So you’ve booked an African safari vacation. Congratulations! You’re about to bear witness to some of the most picturesque landscapes and unique flora and fauna on planet Earth. However, there’s still a whole lot of planning and preparation to be done before you can set off on your trip with peace of mind. For example, not all african safari tours provide adequate information about what to wear when you’re on safari.
The most important thing to pack is long-sleeved shirts and pants. The African savanna is full of insects and covering every inch of exposed skin will help to minimize the risk of you sustaining any nasty insect bites. Even with vaccinations against common insect-transmitted diseases like malaria and yellow fever (which, by the way, are an absolute must), you can never be too cautious. If you’re afraid of the African heat, layer your long-sleeved shirt over a short-sleeved tee or tank top so you have the option to strip down and cool off in exceptionally hot weather. Make sure that your shirts are made of breathable cotton so you can stay as cool as possible.
You’ll probably be taking quite a few photos on your trip, so it’s important that you not only bring along functional clothes, but also make an effort to look presentable. Common sense dictates that you bring along clothes with darker, earthy colors so that dust and sand won’t show up on your outfit. Khaki-colored clothes as well as camouflage-print green or brown clothes are your safest bet.
Selecting appropriate footwear is also of the utmost importance. Open-toe footwear is a big no-no, so leave your sandals and flip flops at home. You don’t want to cut your feet on one of the African savanna’s ubiquitous jagged rocks or thorny plants as the incredible amount of dust and gravel in the air greatly increases the risk of infection for open wounds. Hiking boots are the best choice of footwear. Try and pick one made using Gore-Tex material to ensure that your feet stay cool and dry even during strenuous physical activity or blazing hot weather.
Now you know what to pack for your African safari tour, you’ve one less thing to worry about. Enjoy your vacation!