How to Pack for a Safari with Sustainable Style
Know before you go with these safari wardrobe hacks
My parents were born and raised in Iowa, which is made up of a lot of rolling farmlands. After they met and got married, they b-lined it straight to Oregon where my brother and I were raised. My parents took on exploring the mountains and backcountry of the Pacific NW with gusto. My brother and I tagged along for all the outdoor fun. I was skiing by the age of 3, backpacking by 8, and I climbed Mt Hood for my high school graduation.
One thing my father said to me consistently: “There is no such thing as poor weather. There’s only being poorly prepared.” As a Sustainable Stylist in New York City, I repeated these exact words to my clients as I helped them prepare for their backcountry adventures. I helped them understand that if you have the right clothes for the elements, you’ll be safe and comfortable and able to find joy in any experience.
I’m writing this to help you be prepared for the elements of a safari so you can find joy no matter what Mother Nature has in store for you. While we can’t control the weather, we can have ownership of how we respond to it. My hopes are that you find laughter in the middle of a downpour or connect with your soul while the heat beams down on you. Poor weather may not be what we’d hoped for. However, it can end up creating our most profound and memorable moments. Let’s do what we can to make every moment the best it can be.
The right clothes help keep your body safe and comfortable. They also put you in the right mindset. It’s called Enclothed Cognition. It’s how the clothes you wear influence your perception of yourself. When you’re properly outfitted, you will have confidence and feel stable and supported. This mindset will assist you in going places you’ve never gone before – in your body and in your thoughts. This is where growth takes place.
Function is Sexy
The romance of South Africa makes us want to dress in linen and wear big-brimmed straw hats. And since taking photos is part of the safari culture, we want to look our best.
By all means, let your clothes express who you are and be ones you feel good in – just as long as they are functional. Functionality is what is going to make you look your best and, by extension, feel your best.
Here’s an example. During a safari ride I went on a few years back, a young couple were part of our group. They were on their honeymoon and their desire to take photos was on overdrive. However, their desire to look sexy ruined their fun.
The lady was wearing a “very safari” khaki jumpsuit with a floral scarf around her neck. She looked stunning.
Only one problem. During a safari ride, the only place to go to the bathroom is behind some bush your ranger scouts out for you and deems safe. Due to her full-body jumpsuit, her only option was to disrobe pretty much completely.
She didn’t want to do this (and I don’t blame her). So, instead of relieving herself, she held it until we got back to the lodge hours later. The look on her face with every bump we hit made it clear: she was not feeling sexy.
Your Safari Wardrobe “How-to”
When selecting your clothing for safari, here are some suggestions to try your best to follow:
Have layers so you can easily adjust to temperature changes. Select items that are not bulky and are easily packable, both for your suitcase and your day bag.
Select fabrics that pull moisture away from the body and dry quickly. Wool is a great option. It’s soft, breathable, dries quickly, and doesn’t retain odors. Bonus! There are great lightweight, stylish wool clothing options available, from T-shirts and tanks to skirts, pants, leggings, and even bras and underwear. Hemp and silk are two other great fabrics that fit the bill here.
Go with fabric that breathes and has good ventilation.
Check the care label. Choose items that are easy to clean while traveling (such as wash in cold water, hang dry)
Pick natural colors and earth tones. They are easier to mix and match than bright colors and tend to look better in photos.
Insider Tip: Some say stay away from navy blue; it may attract a certain biting fly. I’ve heard mixed messages, so I just steer clear.
And the #1 tip: You’ve got to feel good in each item of clothing you choose. Feeling good combines both fashion and function. Do yourself a favor and roll with items that achieve both.
Do It for The Planet
If we’re going to be in nature and love it, we need to take care of it. That’s how the clothing brand Patagonia got started. Yvon Chouinard, the founder, was an avid climber long before he became a businessman. It bothered him that the sport that he loved was causing harm to the environment. He made a promise to himself and the planet: he would not harm the place that brought him so much joy. That was the #1 guideline used to start up his clothing line. And that’s one of the reasons why people back the brand so much: because it has purpose.
You’ll get more out of your safari experience if you take on the same mindset. Knowing that you took extra care of the people and environment you were visiting gives you purpose. It gives you an extra layer of meaning that you just can’t buy.
While it’s tempting to go out and shop for an all-new safari wardrobe, there are other options for being outfitted that are good for the planet and great for your wellbeing.
Here are some guidelines to help get you into Earth Warrior mode with your safari wardrobe:
Do you already have something that just needs a simple repair or alteration? Simple: Get it altered or repaired. Make it work again.
See if you can borrow from someone.
Go to a clothing swap. Find one on Facebook or community calendars.
Support a local consignment / resale store.
Visit Patagonia’s WornWear.com
If you still just plain need to go shopping for something new, try to support local boutiques versus the big chains. Do your research to make sure people and the planet are taken into consideration when planning for the lifespan of the garment.
Your Head-to-Toe Safari Packing List
Head coverings: A beanie or something warm for when it’s chilly and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection
Sunglasses (I like the polarized lenses, but that’s a personal choice)
If you wear glasses, bring an extra pair for back-up – and pack double the number of disposable contact lenses you think you might need
A non-bulky scarf. Wrap it around your head to protect you from the wind and sun or around your neck to keep you warm.
Under garments (such as undies and bras)
Tank top(s), short sleeve shirt(s), and long sleeve shirt(s)
Insulation layer (fleece, sweater, thin puffy coat)
Outer shell for rain and wind protection
Lightweight rain gear to cover your legs
Gloves
Shorts, long pants
Leggings or thermal underwear
Sleepwear
Socks. Choose materials like wool that will wick away moisture and dry quickly.
Beachwear: Swimsuit / sundress
Comfortable, sturdy shoes for safari rides and hiking
Comfortable, lighter weights shoes for around the lodge and more casual outings
Slippers or flipflops for your cabin, around the pool, or at the beach
One additional thing that people traveling luxury will want are clothes they can wear to dinner, i.e. slacks and tops that they haven't worn during the day. Plan on 2 extra pairs of pants and a few extra shirts. Keep it simple and comfortable. If you haven't already packed a sweater, you might want to for this.
A lot of outfitters offer cleaning services for clothing or have the facilities for you to clean your own. Take advantage of this and pack extra-light.
If your travels are longer than a week, you could double up on shirts, shorts, and pants.
Accessories
Camera with batteries and memory cards
Sunblock and lip-block. This is important!
Bug repellant. Sadly, an all-natural repellant is not adequate in the bush. Look for a product with DEET.
A small day bag or backpack for your camera and layers
Journal and pens/pencils
You’ll need converters for your chargeable and other plug-in devices if you’re travelling from the U.S. These can be found easily with an online search.
All-natural, all-purpose soap for quick cleaning of clothing
Binoculars, possibly. Luxury safari outfitters typically offer binoculars for you to use while on safari rides. But other outfitters may not. To be sure, contact your outfitter and ask.
Personal Hygiene
Use all-natural products in reusable containers.
Pack an all-natural skin balm. You’re going to be exposed to the elements (sun, wind, cold air in the morning). You’re going to want something that’s good at repairing.
Luggage
Once you’re in South Africa, your air travel could be on smaller airplanes that have strict size and weight requirements for luggage. Find out the size requirements and stick with them.
Use a softshell bag vs a hardcase. This makes it easier for your bag to fit into a small plane.
If possible, use a bag with a shoulder strap, which makes it easier to carry.