What To Wear On Safari
| Convertible slacks (with a
zipper to turn slacks into shorts) and long-sleeved shirts are ideal,
with a sweater or other layers to shed as the day heats up. A hat with
a brim is essential, plus sunscreen and sun glasses. Pale earth colors
such as tan or olive are best for viewing wildlife and birds, but
camouflage clothes are illegal in many African countries. Solid-colored
safari clothes can be worn once you return home, and are widely
available via mail order catalogues such as L.L. Bean or Travel Smith.
Comfortable walking shoes, such as topsiders or running/tennis shoes
with socks, are recommended over sandals; thorns are everywhere, and
socks with your shoes deter mosquito bites. Include a lightweight
raincoat or jacket, and a swimsuit (many lodges have pools.) You may
want to take a light robe, plus rubber flip flops. Supplex pants and
chinos travel better than jeans, which take forever to dry. Laundry
service is available at most lodges and even tented camps, but be very
clear about when you need your clothes returned. The lodge and camp
staff will generally not wash underwear, due to prevailing local
traditions. Take at least three changes of clothes for a week on
safari, plus your own detergent to wash a few things. Dry cleaners are
more rare than rhinos. Some hotels and lodges have hairdryers in each
room, but tented camps rarely do. The best advice is to travel light. RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST: * A small flashlight with extra batteries * Malaria tablets; consult your doctor for suggestions * Adapter plugs & converters for electrical appliances * Packaged wet tissues ("Wash & Dry" "Wet Ones") * A tiny calculator for estimating cost while shopping * Plenty of film or tape for your camera + extra batteries or rechargers * Long-sleeved shirts, slacks and socks to protect you from insect bites and sunburn * Good quality sunglasses, preferably polarized. Tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light * Sun hat with a brim * Shorts/skirts * Long trousers/slacks * Underwear and socks * Good walking shoes (running/tennis shoes are fine) * Sandals or rubber flip/flops for poolside * Swimsuit with light cover-up garment * Warm winter jersey for cooler mornings * Light rain gear for summer months (late November to April) * If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the dust * BINOCULARS (ESSENTIAL) * Personal toiletries (basic amenities supplied by many establishments) * Malaria tablets * Moisturizing cream & suntan lotion * Insect repellent e.g. Tabard, Rid, Jungle Juice, OFF, etc. * Basic medical kit (aspirins, plasters, Immodium, antiseptic cream, and Anti-histamine cream, etc.) * Visas, tickets, passports, money, etc. * Waterproof/dustproof bags/cover for your cameras. Please note that bright colors and white are NOT advised while on safari as they attract insects. White also shows dust. Camouflage clothes are often illegal. |