Dressing up for a safari can seem challenging to most men! How you dress and accessorize will mostly depend on the time of the year, the safari type, and the destination. But there are a few essential principles when you want to dress and look good.
The best colors that complement a safari
Do you want to get your colors right for a safari? If yes, choose neutral shades. While attempting to look at the wildlife, the trick is to try and blend with the surroundings. The bright and vibrant shades might make you prominent for the animals, especially if you choose a walking safari. The best dress code colors for a safari are:
- Khakis
- Greens
- Tan
- Olives
- Light browns
Remember that you should say no to camouflage clothing because it is illegal in a few African countries. Hence, there’s no point in opting for it. Also, if you wear pale and white-colored clothes, they will attract dust. The black and dark blue shades will attract mosquitoes and insects, leading to dengue fever, yellow fever, and malaria. These are a few health risks that travelers witness on a safari.
The best clothing material for a safari
The best clothing material for safari is breathable and lightweight and has less noise as you move. Choosing cotton is a smart choice for your trousers and safari shirts. Today, you can also opt-in for other man-made materials, which is a good option like cotton and is highly durable.
Consider the layers
When you have a lightweight safari, you can dress up and down based on your need. However, Africa is a place of extremes. It can turn out to be extremely hot during the day and chilly during the night. Hence, you should choose various layers for removing and adding them as per your need. Ensure that you have a safari jacket and a sweatshirt. If you are planning for safaris early morning, this will prove handy.
The Safari fashion code – The things to wear
The best tip is to cloth less! Most lodges and camps come with same-day laundry services. Keep this in mind before you pack more clothes. At best, you will need the following:
- Safari shirts
Say yes to comfortable long-sleeved T-shirts and shirts. These shirts benefit from providing security from the insects and sun. You can roll your sleeves up when it’s very hot. If your shirt has a collar, it secures your neck from the scorching sun heat. If your shirt has a pocket, it can store the pieces and bits.
- Shorts and trousers
Shorts or long trousers that are comfortable is the best pick here. You can opt-in for the combat-style shorts and trousers that come with many pockets and are apt for storing your camera and binoculars. The long trousers here have the advantage of securing you from the sun during the daytime. It can also keep you secured from mosquito bites during the night and evening.
- Hats
You need to get your hat game correct if you want to look your best at a safari. And while the hat is not an essential accessory for a safari, it can always make a massive difference in how you look. That aside, you can also protect your head from the sun’s harsh rays as you move around. Most people choose a wide-brimmed hat that gives maximum protection. However, you can also opt-in for pork pie hats that come with a telescope crown. It features a mild lip at the crown’s upper edge. A lot will depend on how you carry the hat. A brown-colored pork pie hat will complement your safari wear.
- Footwear
The safari type will dictate the footwear that you should be wearing. If you have signed up for a self-drive safari or a standard one, you don’t need to invest in special safari shoes. Since you need to move around the bush and climb in and out of your safari jeep, you can choose a pair of comfortable trainers. If you opt for specialized safari trips, like the gorilla trekking where you need to move through the thick uneven rainforest, a pair of rugged boots is the best. If your safari includes mostly walking, opt for hiking boots that cover your ankles to protect it from snakes and the bush.
- Sunglasses
Usually, most people who opt-in for a safari complain of the harsh sun glare. So, forgetting your sunglasses is not a good idea. Choose the wrap-around polarized sunglasses that will provide sun protection and ensure no dust accumulation in your eyes.
The thought of a safari tour will always bring in adventure and the thrill of the unknown to your mind. That doesn’t mean you have to leave your style sense back home. When you follow the guidelines mentioned above, you can fashionably dress for your safari, look your best, and enjoy your trip.
