What to Wear on Safari Without Buying a Whole New Wardrobe
- Chelsea Rabeiro
- May 5
- 4 min read
Intro
Planning a safari sounds glamorous—until you’re staring at a 30 lb weight limit and trying to pack for game drives, city strolls, lodge dinners, and early mornings in open vehicles.
I didn’t want to buy an entirely new wardrobe for this trip, so I focused on building a realistic, rewearable capsule that would work across climates and activities—without sacrificing comfort or my personal style.
Where I’m Headed
This trip covers a lot of ground—Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, and a multi-stop safari through Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa’s Kruger region. I planned for cool coastal mornings, sunny afternoons, river excursions, bush walks, and elevated dinners—all while staying under the 30 lb limit required for safari flights.
This isn’t my usual packing situation (I typically use a hard-shell suitcase), but I adapted based on the itinerary. I’ll share what actually worked best once I’m back.
1. Shopped My Closet First
I started by pulling wardrobe staples I already owned: earth tones like olive, tan, white, and rust in breathable, lightweight fabrics.
Linen pants, cotton tanks, utility joggers, and breezy button-downs formed the foundation. The goal was to stick to items I already feel good in and could wear more than once.
2. Built a Capsule That Mixes, Matches & Layers
Every piece I packed had to be versatile. I stuck to a tight color palette so everything would layer and rotate easily.
Key items in my bag include:
Flowy dresses for Cape Town and lodge dinners
Neutral tanks and tees for layering
Light sweaters and one quarter-zip for early mornings
Button-downs for sun protection and evening wear
3. Planned to Rewear
I kept my wardrobe tight, knowing I’d rely on repeating outfits throughout the trip. Many safari lodges offer laundry service, and most fabrics I packed are quick-drying or wrinkle-friendly.
Instead of planning a different outfit for every day, I focused on easy combinations that could rotate throughout the trip with minimal fuss.
4. Function Over Fuss—But Still Me
I wanted to feel like myself—just safari-adapted. That meant:
Prioritizing breathable fabrics like linen and cotton
Choosing pieces I actually enjoy wearing
Including a couple of lightweight dresses I love
Bringing a scarf that adds interest and doubles as a sun shield or wrap
5. Shoes, Bags & Essentials
I kept accessories and footwear simple:
Trail sneakers for drives and walking safaris
Slip-on sandals for city days and casual dinners
A crossbody bag for essentials
A neutral scarf, hat, and sunglasses for sun and dust
No fancy heels, no extra bags—just practical, multi-use items that won’t weigh me down.
6. Safari Packing Tips: What Works (and What Doesn’t)
One of the biggest things I had to think about—more than I expected—was color. On safari, what you wear isn’t just about style. It’s also about blending in, staying cool, and avoiding unwanted attention (from insects and animals).
Here’s what I found most helpful while packing:
✅ Stick to Earth Tones
Colors like olive, khaki, tan, beige, brown, and muted rust or sage are ideal. They don’t stand out in the bush, they photograph beautifully, and they help you blend into your surroundings—which is important on game drives and especially on walking safaris.
❌ Avoid Bright Colors
Bold colors like red, orange, bright pink, or neon anything can be distracting to wildlife and aren’t practical. They also show dust and dirt more visibly.
❌ Skip Dark Blue and Black
These colors are known to attract tsetse flies, especially in regions like Zambia and Zimbabwe. I intentionally left behind anything navy or black to avoid drawing them in.
✅ Choose Fabrics That Breathe
Look for cotton, linen, or lightweight technical blends that wick moisture and layer well. I stayed away from anything too synthetic, stiff, or hot.
✅ Plan to Layer
Temperatures shift throughout the day—mornings can be cold, especially in open vehicles, and afternoons warm up fast. I packed light sweaters, button-downs, and a zip-up I can throw over a tank or tee and remove as the day warms up.
❌ Leave the Whites at Home
I love a crisp white outfit, but safari dust doesn’t. I limited myself to one or two lighter-colored pieces and kept the rest dust-friendly.
✅ Think Versatile, Not Volume
Instead of packing lots of different outfits, I focused on pieces that mix and match, with enough variety to rotate through without overthinking it.
7. How I Packed It All
I don’t use packing cubes. For this trip, I laid everything flat inside my duffel to reduce bulk and make better use of space.
I used a couple of soft organizer pouches for small items, but this was definitely not my typical packing method. I’ll be curious to see how it holds up during the trip—and what I’d do differently next time.
8. What I Left Out
To stay under the weight limit and avoid overpacking, I skipped:
Extra jeans
“Just in case” outfits
Dark-colored fabrics, which attract tsetse flies
Heavy jackets (I layered instead)
Safari style is practical, and I kept that in mind at every step.
9. Camera Gear Prep
If you’re into photography, make room for your gear—and prep it ahead of time. I packed two cameras with different lenses, along with a small, padded insert to keep things protected inside my personal bag.
I also made sure to:
Charge all batteries (and bring extras)
Clear and label memory cards
Set up custom modes for wildlife, low light, and fast action
Bring only what I’ll really use—every ounce matters
The last thing I want is to be fumbling with gear while a leopard walks by.
Packing for safari doesn’t mean you have to overhaul your wardrobe. With a few smart choices, some layering pieces, and a willingness to repeat outfits, it’s absolutely possible to pack light, stay comfortable, and still feel like yourself.
I’ll share how it all worked out after the trip. In the meantime, follow along on Instagram @chelaxadventures for daily moments, style snaps, and behind-the-scenes packing realities as this long-awaited adventure finally begins.
