Resist the temptation to over pack! For the most part, any safari adventure requires comfortable and casual clothes. Laundry service is available throughout your program, in particular while you are on safari.
The best approach to preparing attire for the often highly variable climates is layer, layer and layer. During spring and summer (October – April) lightweight, comfortable clothing that will keep you cool in the midst of the African sunshine is advised. Dress mainly for outdoor comfort, perhaps packing smart footwear and proper evening attire only if you desire this sort of environment and plan to indulge in the upscale dining and nightlife options of the major cities. During winter (May-September) temperatures drop and rainfall is prevalent in Cape Town and along the Garden Route. Bearing this in mind, comfortable sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, and medium thickness-waterproof jackets are beneficial. A lightweight windbreaker is a must year-round, as well as some form of “safari hat” to provide shade
from the intensity of the afternoon sun.
Neutral colors are strongly suggested – stay away from brights that make you conspicuous or whites that easily become dirty. Keep in mind only 2-3 safari outfits are necessary for even lengthy safari vacations, because almost all of the accommodations have laundry facilities. We recommend three changes of clothing: one to wear, one to launder, and one to change into for dinner.
WE SUGGEST:
• Safari vest/jacket with multiple pockets
• Closed Toe – comfortable shoes – nothing too heavy or hot, remembering there might be thorns while walking in the bush
• Smarter footwear or evening attire if you’d like to enjoy the cosmopolitan nightlife of the cities “elegant casual” is the typical dress code
• Warm clothing options for evenings and early mornings on safari (a lightweight windbreaker and/or comfy sweater/fleece) – particularly necessary between May and September.
• Scarves for early mornings or to dust lenses
• A Safari Hat – baseball caps are suitable
• Swimsuit and cover-up
• Sunglasses and neck cord
• Sunscreen with a high SPF and chap stick
• Small backpack for small items while on game drive
• Binoculars & Cameras – with sufficient memory sticks, data cards, extra batteries, lens cleaner and chargers
• Voltage converters and adaptor plugs
• Small amounts of laundry soap for hand washing underwear at night (if applicable at some lodges)
• Plastic ziplock bags for wet swimsuits, muddy shoes or dust protection for cameras
• Perhaps a few band aids (not the entire box)
• Travel size tissue packs and wet wipes for dusty conditions
• Zipped pouch for money/valuables to be placed in lodge safe
• Separate copy of passport ID page and travel insurance policy
• Prescription glasses and copy of prescription
• Prescription medication in original containers (not to be placed in checked luggage)
• Anti-Malarial Protection
All of your local accommodation will provide insect repellent as well as small supplies of amenities such
as shampoo, body lotion and soap.
