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Original poster

What clothing essentials should I buy for a safari?

55 replies

SurreyisSunny · 14/08/2026 20:50

Safari clothing

Me and my DS (who will be almost 8) are heading on a safari next summer. I know it’s early but I’m wondering if it’s worth buying any clothing essentials in the sales.

We will be doing game drives plus a couple nights on a houseboat

We have a 15kg weight limit so cannot overpack.

Mosquitoes love me!

OP posts:
Original poster
SurreyisSunny · Yesterday 15:20

Pushmepullu · 20/08/2026 16:58

You can treat clothes with permethrin before you go, that will keep mosquitoes off you.

You don’t have to wear khaki, muted colours are suitable.

It does get very cold and vehicles are open sided. Take layers if you don’t want to take thermals. Some people on our safari took just fleeces and were cold. I took one of those jackets that weigh next to nothing and can be squashed down.

Show quote history

Thankyou, goodness wasn’t expecting to to be quite that cold, I was thinking a couple fleeces. Yes I have one of those down jackets that packs down, it’s black so I’d prob have to wear something over it. Do you think my DS will need something similar?

OP posts:
Original poster
SurreyisSunny · Yesterday 15:22

avignon1234 · Yesterday 00:40

If you can keep your eye out for "cuffed" long sleeved things and long trousers - again if you can get loose / cuffed because the little sods go up anything loose. Then socks up and inside the cuffs. It isn't the best "look" but you will be grateful. Deet roll on, not spray (we used Jungle Strength) for any exposed areas, yes it is greasy, and yes, you may stain your clothes, but it works - the spray just chokes you - we got used to the smell. Layers, it was cold on our early mornings, but OK the rest of the time, I did not take a wooly hat or beanie but I think I would have liked one. I have a Hoodie, as they get in my hair. We didn't get massively dusty (mainly in a vehicle or boat). We were borderline obsessive iro lodge room, no open windows, nightclothes, etc.

Thankyou. If they can get anywhere near my skin they’ll definitely munch away although August is apparently the lowest level annually for mozzies so hopefully not as bad as some months

OP posts:
BeardySchnauzer · Yesterday 15:45

I’m a mosquito magnet but wasn’t really bitten when I’ve been in their winter and I wasn’t that careful. That was Okavango and Hwange in the countries you’re going.

black jacket will be fine - you don’t have to be in khaki all the time! One safari I went on they had jackets for us and they were very dark green.

worth getting your son something warm too

pinkishtongue · Yesterday 17:38

Get some long sleeved walking shirts and trousers - you can get really lightweight material in proper walking clothes so it keeps you cool buts it’s tightly woven enough for sun protection.

Wide brimmed hat with a bug net.

Don’t forget to research jabs/malaria tablets well in advance.

CharlotteStreetW1 · Today 17:43

thenightsky · 14/08/2026 21:28

No blue or black clothes. Nobody warned me. then I saw the blue and black tsetse fly traps were those colours to entice them in. Hmm

Our guide warned us not to wear blue or black.

Have a look at The Safari Store. I got my hat from there and also a really nice skort that I wore a lot.

I also bought a fleece from "Snowdonia" which is brown (which I hate) but it's sooooo soft!

I have family in Zim who always rave about the houseboats on Lake Kariba 🙂

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