Light, neutral colours – you should avoid dark black and blue clothes as they can attract certain insects, avoid bright patterns because they can attract mosquitos. There’s a good reason most safari clothes are in shades of beige, sand and khaki. White clothes might get a little grubby. At the same time, you should avoid black and very dark colours too, as they can attract Tsetse flies, which have an unpleasant and painful bite.
Easy care clothes – you’ll be in and out of vehicles and out in the wild, so the last thing you need is to be worried about clothes with fussy care instructions. Pick clothes that won’t wrinkle easily and are simple to wash and dry.
Comfort is key – think about how your clothes will feel after a long travelling. Ditch anything that digs in or makes you uncomfortable.
Long clothes – long sleeves and trousers or long skirts/shorts will help keep you covered, providing some level of protection from the sun and insects. This isn’t a replacement for insect repellant though, you’ll still need to pack that. You can get anti-insect safari clothing.
We suggest:
- Lightweight long sleeve shirt x 3
- Lightweight long sleeve tee x 2
- Lightweight fleece x 1
- Lightweight waterproof jacket x 1
- Warm jacket for cold mornings/evenings x 1
- Lightweight/convertible trousers x 2
- Lightweight shorts (optional)
- Safari socks x 4
- Swimwear? (the Sedia Hotel pool is cold)
- Quick-Drying Microfibre Towel medium size
- Merino wool thermals/pyjamas for sleeping
- A sunhat – the sun can be fierce, so protect yourself with a lightweight hat. Pick one with a brim to help keep the sun out of your eyes
- Beanie hat, warm scarf, and gloves – for the early morning starts and chilly evenings
- A buff/neck gaiter to protect your face from sand on travel days
- Sports bra – seriously. Some of the roads can get very bumpy and you’ll thank us for the extra support when you’re bouncing along. (Men, not so much!)
- Walking shoes (enclosed toe)
- Walking open toe sandals with good grip for Victoria Falls – your feet will get very wet
- Flip flops/thongs for around camp and night visits to your ensuite (or use your walking sandals)
- Sunscreen – non-perfume
- Sunglasses, with UV protection
- Binoculars (a must!) and camera
- Insect repellent roll-on
- Travel adaptor
- Head torch – you will get a lot of use out of this
Please note: There will be time to wash clothes while camping, often between the first and second game drives. Hotels offer a paid laundry service, but they will not wash underwear.