Planning a safari is exciting, but amidst the thrill of imagining close encounters with wildlife, it’s easy to overlook small details — like what to wear. You’re not going to walk the runway in the bush, however, the colours you choose to wear can affect your wildlife-viewing activities.
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There is more than one reason why you should consider wearing neutral tones on safari:
Blending in to avoid spooking animals
Neutral colours like khaki, beige, olive, and brown are safari staples for good reason.
They blend well with the natural surroundings, helping you become part of the landscape rather than standing out.
Wildlife are often sensitive to movement and colour, so wearing clothing that matches the earthy tones of the bush helps you remain inconspicuous. This gives you a better chance at observing animals up close without startling them.
Ditching bugs
If you’ve never encountered tsetse flies, count yourself lucky. These bugs are attracted to bright and dark colours, especially blue and black. Opting for neutral, lighter shades can significantly reduce your appeal to these biting insects. Your comfort levels will thank you for this simple choice.
The African sun is fierce
Even though black is slimming, safari days can be long and hot. Light-coloured, neutral clothing reflects sunlight instead of absorbing it, helping regulate your body temperature. As a bonus, these colours are great at hiding the inevitable dust and dirt that come with safari adventures. You’ll stay looking (and feeling) fresher throughout the day.
Image: Unsplash / Matthew Henry
Colours to avoid wearing on safari
Leave your vibrant reds, yellows, and whites at home. These colours can startle animals, causing them to flee before you’ve had a chance to observe them.
Dark colours such as black and blue are also best avoided on safari. They absorb heat and, as mentioned, are irresistible to tsetse flies and mosquitoes.
Although light clothing is recommended, pure white is too stark against the natural environment. It’s also impractical, showing every speck of dust. Opt for off-whites or very light khakis instead if you want to go lighter.
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