventure:
Insect repellent with DEET: Mosquitoes are a big concern in parts of Africa, especially in malaria-risk areas. A strong repellent is worth packing, even if you don’t normally use one at home.
Sunscreen (and plenty of it): The sun can be intense during game drives, and shade isn’t always guaranteed. Bring more sunscreen than you think you’ll need!
Hydration packets or electrolyte powders: Long days in the heat can sneak up on you. Adding electrolytes to your water helped me stay hydrated during full-day excursions.
Sunglasses: Open landscapes and bright sun can be hard on your eyes, especially in larger reserves with little natural shade.
Camera with zoom capabilities: I brought my compact Nikon mirrorless camera, which was perfect for wildlife photography without being too bulky. A camera with a decent zoom makes a huge difference when animals are farther away. Your phone might take great photos, but you can’t replace a real camera.
Small day bag or crossbody: A compact bag is helpful for carrying sunscreen, lip balm, your phone, and a camera without getting in the way during game drives.
Lip balm with SPF: This is easy to forget, but the combination of sun and wind can be drying. SPF also helps protect your lips.
Hand sanitizer or wipes: Useful after excursions, especially before eating or when restrooms aren’t readily available.
Protein or granola bars: Depending on your safari schedule, you might end up needing a small snack. Bring along a granola or protein bar to have quick access to.
Fake or minimal jewelry: I wore a fake wedding ring and avoided bringing real jewelry. It’s one less thing to worry about when spending time during game drives!
Lightweight scarf or bandana: Optional, but useful for sun protection, dust, or adding a little warmth during early-morning drives.
Medications and motion sickness remedies: Game drives can be bumpy, and having basics like pain relievers or motion sickness tablets can be helpful.
