Planning a safari adventure? It is essential to prepare yourself properly. From the choice of clothing to the selection of appropriate footwear. There are several factors to consider to ensure comfort, safety, and enjoyment throughout your trip. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to choose the best footwear and clothing to pack! Let’s start.
It is important to choose the right shoe to wear on Safari
Let’s start with the shoes, one of the most crucial considerations when preparing for a safari. In Africa, soils can be very variable and uneven, with sandy, muddy, rocky areas, and the climate can be hot and humid. Therefore, the shoes must be sturdy, durable, and able to withstand these harsh conditions.
Choosing the right shoes is crucial: imagine walking through the African savannah in the wrong shoes; it could turn an exhilarating experience into a nightmare of discomfort and health risks. Let’s take a look at what makes the shoes perfect for tackling the African jungle!
Expert’s recommended footwear: types and charateristics
First of all, they must be comfortable and lightweight. Think about it: you’ll have to walk for a long time, maybe even on uneven terrain, so heavy and uncomfortable shoes aren’t really for you. Instead, choose closed-toe shoes, such as sneakers or hiking boots, that give you the support you need without weighing you down.
Also, consider the strength and sturdiness of the shoes. The savannah can be unpredictable, with sandy, muddy, and even rocky soils. Look for shoes with non-slip soles and good traction to avoid slips and ensure a stable and safe walk. If you plan to cross rivers or wetlands, opt for waterproof boots with good ankle padding to protect you from water and threats you may encounter along the way.
Finally, keep an eye on the breathability of the shoes. In hot and humid conditions, it’s crucial to keep your feet cool and dry to avoid discomfort and health problems. So, choose breathable materials that allow for proper ventilation and moisture management, so you can focus only on the beauty of African nature, without worrying about your feet!
The shoes you should definitely avoid when going on Safari
Absolutely avoid wearing light or fragile shoes, such as open-toed sandals or flip-flops. They may seem comfortable, but they don’t offer the protection and support you need on a safari. Imagine coming face-to-face with an elephant while wearing open-toed sandals, better not risk it!
At the same time, try to avoid shoes that are too heavy or stiff that may limit your agility and freedom of movement. You need to be ready to move nimbly through the savannah, so heavy shoes are not the best choice.
Photo credit: Adidas website
And please, leave shoes that retain excess heat and moisture, such as leather shoes, at home. In hot and humid climates, your skin can become a nightmare, causing discomfort and potential foot problems, such as blisters. So, opt for breathable materials that allow you to stay cool and dry while exploring the African nature.
Men’s shoes
Photo credit: outsidershop
For men, nothing beats hiking shoes, and we recommend the Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX, which offer excellent grip and protection against moisture thanks to waterproof GORE-TEX technology. Designed for long hikes, durable yet lightweight, they are just what you need for a comfortable safari.
Women’s shoes
Instead, for women who want to explore the beauty of the savannah in total comfort but without sacrificing style, we highly recommend the adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2 shoes.
The Continental™ outsole provides unbeatable grip on all types of terrain, while the Primeknit upper conforms to the foot for optimal support. These shoes are also waterproof thanks to the hydrophobic finish, perfect for tackling variable conditions. And with Boost technology in the midsole, you’ll get cushioning on even the most uneven terrain.
Photo credit: Adidas
Children’s shoes
Photo credit: The North Face
And for little explorers who want to take on safari adventures without worrying about parents, The North Face Fastpack shoes are ideal.
With DryVent™ waterproof membrane and a breathable mesh construction, these shoes protect feet from rain and mud without making them sweat. The cushioned midsole with a slight rocker design helps young explorers propel themselves to their next destination, whether it’s on gravel rocks or steep terrain.
The super-soft collar protects ankles during strenuous hikes. And with a reflective tongue to be visible even in low-light conditions, these shoes provide maximum safety.
Now that you have the right shoes, it’s time to decide on clothing.
What to wear on Safari?
When thinking about what to wear for a safari, comfort is the top priority. Yes, that’s right! Because we want you to be able to enjoy every single moment without worrying about anything. So, here’s the first tip: opt for practical and breathable clothes that allow you to move freely and without problems.
But be careful, don’t forget to consider the season you’ll be in Africa.
For example, if you’re planning your South Africa safari during the spring, which starts towards the end of August, be prepared for changeable weather, just like what you might find in Europe or the United States. There may be warm, sunny days, but nighttime temperatures may surprise you with a bit of coolness.
