Embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to South Africa is an unforgettable experience. The wildlife, the sights, the sounds, the colours—every moment on safari is a feast for the senses and you’ll return home with memories to last a lifetime.
But before you depart on your adventure, let’s talk about something more practical: what to wear on safari in South Africa. Packing might not sound as exciting as spotting a lion on the savannah, but it’s a crucial part of preparing for your journey. What you pack for—and wear on—safari in South Africa can make all the difference in how comfortable and prepared you feel. So, where do you start?
Your safari wardrobe will depend on a few things: the types of activities you’ll be doing (are you dreaming of walking safaris, game drives, or maybe a mix of both?), the time of year you’ll be travelling, and the climate of the region you’re visiting. South Africa’s seasons can be quite diverse, so it’s worth doing a little homework on what to expect weather-wise (read on for more details on this…).
If packing for a South Africa safari feels a little daunting, don’t worry! You’re not alone. There are several tips and tricks to remember that will streamline the process, keep your luggage light and ensure you’ve got everything you need for a hassle-free trip. And if you’re wondering if you need to splurge on a brand-new safari wardrobe, the answer is a definite no. You probably have plenty of items in your closet that will work beautifully (yes, really!).
After years of safari adventures, we’ve fine-tuned our packing know-how into an art form. So, let us make it easy for you! Dive into our team-approved Timbuktu packing list – your ultimate guide to what to wear on safari in South Africa.
Top tips for what to wear on safari in South Africa
Natural fabrics
Light, breathable and preferably natural fabrics like cotton and linen are ideal to wear on safari in South Africa. The South African climate can be hot and sticky, especially in the summer months, and breathable fabrics will ensure you are cool even when the temperature rises. There is nothing worse than being too hot after all… Linen shirts and cotton trousers are always favourites on our safari packing lists.
Neutral colours
You will probably have seen people wearing earthy, neutral tones like khaki, olive green, beige, grey and brown on safari – and for good reason. These colours help you blend into the natural surroundings and avoid unwanted attention from wildlife. Whatever you do, avoid bright colours, including white, as well as dark colours like black, purple and navy blue, which can attract insects in certain regions. Patterns are also a no.
It’s a good idea to stick as closely as possible to a neutral colour palette no matter what activities you are doing. However it’s particularly important if you plan to do a walking safari. When you are on a game drive, the wildlife tends to only notice the vehicle – a large, khaki coloured animal if you will! However on a walking safari, you are much smaller and essentially more obvious to the animals. Therefore wearing neutral colours that help you blend into your surroundings are particularly important. Bonus: these colours are also better at hiding the inevitable dust and dirt from the bush.
Layers
South Africa experiences significant temperature changes throughout the day and we would always recommend taking plenty of layers to wear on safari in South Africa. Mornings and evenings can be cold, but at midday, the temperatures can really up warm up. A lightweight, long-sleeved shirt over a T-shirt and a jacket or fleece layer will allow you to adapt as temperatures change. You can then remove or add clothing as the mood—or temperature—takes you.
Footwear
One of our most common questions about what to wear on safari in South Africa is footwear. It’s tempting to pack a pair of shoes for every occasion, but on safari, less is always more. Leave your stilettos and heavy hiking boots behind; they’ll be completely unnecessary. Instead, opt for sturdy yet lightweight walking shoes for daytime adventures. Many safari activities involve a certain level of walking and it’s essential to have good support from shoes that you have worn before. We also recommend packing a pair of sandals or flip flops to wear around your camp or lodge. These will come in handy during siesta time, by the pool, and in the evenings. If you would like to bring something extra, consider plimsolls or other light trainers.
Our best tips? Always wear your heaviest shoes to travel in so they don’t contribute to your luggage limit on small flights – and definitely don’t pack anything that isn’t tried and tested!
Hats and sunglasses
The South African sun is intense. A wide-brimmed hat offers excellent sun protection, shielding your face, neck and ears, and sunglasses with UV protection are also important; polarised lenses are great for cutting through the glare, especially when spotting wildlife. A light weight scarf or bandana can also be useful to help shield you from the sun.
Lightweight rain jacket
South Africa’s rainy season varies depending on the region but unexpected showers can occur at most times of the year. We recommend taking a compact, waterproof jacket that can be easily kept in your bag. It will keep you dry if a rain shower catches you off guard but won’t take up valuable packing space.
