How to look great on safari

Our guide to safari style, comfort and smart packing

A safari is one of life’s great adventures, but it also comes with its own dress code. At Ubon Safari we want you to feel confident, comfortable and prepared, which is why we go the extra mile to ensure our travellers have the very best guidance when it comes to what to wear and what to pack. The good news is you don’t need a wardrobe overhaul. With a few key pieces and a little planning, you can look great while being practical and respectful of the environment and the places you will be visiting.

Safari style has evolved over the years into a blend of function and understated elegance. Forget the stereotypes of head-to-toe khaki, though neutral tones are still best. Soft greens, browns and beiges help you blend into the bush, are less likely to attract insects, and are kinder to wildlife than bright colours. White clothing tends to make you stand out as well as getting dirty quickly and red tones can make animals uneasy, so rather leave those for more urban adventures. That said, when you're in and around camp and not on game drives, white is a wonderful option, even if it does need washing every time you wear it!


When travelling to East Africa and parts of Southern Africa (Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi, for example) we do recommend avoiding blue and black clothing as these colours are known to attract the pesky tsetse fly which has a painful and very itchy bite. But if you're heading to the vast expanses of Namibia's incredible desert, then blue and black are not such an issue. So you can tailor your wardrobe to suit your destination and the activities you'll be doing.



Climate clothing


The African sun is strong, so lightweight shirts and trousers are your best friends. While long sleeves and long trouser legs aren't obligatory, they do help to protect you from the elements and insect bites of an evening. Good clothing protects against sunburn, helps prevent insect bites, and keeps you cool when made from breathable fabrics. 


A wide-brimmed hat, a good pair of sunglasses and a light scarf or buff complete the look while offering practical protection. Baseball caps are also a good option on the back of an open safari vehicle as they don't blow off so easily and can be tightened. Of course, don't forget to pack your swimsuits and board shorts as most camps and lodges have pools! A kikoi (sarong) is also a wonderful addition to your suitcase and has multiple uses! 


Evenings and early mornings can be surprisingly cool, especially in the Southern African winter months from May to August, so layering is essential. A puffer jacket, fleece or lightweight windbreaker takes up little space but keeps you warm when temperatures dip. If you're travelling at this time of year, add in a beanie, scarf or buff and gloves, and nice warm socks.


Footwear matters


You’ll spend plenty of time in open safari vehicles, but there are also opportunities to walk. A pair of sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or trainers is essential, and some travellers also like to bring lightweight hiking boots.


Around camp, sandals or flip-flops/mules are perfect. Aim for neutral colours and shoes that are easy to clean after a day in the dust. And check the soles for thickness, especially if you're going to be walking - the thorns in the African bush can be particularly tough!


Packing smart


Less really is more. Safari camps often include a daily laundry service, which means you can pack lighter than you might for other trips. Please note that in countries like Zambia and Zimbabwe, washing your own underwear is required, with soap powder often provided for this in your bathrooms. So choose underwear that's easy to hand wash and that dries quickly. 


A soft-sided, lightweight but tough duffel bag is recommended and is easier to stow on small aircraft than hard luggage, and many bush flights have strict weight limits. Get in touch to find out more about this and to get the latest information on luggage restrictions, weights and sizes.


There are many bags made of tough ripstop canvas with leather trim that are perfect, and other even lighter bags that offer the room you need without compromising on weight. You'll also need a day pack to put essentials in and to take on game drives and walks with you. Again, opt for neutral colours and steer clear of black as it absorbs the heat and makes whatever you put in side very hot.


Essentials


Clothes you can't leave behind:


  • T-shirts
  • Shorts/Cargo pants/Trousers
  • Shirts (long and short-sleeved)
  • Fleece/lightweight wind-breaker/puffer jacket (winter)
  • Lightweight jersey
  • Swimsuit
  • Walking shoes/boots
  • Sandals/flip flops (thongs)
  • Socks 
  • Hat/beanie (winter)
  • Sunglasses


In addition to your clothing, here are a few other must-haves:


  • Sunscreen, lip balm and insect repellent.
  • A refillable water bottle.
  • Binoculars for wildlife viewing.
  • A camera with spare batteries or power bank.
  • Personal medication, cosmetics and a small first-aid kit.


Many travellers also like to bring a journal to record their experiences, or a good book for the quiet hours between game drives.


Looking good, feeling confident


Safari clothing isn’t about fashion in the traditional sense, but there is an undeniable style to it. Well-chosen, functional pieces create a timeless look, and many of our guests say they feel at their best in safari wear. By keeping your wardrobe neutral, lightweight and practical, you’ll look effortlessly appropriate in any setting, from a riverside sundowner to a bush walk with your guide.


The key to a great safari ensemble is comfort. Stretch fabrics, lightweight layers and nothing that stops you from moving easily (or breathing) are perfect. 


Make up and the bush


For all of our lady travellers we always recommend you go "au naturel" on safari because in the heat and dust of the African wilderness wearing make-up can seriously affect your skin. Use a great moisturiser with a good SPF factor and keep your skin hydrated. Clogging pores with foundation and powder is not recommended as your skin needs to breathe properly under safari conditions.


When you know how to dress and pack, you can stop worrying about what’s in your bag and start focusing on the adventure. Looking great on safari isn’t about standing out, it’s about blending in, staying comfortable, and feeling prepared for whatever the African wilderness has to offer. With UBON Safari guiding you, you can travel with confidence, style and ease.