clothes for safari in South Africa?

thekooman

hi all,
my wife and I are heading to Kruger National Park in South Africa for 4 days at the beginning of March. We were just wondering would anyone recommend clothing for going there?
i have some combat type shorts, will probably get a pair of outdoor shoes (merrills or the likes) and some t-shirts. as for the ladies, what would be good? obviously a decent hat to keep the sun off will be required for the both of us.

any help would be appreciated.

variety

I used to live in South Africa and every time friends/family visited I always gave them the same advice - bring warm jumpers and scarves (or pashminas). It gets REALLY cold at night, can sometimes drop by 20 degrees from the day. Funny noone ever heeded my advice but had to go shopping on the second day to buy the warm clothes.

Another must-have is anti-mosquitos wipes (like baby-wipes). They're the only things that really work. Forget about spray or lotions or candles etc - waste of money.

Enjoy it, though - a trip of a lifetime!

biko

Good sturdy boots and socks.
Shorts.
Money belt.
T-shirt.
Shell jacket (with a fleece vest inside).

Temp chart
http://goafrica.about.com/library/bl.weather.southafrica.htm

neilthefunkeone

This guy has it down...



Do you walk that much on a safari?? Or are you in a jeep all the time.. Pair of hiking boots all the same.. Shorts and tee and id say you are set!

TravelJunkie

I don't think you need sturdy boots. It will be too hot.
walking trainers or even those strappy walking sandals will do (special sandals for hiking check outdoor shops) I've also seen female versions in Clarkes.

semajnayr

i've been on driving safaris in flip flops, t shirt and shorts. couple of jumpers wouldn't go a stray as mentioned above.

i've been on walking safaris in okavango with soggy trainers, t shirt and shorts.

shanagarry

Agree with the comments above for warm clothes for after sunset, especially if going on night drives. I wouldn't spend too much on footwear, you won't do much walking and a good pair of runners should be adequate. I'd also bring long trousers for walks - the long grass picks, as I found out the hard way.

Finally, take care with your colour choices - the common safari colours became popular for a reason and bright colours or whites may affect your viewing experience and will be frowned on. Also, polo shirts are better than round neck t-shirts as you can turn up the collar to protect the back of your neck.

LaMer

100% on warm clothes after sundown. I was on safari in Addo and a few game drives in Oudtshoorn (Ok different region than Kruger, but still subtropical) in March last year and it was damn cold on the night drives and the morning drives, while heating up midmorning. Depends what weather you'll get, but it will heat up so wear something easily removable, less layers with more insulation maybe, because I was in Kruger in July and it was about 30c during the day, so got fairly uncomfortable with loads of layers - and that was midwinter.

If you're cold the safari companies often pack blankets, anyway. No matter how itchy. And my dad usually finds the hiking boots comfortable, not because of the walking, but because of resting his feet on the bars. I've never noticed it myself though.

thekooman

cheers everyone for the info. i have some grey t-shirts, combat type shorts and will bring a pair of pants as well. will have a hoodie or 2 as well for the cold nights. I have an old pair of converse that might do... could dump them after. there isn't much walking afaik.
as for the missus.... it'll be "i have to get this.... i have to get that!!" :-) will let ye know how it goes.

shanagarry

thekooman wrote: »

will have a hoodie or 2 as well for the cold nights.

Do not leave the jacket at home! Seriously, on a night drive in an open game vehicle, the wind will cut right through you!