Best Safari Clothes for Women You’ll Actually Want to Wear

I’ll be honest: khaki is not my thing. Beige and my fair skin have never been friends.

And when it comes to clothes, I like pieces that feel feminine, flattering, and comfortable without looking like I’m trying to stage an Instagram photoshoot.

It took more online orders (and returns) than I care to admit, but I finally figured out what actually works for safari outfits.

So hopefully my trial-and-error phase saves you a little time and a lot of frustration as you get ready for what’s guaranteed to be one of the most memorable trips of your life.

And if you’re still not sure what to pack, don’t worry.

My ultimate safari packing checklist lays out everything you’ll actually use.

When I planned my safari wardrobe, I decided to break away from the typical beige and brown color scheme that’s often recommended.

I chose a mix of colors like light blue, soft grey, cargo green, white, rust, and soft pink. I wanted clothes that not only worked for the safari but could actually be worn again.

Here’s what I packed on a recent 8-day/7-night safari in Tanzania:

Tops 👕 x 7

• 4 lightweight, breathable long-sleeved shirts
• 2 Vuori white tanks to wear underneath the long-sleeved shirts
• 1 sweatshirt or fleece for layering on those cool morning game drives.

Bottoms 👖 x 5

• 4 pairs of lightweight, quick-dry pants
• 1 pair of Willit shorts for lounging around the lodge

Outerwear 🧥 x 1 + 🧣

• Lightweight puffer jacket for chilly mornings.
• Multi-colored scarf for a pop of color and for dust and sun protection.

Accessories 🕶️ + 👒

• Wide-brimmed Furtalk hat
• Polarized sunglasses

Footwear 🥾 x 3

• Comfortable Brooks trail runners
• Rothy’s RS02 sneakers
• Cole Haan sandals for relaxing at the lodge in the evenings.
• Consider heavier ankle boots if you are doing a walking safari.

Bathing Suit 👙 x 1

• If your safari lodge has a pool, make sure to bring a bathing suit.

I don’t like spending money on one-time outfits.

By choosing this diverse palette, I enjoyed a wardrobe that was functional for the safari but could also be used for other trips.

Shirt Options to Consider

When choosing safari shirts, consider:

• Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen
• Long-sleeved options for sun and insect protection
• UPF-rated clothing which shows how much UVA + UVB radiation skin protection a fabric permits
• Moisture-wicking materials such as merino wool. For me, it’s a little itchy. That said, I swear by merino wool socks. They keep my feet dry and comfortable all day long.

Remember, the key is to pack light and choose versatile pieces. With laundry services available at most lodges, you can easily refresh your wardrobe during your trip.

Here are examples of safari shirts I purchased working within my color palette of pink, light blue, and white:

Safari Shirts: Pink Palette

My Pick:

→   Linen Button Down Shirt (lightweight and moisture wicking)

Other Great Options:

→   Lilly Pulitzer Linen Shirt (lightweight, washable)

→   Safari Shirt (lightweight, ventilated back)

Men’s Pick:

→   Orvis Tech Chambray Shirt (odor control and moisture wicking, many color options)

Safari Shirts: Light Blue Palette

My Pick:

→   Linen Button Down Shirt (lightweight, moisture-wicking)

Other Great Options:

→   Eddie Bauer Shirt (moisture-wicking, UPF 50+ sun protection)

→   Safari Shirt (lightweight, UPF 50+ sun protection)

Men’s Pick:

→   Orvis Open Air Caster Shirt (roll tab sleeves, hidden ventilation, odor control)

Safari Shirts: White Palette

My Pick:

→  Linen Button Down Shirt (lightweight and moisture-wicking)

Other Great Options:

→   Safari Shirt (lightweight, breathable)

Men’s Pick:

→   Coolibar UPF 50 Sun Shirt (moisture-wicking, lightweight, breathable)

A Note on White Shirts

While white isn’t traditionally recommended for safaris, I’ve found them practical and worn them in South Africa and Botswana without any issues.

