What to Pack for a Safari

Heading off on an exotic safari trip or a safari honeymoon? Whether you’re headed to beautiful South Africa or exotic Botswana or Kenya, you are in for a trip full of wildlife and adventure. But before you hop on board the drive and head into this once-in-a-lifetime journey, there’s something super important we need to chat about: packing for a safari. It’s… a little complicated, am I right?! Packing for a safari isn’t quite like throwing a swimsuit and sandals into your suitcase for a beach getaway. There are rules for a safari on what you can and cannot wear, and there are even color palettes you have to stick to. But you still want to look cute! So what do you pack? 

From chic khaki safari outfits and prints to all of the best safari packing tips that’ll help you ‘gram all those wow moments, this guide is here to help you pack smartly, and efficiently. We’re talking about the essentials that’ll keep you cozy during those colder early morning drives, the gear that’ll have you blending in with the stunning scenery, and allllll the little extras that’ll make your safari or safari honeymoon unforgettable. 

What to Pack for a Safari:

The safari color palette: Stick to neutrals for packing for a safari. This is because you don’t want to be ‘loud’ for the animals, you want to blend right in. Think khaki, olive, beige, and other earthy tones for a safari. These colors are not just about blending in with the savannah; they’re about upping your style game while being practical about dirt and dust that is inevitable on your game drives.

Safari packing rules: No brights, no neons. No heels. Don’t stick out. 

Layer Up: Mornings can be really cold and chilly, and afternoons can turn warm and hot. Bring along layers that you can easily add or remove throughout the day. Think: a cozy sweater, a light jacket, and breathable outfits like I link below.

Smart Shoes: Comfort over everything when you’re packing for a safari game drive. A pair of sturdy, comfortable boots or sneakers for those safari tours, and sandals to match those chic jumpsuits.

Accessories are key!: A stylish hat to shield you from the sun, and don’t forget your sunglasses. Add a scarf or a bandana for a pop of style and for protection against the dust.

Dinner Under the Stars: Romantic dining under the stars is one of the best parts of a safari honeymoon. So even though most of your outfits might be comfort-focused during the day, pack a few chic outfits for those magical dinners at the lodge!

Some swimwear for hanging at the lodge: Some safari camps even have private pools, so you’ll want some chic bikinis for the trip ( I linked some favorites below).

And yes, you CAN look chic and cute while still being prepared for all of the elements – here are some of my favorite outfits for a safari game drive

  

  

Jetset Safari Packing Tips:

• Stay Powered Up Throughout the Game Drives: A portable power bank is a lifesaver when you’re out in the bush all day. Keep your devices charged and ready to go.
• Eco-friendly Essentials: Don’t bring anything plastic with you unless you take it home with you as well, and use a reusable water bottle. Going on safari is all about experiencing nature while leaving the smallest footprint possible.
• Stargazing Gear: If you have room, pack a compact pair of binoculars like these or a small telescope – or check to see if your hotel has for you!

Safari honeymoon outfits for him

  

  

What to wear around the lodge 

  

 

Swimwear for a safari:

 

 

Cute safari dinner outfits for her

  

  

Safari honeymoon outfits for her

  

What to wear on a game drive on safari

   

  

 

  

What not to wear on safari:

Don’t wear bright colors

This is because it is distracting to the animals and the fellow travelers on your game drive won’t be too happy when you scare off the wildlife!

Don’t wear camouflage clothing as it is illegal attire for civilians in many African countries !!!!!!!!

Don’t wear heels or wedged shoes. Comfy shoes are key! You don’t need big hiking boots (you wont be hiking) but comfort is key.

Other outfit ideas for around the edges

 

  

Suitcases for safari:

Most safaris have rules where you must bring soft-shelled suitcases (rather than hard-shelled) for your trip. Hard-shell suitcases are not ideal and, for the most part, soft-sided bags are required on the smaller aircraft you’ll need to take to your safari. 

this duffel below turns into a backpack!