If there is one question that we get asked more than any other, it is ‘what do I need to wear for my safari?’

Your safari packing list does depend on what type of safari you are going on. Packing for a 4 day, first-time safari in the Kruger is vastly different to what you'll need for a 10 day walking trail in Namibia.

To khaki or not to khaki?
We rather like our khaki.

Safaris can be hot, dusty and sweaty (you wouldn’t have known that from watching Meryl Streep and her timeless, turn-of-the-century elegance in Out of Africa, would you?) Sticking to neutrals means your clothes won’t show the dirt! Adventure clothing might make you look like an intrepid overseas correspondent, but it is easy and quick to wash and usually doesn’t need ironing.

Most animals only see in black and white and don’t see the subtle differences between colours, however staying in a neutral palette makes you look the part and let’s face it, it's half the fun of a safari. On walking safaris your guide might request that you wear neutral coloured clothing to blend in. Be careful of blending in too much, though, as army camouflage is outlawed in some African countries!

The East African Tsetse flies are attracted to blue and black so especially in these areas we really recommend that you stick to neutral colours.

15kg luggage?
Many of the small flights in Botswana and East Africa are limited to 15kg of luggage per passenger in soft sided bags - this is necessary as often the light aircraft only have limited luggage compartments with very small doors. Unless the pilot can squish and flex your bag, it may not get in! Do also remember that some itineraries don’t double back on themselves so it may not always be possible to leave an extra bag of clothes at an airport for the next part of your trip. This is the kind of thing we think about at Knighton Reeve and will discuss with you as we plan your trip with you.

Shoes
We once witnessed a couple go on safari wearing identical snake boots up to their knees, the likes of which would not have looked out of place in the French Foreign Legion! For bush walks a comfortable pair of all terrain shoes or a trainer is more than perfect. If you are going on a more adventurous walk we’d say pick your shoes in the same way you would if you were going for a hike in the Peak District.

Wrap up and check your seasons
Many parts of Africa, especially those in Southern Africa experience their winter when the UK experiences their summer. This means that whilst the days can be hot and sunny, with clear blue skies, the lack of clouds means that the temperatures plummet at night. Add this to the fact that most game drives take place on open vehicles, and the wind chill factor, it is not surprising that the most comfortable safari goers are the ones dressed like they are going on a ski holiday! Most of the lodges do kit out the vehicles with blankets and hot water bottles, and their gift shops do a roaring trade in hats and gloves.