Safari Clothing – 4 Essential Tips You Wont Want To Ignore

Your dream safari trip is drawing nearer, and there are some essential tips to remember about safari clothing that will make that trip a whole lot more comfortable. Dont neglect them. Its not just about your comfort ” its about keeping you safe from common hazards.

Rule Number 1

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Dont wear strong or dark colors ” light, natural tones are best. (But not white ” it marks too easily.)

Your clothes are going to be barraged with an awful lot of light and heat. Light clothing will reflect a good deal of the suns rays back, whereas dark clothing will absorb every bit of heat. Youll notice a significant difference, if you try this out under the hot African sun.

Also, long and loose light-colored clothing will protect your skin from burning.

Rule Number 2

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Long sleeves are better in strong sun and at night

The prime time for insects (mostly mosquitoes) occurs in early morning, late afternoon, and evening ” without a long sleeved, cuff-buttoned shirt you increase the risk of being bitten. Protect your ankles and wrists (the two places mosquitoes particularly love) with long pants that leave no skin exposed, closed collars and tight cuffs. It may feel a little less comfortable than that breezy short-sleeve shirt ” but it will definitely reduce the risks of catching a disease via a mosquito bite.

And it isnt just mosquitoes you have to worry about, in certain parts of Africa: in addition to Malaria, you can catch sleeping sickness from the tsetse fly (though cases of sleeping sickness are admittedly more rare).

Tip # 3

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Natural fabrics are better than synthetic

Natural cotton will keep you a lot cooler than any other fabric. Perhaps not as crisp-looking ” but definitely cooler.

Health Benefit: Natural cotton clothing will help protect you against heat stroke.

Rule Number 4

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That would be your hat!

Preferably a light-colored, breathable, wide-brimmed one. And take bobby pins or see that it has a drawstring, to make sure it doesnt get blown off!

The right hat can mean the difference between comfort and sun stroke.

Dont forget something cotton, loose and cool to sleep in.

And youll want to make sure that your safari wear includes a plethora of pockets ” youd be amazed how many essential things youll need to stuff into them: bug repellent, band aids, hairpins, lenses, sodium pills, lip balms and mini tubes of sunscreen lotion, polarized sun glasses (an absolute essential) The list could be endless!

Do make sure youre not one of those people who forget to bring warm clothing for night time. You might be surprised at how much African temperatures can drop, once the hot sun has gone to rest.

Starting with the 4 basic rules for safari clothing will help keep you not only cool and comfortable on your Africa vacation ” but safer too!

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