what to wear on safari

[beastmonkey]

I am going on Safari in September in South Africa, I will be doing 3 days and wondered if anyone has any tips on what clothing footwear I will need, I think it is more of a touristy safari rather than an alan quatremain type adventure, but and tips and advice appreciated

[Quentin_Crisp]

A loincloth will be ample and you'd look sexy too.

[Barmaid]

I would wear light clothing, but take a jacket. Whilst it gets hot during the day, your game drives will be early morning and early evening when the animals are most active and it can be cold then.

Don't wear bright colours (I'm not suggesting camouflage) and keep to dark greens and beiges.

I'd recommend flat sturdy footwear, whilst you won't be doing much walking, the little you do you will find the terrain is rough and dusty.

[carmalee]

take ordinary clothes but avoid anything bright or loud. also avoid any noisy materials and jangly jewellery. you will need a hat that won't blow off as you'll probably be in a open game viewing vehicle. wear long sleeves as you can either roll them up or down depending on the weather. wear sun screen and sensible shoes - depending which part of SA you are going to September can be chilly so take something warm. best take a small haversack to keep your bits and bobs in and stop them rolling about. the 'form' on a game drive is to sit up, shut up, watch and listen to your guide. ask questions in a moderate voice and do not stand up in the vehicle when predators are around. a good maxim to remember is 'in the vehicle out of the food chain, out of the vehicle in the food chain' - hope you have a brilliant time - where are you going? I used to run a private game reserve over there and my son owns a safari company and daughter lives on a game reserve so if I can help at all with anything just ask.

[Panic Button]

I had to laugh when I went on safari in Kenya, as we were all dressed in khaki, and camouflage colours.

We all then sat inside cars of various colours, and some of the minibuses were black and white striped, like zebras. We might as well have worn hi vis jackets, because animals would have to be stupid not to know we were there.

[carmalee]

meant to add - if you are flying into camp in a bush plane, your luggage allowance will be restricted to about 11/12 kgs.

[beastmonkey]

Thank you everyone, some good advice, not sure about a loin cloth, not quite got the body of adonis!

Carmalee I am off to the londi lozi.

[Rev Sermon]

We did a safari to Kruger a few years back. As Barmaid said the game drives were usually early morning, setting off at first light. At this time of the day driving around in the back of an open vehicle it was decidedly freezing so I would advise taking long trousers and a jacket or sweatshirt.

You'll want to change after breakfast as by midday it will be baking.

[jno]

you'll usually do two drives a day, one starting before dawn, one finishing after dark, so yes, take a fleece at least (though they may provide blankets in the van/jeep). You can take layers off once it starts to warm up. Longest zoom lens you can get if you're into photography.

[carmalee]

Best place on the planet to see leopard - they are so relaxed around vehicles you are almost guaranteed amazing sightings - am certain you are in for a great time - the bush is great in that area.

[beastmonkey]

fantastic, by chance I met two business men from South Africa last week, they too gave me some advice, and said the area was excellent. I can't wait.