What type of clothes to pack for a Safari

You would think by now I would be an expert packer but nothing is further from the truth. On our last trip I really thought I had the packing thing down. But once again I found I had over packed. Over packing is not an issue if you are going on 1 flight or staying a long period of time in one place. But when you’re moving around, lugging that bag, you start to think “do I really need all this stuff.”

Packing for a Safari has its own set of challenges. Luggage has both size and weight restrictions. There are many dos and don’ts when it comes to what to wear. Packing becomes very important.

In doing some research for what to pack I learned why all the pictures of people on safari they are all dressed alike. 

Clothing Colors

The #1 rule for clothing is neutral colors, Khaki, tan, brown, olive, green. The idea is to be able to blend into your  surroundings while trying to spot wildlife. Bright & Bold colors just does not work. This is particularly important on a walking safari. 

Camouflage, jungle print, & white are BIG No-No’s. In Zambia they are not legal. I was a bit surprised at white but it is on the list of clothes not to be worn, at least in Zambia.

Dark Blue and Black attract tsetse flies. No Black or Blue for us, I am leaving out gray as well, no need to temp the tsetse flies.



This is a suggested packing list for clothes which I planned to follow.  They do your laundry each day so you really do not need much. Dressing in layers is recommended.

Clothes for Women

• 4 t-shirts
• 2 long sleeve shirts
• 1 sweatshirt/fleece
• 1 pair of comfortable shorts
• 2 pairs of cotton pants
• 2 pairs of socks
• 4 pairs cotton underwear (you can wash and dry overnight)
• 3 sports bras (VERY bumpy roads)
•  scarf for dust 
• Very thin waterproof raincoat if traveling during the wet season
• Sunglasses (for the dust as well as bright sun)
• Flannel pajama pants for the chilly nights
• Hat with chin strap (to avoid it blowing off your head and into the bush)
• Swimsuit
• Flip flops or sandals for around camp

Clothes for Men

• 4 t-shirts
• 2 long sleeve shirts
• 1 sweatshirt/fleece
• 1 pair of comfortable shorts
• 2 pairs of cotton pants
• 3 pairs of socks
• 4 Pairs Underwear (you can wash and dry overnight)
• Flannel pajama pants for the chilly nights
• Very thin waterproof raincoat if traveling during the wet season
• Sunglasses (for the dust as well as bright sun)
• Hat with chin strap (to avoid it blowing off your head and into the bush)
• Swimsuit
• Flip flops or sandals for around camp