Accessories and bags
A small, neutral-coloured backpack or crossbody bag is a great idea for taking your essentials with you on game drives and walking safaris. We’re talking about things like binoculars, your camera, wildlife and bird guides, water, and any extra layers. Make sure it is compact enough not to be a hassle, however—you certainly don’t want something big and bulky to carry around with you.
Sunscreen
It might not be an item of clothing, but perhaps the most important thing to wear on safari in South Africa is a sunscreen with a high SPF (preferably between 30 and 50) to protect your skin from the harsh rays in the southern hemisphere. Often, camps and lodges will have sunscreen available for use, or a shop in which to buy some, but we would always recommend bringing your own to use at your convenience. It’s definitely something you don’t want to be without.
What NOT to wear on safari…
When planning what to wear on safari in South Africa, it’s just as important to know what not to pack. Overpacking or bringing unsuitable items can weigh you down and detract from the enjoyment of your trip. Here’s what to leave at home so you can travel lighter and smarter.
Skip the formal clothing
Evenings on safari are typically relaxed and most lodges embrace a smart-casual dress code. There’s no need to pack formal attire unless you have a specific event planned. Keep your luggage practical and focused on versatile items that work for both daytime and evening. If you would like to feel a little smarter in the evenings, consider bringing a colourful scarf or pashmina; they will add some flair but also keep you warm!
Ditch the heavy fabrics
When deciding what to wear on safari in South Africa, steer clear of thick, heavy materials like denim; they will only leave you feeling hot and uncomfortable – and will take up far more space in your bag.
Don’t overpack
Almost all safari lodges have excellent laundry services that take around 24 hours to turnaround. Keep this in mind when packing and don’t be tempted to bring extra clothing ‘just in case.’
Leave expensive jewellery at home
Safaris are about immersing yourself in the wilderness, not showcasing your diamonds. Expensive or sentimental jewellery can easily get lost or damaged and isn’t practical in the bush. Stick to simple accessories like a durable watch (waterproof if possible) and good-quality sunglasses.
What to wear on safari in South Africa by season
The temperature in South Africa can fluctuate wildly, both throughout the year but also in the same day! This is our rough guide to what to expect in the different seasons, and you can also read more about the weather in the different regions of South Africa in this blog.
Winter (June to August)
It is a myth that it is always warm in South Africa! In the winter months, the temperature can drop sharply and the mornings and evenings are often particularly cool. Conversely, the days can be beautifully warm and sunny and you may find yourself out and about in a t-shirt. We would therefore advise packing plenty of layers that can be adapted to almost any temperature, as well as a warmer jacket and perhaps a hat, gloves and a scarf. But, there is no need to go overboard with lots of heavy, winter clothing; the lodges and camps in South Africa will often provide blankets for your morning game drives and sometimes even hot water bottles for the very chilly mornings.
Spring (September to November)
As spring rolls around, the temperatures start to get a little warmer – although there can certainly be no guarantee of an exact time or date. As in the northern hemisphere, spring temperatures can still be extremely variable with beautiful sunny days interspersed with colder, wetter days. If you are wondering what to wear on safari in South Africa in the spring, it would be a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality: short-sleeve t-shirts and shorts as well as longer, warmer layers are advisable.
Summer (December to March)
Summer in South Africa begins in November and lasts until around February or March. This is the hottest time of year and temperatures often soar into the 100s! If you are in the Greater Kruger area of South Africa, or in the Eastern Cape, you can also expect a certain amount of rain – a wonderfully welcome sight when the temperatures are almost too hot to handle. For a summer safari, we recommend bringing lightweight, warm weather clothes (short sleeved t-shirts and shirts, shorts, and light trousers) with an additional rain or waterproof jacket. If you have specialist, quick-drying clothing, it is certainly worth packing.
Autumn (April & May)
Autumn brings very similar weather to spring, with some beautifully hot and balmy days, whilst others can be surprisingly cool. As ever, come prepared with plenty of layers – and definitely something warmer for the mornings and evenings.
What to wear on safari in South Africa is all about striking the perfect balance between practicality and comfort, but also embracing the spirit of adventure. By focusing on lightweight, versatile clothing in neutral tones – and choosing the right accessories for your activities and the climate – you’ll be prepared for every moment in the bush. As you finalize your packing list, remember that the goal is to blend in with nature, stay comfortable, and, most importantly, make the most of every unforgettable moment South Africa has to offer. Now, let the adventure begin!