They’re versatile and easy to mix and match, and if they get dirty, a quick wash at the lodge solves the problem.

However, if you’re planning a walking safari, avoid white and definitely wear neutral colors like beige/khaki.

I confess: I’m an overpacker who likes to prepare for every possible outfit scenario.

However, when embarking on a safari adventure that involves small plane travel, luggage weight restrictions often apply. This necessitates making strategic decisions about your wardrobe choices.

Prioritizing Lightweight Options

Given that pants occupy considerable space in your luggage, it’s crucial to select lightweight and versatile options. This approach allows you to maximize your limited packing space while ensuring you have appropriate attire for various safari situations.

Recommended Brands

For safari-appropriate pants, three standout brands are:

1. Vuori
2. Eddie Bauer
3. Kuhl

These brands offer excellent options that combine functionality, comfort, and style for your safari adventure.

Safari Pants: Vuori

My Pick:

→   Vuori Ripstop Pants (versatile, ripstop comfort)

→   Alternative: Prana Halle Pants (lightweight, stretchy, durable)

Men’s Pick:

→   Vuori Ripstop Pants (water-repellant, quick-dry)

Safari Pants: Eddie Bauer 

My Pick:

→   Eddie Bauer Rainier Pants (StormRepel DWR finish, lightweight)

Men’s Pick:

→   Eddie Bauer Rainier Pants (StormRepel DWR finish, lightweight)

Safari Pants: Kuhl

My Pick:

→   Kuhl Freeflex Roll-up Pants (lightweight, water-resistant)

→   Kuhl Kontour Pants (soft, stretchy)

Men’s Pick:

→   Kuhl Konfidant Air Pants (lightweight, quick-dry)

How did I successfully mix and match all these clothing pieces? The key lies in my initial 2-part strategy:

Complimentary Color Palette

By starting with a complementary color palette, I set myself up for maximum outfit flexibility. This approach allowed me to create multiple combinations effortlessly.

Interchangeable Outfits

The beauty of this system is its versatility:

• Each pair of pants could be paired with multiple shirts
• This multiplied the number of unique outfits I could create

This strategy not only helped me pack lighter but also ensured I had appropriate and stylish options for various safari activities and settings.

On Safari Drives: Opt for Pants

I strongly recommend wearing pants during your safari drives. This choice is based on several practical considerations:

1. Dust protection: Pants shield your legs from the inevitable dust kicked up during drives.
2. Sun protection: They provide an extra layer of defense against harsh sunlight.
3. Insect barrier: Pants help prevent bug bites, which can be both annoying and potentially harmful.

At the Safari Lodge: Comfort is Key

After a long day of exploration, you’ll likely want to change into something clean and comfortable when back at the lodge. This is where having a versatile wardrobe comes in handy.

In my experience, you don’t need to pack multiple pairs of shorts. One pair should suffice for your safari trip since they are mainly used just at the lodge or during downtime.

I love these Willit Shorts (which is in my color palette!):

Bring a hat! This simple accessory is crucial for your safari adventure.

I loved my Furtalk hat, which is seen in the photo above.

Consider a safari hat with a chin strap. While our Sabi Sands trip in South Africa didn’t present significant wind challenges, conditions can vary greatly depending on your destination.

In Tanzania, there were a few times I definitely needed it!

Importance of a Versatile Jacket

Depending on the time of year, you’ll need to pack a light to medium jacket.

Remember, those early morning safari drives can be surprisingly chilly! The key to comfort on safari is mastering the art of layering. Layer, layer, layer!

My Recommended Choice

I found great success with my packable lightweight puffer jacket. It offered:

• Warmth when needed
• Easy storage when not in use
• Minimal space consumption in luggage (it packs down super small!)

Wearing my Brook Cascadia trail runners on safari in Tanzania

Walking Safari: Sturdy Boots

If you’re planning a walking safari, invest in sturdy hiking boots like the Vepose boots.

These are crucial for protection against tall grass and rocks, shielding ankles from biting insects, and navigating muddy conditions.