So, be sure to bring a range of clothing with you, from T-shirts to shorts and swimwear, but don’t forget to add a warmer jacket for cooler evenings as well. And don’t let the rain catch you unprepared: an umbrella or hat could come in handy!
If, on the other hand, your safari is planned during theSouth African summer, be prepared for hot or even scorching temperatures, especially in the northern provinces. It’s going to be a real sun odyssey! So, arm yourself with light, heat-appropriate clothing. Keep in mind that, especially in the northern regions, summer rains can peep out, so don’t forget to include some warmer items in your suitcase for cool days or impromptu rains.
Men’s outfit
Men might opt for lightweight, breathable pants, such as cargo pants, paired with long-sleeved shirts made of lightweight fabric. Choose neutral colors such as beige, khaki, or green to blend in with your surroundings. Be sure to wear sturdy and comfortable shoes that are suitable for long walks and uneven terrain.
Women’s outfit
The same advice applies to women. You could pack soft pants or long skirts, paired with long-sleeved linen shirts to protect your skin from the sun and insects, or opt for long, lightweight dresses with long sleeves. Even for women, it is advisable to choose neutral colors to blend in with their surroundings. Don’t forget to wear sturdy and comfortable shoes to tackle the terrain.
Children’s outfit
For children, it is crucial to ensure comfortable and safe clothing. Choose soft, breathable pants and shirts that allow them to move freely. Make sure they wear closed-toe and comfortable shoes to protect their feet when hiking. Even for children, it is advisable to choose neutral colors to blend in with their surroundings.
The importance of colors: which ones to choose to avoid bad surprises
As we have already mentioned, it is important to choose the right colors to wear. When going on a safari, the goal is to spot wildlife, not be spotted by it. And precisely for this reason, it is essential to blend in with the environment as much as possible to avoid attracting unwanted attention. This is especially true for bike or walking safaris, where you get very close to the animals.
Avoid camouflage clothing, which is often reserved for military personnel in some African nations. Instead, opt for earthy, neutral hues like brown, khaki, and gray. Avoid white, cream, and other light colors that highlight dust and dirt, while blue might attract tsetse flies.
Other useful items to take with you
There are also plenty of other items not to forget to slip into your suitcase for a truly spectacular safari! So, first of all, make sure you have a nice cotton hat ready to protect you from the scorching sun. Sunglasses are a must-have to keep sand and UV rays away.
And speaking of sunscreen, don’t forget about the sunscreen! You don’t want to end up like a shrimp at the end of the day, right? And for chapped lips, good old lip balm is just what you need.
But there’s more! If you really want to take in every single detail of the wildlife, you can’t do without binoculars!
And if you’re on the “Let’s Respect the Environment” team, a reusable water bottle is just what you need to reduce plastic lying around. What can I say, a small gesture to save the planet, right?
Don’t forget insect repellent, especially if you go to those places where tsetse flies peep out. Oh, and when you spray it, don’t skimp on clothes, because those bugs can sting through!
And so you don’t stay in the dark when night falls, be sure to bring an adapter for electrical outlets and a flashlight that clips onto your head.
And last but not least, the medical kit. It’s not sexy, we know, but trust us, it could save your life in case of minor accidents. A supply of medicines is just what you need to get through any mishap without any problems.
Now you’re ready to go. But before we say goodbye and wish you a safe trip, we have a few tips to help you choose the perfect park for your adventure!
Africa’s most famous parks for an unforgettable safari
Among the best safari parks in the world, the natural wonders of Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania and Botswana stand out.
Kenya
Kenya offers the famous Masai Mara, one of the most fascinating reserves on the continent, where you can come across the famous “big five” and experience unique emotions among the African savannah.
South Africa
South Africa boasts the renowned Kruger National Park, a true paradise for nature lovers, where you can venture out in search of lions, elephants, rhinos and other fascinating species.
Tanzania
Tanzania welcomes you with the magical Serengeti National Park, famous for the spectacular migrations of wildebeests, gazelles and zebras, a true spectacle of nature that will leave you breathless.
Botswana
Finally, Botswana will surprise you with the evocative Chobe National Park, where you can get an up-close look at elephants drinking along the banks of the Chobe River and immerse yourself in a wild and unspoiled atmosphere.
Whichever you choose, a safari in one of these wonderful parks will give you unforgettable experiences and close encounters with wildlife. Get ready for a unique adventure. Happy Safari!
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