What to Bring on an African Hunting Safari

The great thing about safari in South Africa is that the staff at the lodge does your laundry everyday, so you don’t need to pack heavy. Most people can probably fit everything into a 40-liter carry-on case or backpack. If you are traveling with a rifle case, then it is nice to have no additional baggage charge and just use a carry-on. However, you might want a larger suitcase if you plan to bring back souvenirs.

You only need three pairs of pants and three shirts, plus your layers and undergarments. I fit all of those in a 40-liter pack without issue.

Here are some tips for what your kind of clothing to bring:

• Safari clothing should be light brown, khaki, olive or light green.
• Avoid bright colors such as blue, pink, orange etc. You want to blend in, not stand out.
• Avoid dark colors such as black or dark They attract insects you want to avoid, like the tsetse fly.
• Camo is illegal in some countries in Africa. However, it is legal in South Africa and Namibia. In South Africa, your PH is not likely to be wearing camo. While it isn’t necessary, if you feel more comfortable in camo, then bring it.
• Your clothes are washed in hot water and ironed daily to kill any ticks or tsetse fly larva. For that reason, 100% cotton is a good choice for your pants and shirts, since they won’t melt under an iron like synthetics do.
• Wear clothing that is comfortable, since you will be out hunting and walking for most of the day.
• Some of the lodges might have pools, so don’t forget your bathing suit.
• Sunglasses are a great item to have to spot animals easier in the brush during the brightest parts of the day.

I opted for some simple short-sleeve and long-sleeve cotton shirts from Cabela’s/Bass Pro. They were inexpensive at $20 a shirt and performed well. As a bonus, I didn’t have to worry about ripping or tearing them up since they were so inexpensive. I wore long sleeves most of the time to protect myself from the sun. I didn’t overheat, and it was nice to have the extra protection from the thorns and brush.

I found it difficult to find 100% cotton pants. Most places sell cotton with some sort of blend to them. I personally wanted pants that were midweight and could hold up to the thorns that you encounter in the bush. I went with the Orvis Ultimate Khakis, and while they cost a bit more than I wanted to spend, it was well worth it. They look great and didn’t rip or tear in the multiple days of stalking. I still use them, so it was worth the investment.

For socks, I recommend some midweight wool socks like the Smartwool hiking crew socks. They have lots of cushion and are tall enough to be above your gaiters, which are around your ankles. Wool is breathable, regulates your body temperature, and wicks away moisture. Wool socks will keep your feet dry and happy.

For underwear, it all comes down to preference. Remember, you are going to be walking and hiking in the heat through the brush. I recommend the ExOfficio brand for keeping you cool and dry.

The mornings are going to be cool, sometimes downright chilly, so bring a few layers with you. A light jacket or hoodie, maybe a fleece vest are good options. You can take them off as things warm up and then put them back on in the evening as the temperatures drop again. During the winter months (June-August) you’ll want a thicker jacket, beanie, and gloves.