Safari clothes

[hyacinthbluebell]

So I’m lucky enough to be going on a short safari to Kenya for a big birthday in the summer holidays . I know I need to wear neutral khaki beige type colours which don’t suit me at all - I wear a lot of black and bright colours I don’t want to spend a fortune as it probably won’t get used again- can anyone recommend anywhere to get things please? I’m also tall so need longer lengths

Are you walking at all? If so, get some lightweight walking boots or desert boots.

Have a look at Craghoppers (they did have a lot in their Outlet online a few weeks ago), Regatta, Mountain Warehouse brands. Rohan is good (but pricey), but you might find stuff on eBay (either used or new because safaris were effectively cancelled by many for a couple of years).

Depending on where you are/what you are up to it can get cold at night (especially if on a night drive). Get a cheap fleece/windjacket and neck warmer and perhaps a hat. I used to also pack a gillet/bodywarmer (try Uniqlo).

If flying, most planes tend to restrict you to 10-15kg of kit so I favour synthetic fibre tech trousers and shirts that are quick to wash and dry overnight.

Safari is one of those occasions where everyone is wearing much the same and fashion/what suits doesn't really come into the picture.

I was insanely jealous of someone wearing those trousers that unzip into shorts as they were incredibly practical.

Long sleeves also important to avoid mosquitoes.

Thank you really useful advice Madcats and AnnaMagnani. Really helps to have ideas where to start and what to look for

I already had walking trousers but I also bought khaki chinos along with me. It was cold in the morning for the dawn safari though I went in March and I just bought an old black puffa jacket with me.

I just wore trainers when we did the walking part.

Layers and layers and layers.
Trousers that unzip are fab
At least one long sleeved lightweight that can go back on to stop you being burned.
No camouflage stuff as illegal in some places if not army.
Get very cold when sun is down so first thing in morning and last thing in evening.

Get a fleece & a woolly hat for the early morning drives!

Midlifechic did a blog on this recently. Maybe worth a look for practical advice even if your style is different.

Just Google midlifechic to find it

Long time Kenya resident here!
It is a myth that you must be wearing all beige and Khaki, generally bright colours are not recommended as theory is it can scare the animals although if you are going to the maasai mara you could set a bomb of by the lions and they wouldn't flinch they're that used to humans so I doubt they're scared of bright colours.
However if you're worried any vaguely neutral colour will be fine, white, cream, pale blue, pale pink, Navy, Brown etc. don't stress about that to much. I wouldn't go buy a whole new wardrobe if you're unlikely to wear it again. If you are doing any form of walking safari then the colour thing becomes more important as you want to blend in and not startle anything while on foot.

Practically layers are essential, game drives start early and Kenya can be shockingly cold until the sun comes out particularly in British summer which is our cold season. Bring a couple of jumpers and a foldable puffer if you have one. Also long trousers for the evening (Jeans are fine). Bring some sturdy shoes and if you are walking some proper walking boots and lightweight long trousers. If you can say specifically where you are headed I could offer more advice as the weather can really vary across the country in June-August

Thank you all - I hadn’t picked up on the cold and need for layers so you have all just saved me from cold grumpy teenage boys !

We are going to the Maasai Mara at the tail end of August

Hopefully by the end of August it will be warming up a bit and you are likely to have lovely sunny days but the Maasai Mara is at high altitude so it gets chilly in the morning and evening and then if the sky is clear baking in the daytime!
In the Mara you're unlikely to be doing much outside your vehicle so my go to game drive outfit would be comfy yoga/exercise leggings, a Tshirt, jumper/fleece and a Jacket in a neutral colour and my comfy trainers. You will likely return to the lodge mid morning and can wear whatever you like while there, shorts/dresses if its warm, Jeans if its cold etc.
I had a look at the blog mentioned up thread and her outfits seem sensible! practical but not fancy dress level safari gear. However if you read it bare in mind she visited in February which is our hottest month and you'll be coming in August one of the coldest months.

Thank you again !

Pair of Craghoppers zip off sale bargain trousers ordered and I think I can probably get away with a good few bits I already have - result , so glad I asked on Mumsnet

I just wore normal clothes and lots of layers. Was freezing in the morning!

@hyacinthbluebell
Just buy a couple of neutral t shirts. Trousers are ok that become shorts. I usually just take trousers. Chinos or jeans work well. Over that, a pullover and fleece is a must plus a lightweight packable down jacket. M&S did one that packs into a small bag. Take a hat to keep your ears warm and gloves. You reduce your layers as it warms up. Standard trainers are fine if you are not walking. Leather is better.

Tip: if you get really cold, grab a blanket off the bed!

You will have a great time. Take a decent camera and binoculars.

Probably makes a difference which area of Kenya, but from my experience, everything we wore on safari there got covered in reddish-brown dust that never came out of any white or cream clothes, so my advice is go for as much terracotta coloured clothing as possible 😀

You might find this packing list by a blogger who just returned from a Safari in Kenia helpful: www.midlifechic.com/kenya-safari-what-to-expect-what-to-pack-part-1/

@WehIstMir
I have been to numerous African countries and done numerous safaris. A lot of that blog is questionable.

You do not drive up and down the rift valley changing altitude in one day. You stay in a safari camp. You might then move to another one but the temperature won’t vary much. They will vary from 6am to midday. I’ve never ever seen people change for evening other then find something clean. Often a clean shirt or t shirt. Chinos are not much different to any other sort of trousers, so why they were not worn is a mystery. Nothing better - although hiking trousers are definitely ok. However lots of women already own chinos so it keeps the cost down. They don’t take up much space if you leave dresses snd make up behind!

Taking a linen or cotton safari shirt or two makes sense. Not white. Khaki is ideal but doesn’t have to be. All the staff hsve them for a reason! Practical and long sleeves you can roll up. Safari lodges and camps usually offer laundry. We usually take soap and wash out t shirts ourselves. No one, absolutely no one will be judging you at dinner!! Or at any other time.

As for “fashion”! We did see some amazing Italians in Tanzania once. Big wide brimmed fedora style hats. Safari shirts with gold buttons. Dripping with chunky gold jewellery and huge sunglasses. A sort of “Versace goes on safari” look. Obviously most don’t dress like this but it was a fantastic effort from them.

Oh I forgot. We did see a British women wearing a pith helmet once. If you remember the little guy in It Ain’t Half Hot Mum, you have got the look. She had the shirts and long thick socks too.
Dress in what’s comfortable.

Early morning game drives can be very cold! Warm hat needed - the company we were with also had wonderful warm enormous ponchos which were a godsend.

it was warm enough in the afternoons to sit out in the sun and for the kids to swim, before it got chilly again.

I may have missed it, but a sports bra for the game drives it can get very bumpy. Agree Midlife chic advice is questionable on what to wear. She's now getting free holidays?

@Mercurial123 Its an odd post. She went with Titan. They are not safari specialists. If you go to small camps and sit around the fire in the evening, your dress isn’t remotely of interest.

I agree about not wearing white. You can easily kit yourself out at M&S for £100
if you already own a fleece and some chinos.

I guess because she's a fashion blogger and "influencer" then she has to mention fashion. In reality, it's very different from the safaris I've been on.

@Mercurial123 Me too! Just getting out my tiara for Botswana!

Be careful. The baboons may try to steal it lol.

@Mercurial123 Ha! One of the joys of safari is not having to think much about clothes for the evening. Just having clean ones!! It’s a bit like school uniform. Once you have the right stuff you don’t need to replace it!! M&S have a khaki t shirt for £8.50 though.