Clothes for safari

Dear All,

I'm going to take some safaries (on foot, by kayak and by jeep) in South Afrika (Addo Elephant Park, Camdeboo NP and Kruger NP), I would like to ask you, what type of clothes you would recommend and where to buy these.
I guess the choice of suitable clothes in South Africa would be bigger and a better deal than here in central europe (Germany and Switzerland).

Therefore I would like to ask you,
1) if you could recommend to buy clothes for safaries in South Africa at all
2) What type of clothes you would recommend
3) if you could recommend a store in Cape Town (that's where my journey will start)

I'm planning to go in January/February 2016.

Thanks and BR's
Jan

Hi Jan,

Depending on the type of clothes you already have it might not be necessary to buy specific safari clothes. You should also be fine and comfortable just wearing normal summer clothes such as t-shirts and pants with some warmer clothes in case it gets chilly (in neutral colours).

Here are some guidelines if you do want to bring/buy specific clothes:

• It will be hot during the day in January and February, so short-sleeved, lightweight and quick-drying clothes will be the most comfortable.
• Bring longer pants and a jacket/fleece for colder mornings and evenings.
• You could bring a waterproof or water-resistant jacket in case it rains, or one of those cheap rain ponchos if you want to
• You could also wear lightweight long-sleeved shirts to avoid sunburn. This will protect you a little bit more against scratches from tree branches etc. and mosquito's, but it might be too hot to be comfortable.
• You could consider long pants that you can roll up or zip off to become shorter pants (Cape Union Mart sells them, more details below).
• Remember to bring a hat, sunscreen and mosquito repellent as well.
• Bring comfortable hiking shoes and sturdy flip-flops.
• Avoid clothes in bright colours, rather stick to neutral colours such as brown, beige, green or khaki.

Cape Union Mart (https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/) sells some clothes made specifically for e.g. hiking, with moisture management, thermal and lightweight clothes etc. Their clothes are mostly fashionable so you can wear them anywhere without standing out as a tourist. On their website is a list of their stores.

I hope this helps and enjoy your trip!

Really no special clothing required.
Complete and sensible advice above, to which I would just add - don't take too much!

I agree with kaz, just bring normal comfortable clothes. And bring something warm like a fleece jacket to wear in the early mornings and at night. It will be cold if you're in an open jeep at night.

But if you like to buy specific outdoors clothing, Cape Union Mart is a good option, a lot cheaper than the Norway at least. You can check out their website. I've had a hard time finding sunscreen on travels before so I usually bring that from home, but I buy mosquito repellent etc at Pick n' Pay, rest camp stores or Cape Union Mart

It sounds to me like you think a safari might be a rugged and backcountry experience lol. In reality, you're sitting on your ass in a car for 8 hours. Forget about buying any "safari clothes", there is no such thing. I went on numerous game drives in South Africa and my preferred clothing of choice? shorts and a tanktop.

However, like previous posters have said, it gets cold in the morning, especially in South Africa. If you're safari operator is not providing you any sort of blankets, then the wind from driving in an open jeep will undoubtedly be cold and a nice fleece jacket will be very helpful.

Dear All,

Thanks for your usefull responses. I'm a bit surprised by your answers, but I guess, your are right. :-)
I have some outdoor clothes, which would fit, if the colours would not be that bright.
(In fact I chose in past more colorfull and highly visible clothes in order to be good visible in bad weather conditions. At my other journeys neutral colours were no issue.)
So I may give the shopkeeper a visit.
Thanks and BR's
Jan

This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.