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Safari is a Swahili word meaning long journey. The word was introduced in the English language in the 19th when Sir Richard Francis Burton used the word Safari to describe his expedition. In the past, Safari was associated with game hunting in East Africa. Today the term was come to encompass photographing and game watching in preserves all over Africa. Safari is now synonymous with booking a tour to known Safari sites in Serengeti, Masai Mara or the Chobe National Park and more.

If you are out on a Safari, you need the essential safari clothing. The plains of Africa present varied weather conditions. The days are hot and humid and the nights could be extremely cold. At certain times of the year, you could be drenched in a torrential rain. What then are the essential clothes to bring on a Safari?
Understand that you have to pack light. This is not the time to pack unnecessary articles of clothing. In a nutshell these are the essentials items of clothing that you need for your safari.

Shirts. Bring short sleeved and long sleeved shirts. The former is for day wear and the latter is for night wear. The sun could be pretty hot during the day that at times it is best to wear long sleeved shirts during the day too. Avoid colorful colored-shirts for they could attract the wildlife more so if you are on a “walking” safari. Stick to the basic khakis, shades of browns and olives. Choose shirts that are of light, wash and wear materials. Pack cotton undershirts and underpants.

Shorts and Pants. Pack both long and short pants. There zip-off pants that are convertible to shorts or long pants, available in retailer shops, are more convenient for you. Again choose colors that would blend with the view. You would not want to attract wildlife. Wearing long pants is your best protection against mosquito bites. Needless to say, you should bring insect repellants to swathe yourself with. If you intend to wear shorts during the day, remember to apply sunblock in parts exposed to the sun.

Hats. Choose wide brimmed hats to protect your face. The hat should be made of absorbent material on the inside and of waterproof material on the outside. It should be permeable yet durable to withstand sun, rain and dirt. The hat must be “squashable” – easy to pack into tight spaces in your luggage. There are a few specialty shops that sell Safari gears and outfits and such hats are available.

Shoes. Unless you are going on real long hikes, it is best to bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes. Bring a pair of sandals too if you would be spending a lot of time inside a vehicle while touring. However if your safari includes some trekking, it is best to wear mid-calf water resistant boots that has slip-proof soles. Remember to bring plenty of cotton socks.
Jackets. The early mornings and evenings could be quite chilly so pack a windbreaker, a sweater and for extra precaution a pair of gloves. If you are a keen photographer, then a bush jacket is right for you. A bush jacket has at least 10 pockets that you can use to store some your photographic paraphernalia.

Plans of dropping by a beach? Pack your swimwear and other essentials.
Remember to pack light. A safari trip entails a lot of small plane rides and luggage weight restriction is strictly observed.

Melody Ruto is an avid outdoorswoman and continually promotes the the correct safari clothes for a safari.

Article Source: Essential Safari Clothes for an African Safari