Game Drives: Trail Runners

For game drives, lightweight trail runners like the Brooks Cascadia are an excellent choice and are what I wore on a recent trip to Tanzania.

They also double as hiking shoes like when the hubby and I trekked up Lion’s Head in Cape Town.

Travel or Transit Days: Rothy’s Sneakers

I LOVE my Rothy’s RS02 Sneakers! I wore them in the following situations:

• Transit days, providing comfort during air travel
• Lounging at the safari lodge
• Note: Not suitable for walking safaris

Lodge Comfort: Sandals

My ultimate travel sandal for comfort and style is the Cole Haan Flynn Sandals. I wore these sandals when:

• Relaxing at the lodge
• Safari dinners
• Providing a break for your feet after long days

Bring a bathing suit if your lodge has a pool.

During our epic 2 week Africa trip, we swam in Devil’s Pool on top of Victoria Falls, the world’s largest waterfall! So, I definitely needed one then.

But I also brought my bathing suit in case we swam at the safari lodge.

It was unusually cool when we went on a safari at the end of September in South Africa, so unfortunately I did not get to enjoy the pool.

Our safari lodge in eastern Serengeti had a pool, but we were too busy looking for cute cheetah babies and lion cubs to use it!

I brought a hooded zip-up sweatshirt (the one in the photo above at Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania), and it kept me perfectly warm and cozy on those chilly mornings.

It also doubled as the ideal layer for relaxing around the lodge in the evenings too.

From my personal safari experiences, I’ve found three accessories to be absolutely essential: a versatile scarf and polarized sunglasses.

Multicolored Scarf

I always pack a multicolored scarf for my safaris. Here’s why:

• It keeps me warm during those chilly morning drives
• I use it to shield my face from the sun and dust
• Its versatile colors complement multiple outfits in my safari wardrobe

I’ve learned that layering is key, especially for those early morning game drives when I’m often surprised by how cold it can get.

Polarized Sunglasses

While my husband isn’t a fan, I absolutely swear by my Ray-Ban polarized sunglasses. On every safari, I’ve found they:

• Significantly reduce eye strain during long days of wildlife spotting
• Cut down glare, which is especially helpful in bright savanna conditions

Cozy Beanie

I always imagined Africa being hot all the time. Depending on the time of year, it can get really cold in the mornings.

Check the temp before your trip and bring a cozy beanie to keep those ears warm.

During my safari adventures, I’ve learned some valuable lessons about what to wear and what to avoid. Here’s what I’ve discovered:

Colors and Tsetse Flies

I was initially worried about tsetse flies and avoided black and dark blue when we stayed at Lion Sands River Lodge.

However, when I asked my guides in South Africa about these flies, they looked at me blankly. I later realized why. South Africa doesn’t have tsetse flies!

For my Tanzania trip though, I took these precautions: 

• No black or dark blue clothing
• Kept my ankles and neck covered

Camouflage and White

I made sure to never pack camouflage clothing, knowing it’s associated with military personnel.

For walking safaris, avoid white so you do not stand out. I wore white sunshirts though on safari drives without a problem.

Fabric Choices

Avoid heavier clothing like jeans. Lightweight, breathable fabrics became my best friends on safari.

Remember there are weight limits on those little safari planes.

When we flew with South Africa Airlink to our safari destination, I had to be very mindful of the 20 kg (44 pounds) weight limit. This really forced me to prioritize my packing.

There you have it. My personal recommendations for the best safari clothes, based on my three safari experiences!

I’ve noticed that many articles offer generic packing lists without much context.

That’s why I’ve taken the time to share detailed explanations of what I actually wore and why these choices made a difference during my safari adventures.

I hope this blog post has provided you with insights that go beyond a simple checklist.

The right clothing can make your safari experience better, allowing you to focus on that cute little lion cub rather than worrying about discomfort or inappropriate attire.

Happy travels!

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Any other safari clothes for women that I missed or that you would recommend?

Let me know in the comments below!