One of the most fun parts of an African Safari begins before you even leave home – shopping for your expedition! Black Friday and Cyber Monday are right around the corner. Here are six essential items which are not only Safari Chic, but can actually function to keep you safe while enjoying a majestic African Safari. Let’s start planning and shopping!
1. Sunglasses
While certainly chic, sunglasses are necessary in SubSaharan Africa. Being near the Equator, you want to protect your eyes from sun damage. It only makes your Safari more chic if your sunglasses are Chanel™ or Gucci™. Just make sure they have the proper Ultraviolet (UV) protection.
2. Boots
There are a lot of “creepy crawlies” in the Savannah. You want to protect your precious little toes from being bitten. There is no need to sacrifice fashion, just because you are in the wild. And, comfortable boots are an absolute necessity to keep you safe if you plan on taking a walking Safari.
3. Cargo Pants
Always a favorite with men, these will also be helpful to women on Safari. The pockets make for easy access to camera and video equipment. And, the pants protect your legs from sharp river grass if you are on a water Safari and from mosquitoes. They are so functional and fashionable that Michael Kors™ has a version of cargo pants in nearly every collection.
4. Safari Jacket
There is a saying among numerous tribes of SubSaharan Africa about how travelers do not believe, but they can, “freeze to death in Africa.” Realistically, unless you are summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, that is a bit of an exaggeration. But, the nights in the wild bush can get cold. A Safari jacket is the perfect piece of clothing to keep you warm, while insuring you still look good. And, like the cargo pants, the Safari jacket will help protect your arms from insects and sun damage.
5. Hat
Safari hats are iconic and synonymous with being in the African wilderness. While of course protecting your face from the harsh African sun, they also help protect your eyes. When taking all the wonderful photographs of your Safari, you may need to take off your sunglasses. You will still need to protect your eyes from the sun. A wide brimmed Safari hat does just that.
6. Scarf
The bushveld can be very dusty. Imagine your Safari Guide racing you through the Game Reserve, off to the next wildlife experience, and all the dust flying on the dirt roads. You may wish to have a scarf to keep from breathing in the dust. Fortunately, Hermes™ and Louis Vuitton™ have in recent years run Safari Collections. Stylish scarves are not only beautiful, they can keep your lungs clean and healthy on Safari.
One last note before you begin shopping for your adventure, all the items should be in what are known as “Safari Colours.” These are colors such as khaki, brown, linen or safari green, which will help you blend into the bushveld. These colours keep you safe by camouflaging you from the wildlife, allowing you to be part of the awe inspiring African bush, safely.
Enjoy shopping for your African Safari essentials. You will have pictures of magical Africa including many of yourself being safe, stylish and Safari Chic!
Happy Day! Safe Safari!
