In Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and South Africa during June – August, it is colder (55-65 degrees Fahrenheit) in the mornings and evenings. During the day, it can still get up to warmer temperatures (70-75 degrees Fahrenheit), this means you need to be prepared for both. Once you get into October, temperatures start to rise and through December and January especially you can expect temperatures in the 90s during the day.
Also, know that June and July in this part of Africa is the dry season, the opposite is true for December and January where there’s green vegitation and rain. There’s lots of dust and things flying around in general. With all the dust and stuff flying around, you will get dirty and generally feel grimy at the end of the day. Don’t bring fancy clothes, instead wear outdoor gear that is made for wear and tear.
You want to blend in with the surroundings because of the animals. Animals can see you in bright colors. Try making sure you blend in so that you can get closer to animals by wearing camels, grays, and generally neutral tones that blend in with the surroundings.
You will want an outfit for each day that is different as you will get sweaty, dirty, and windblown by the end of the day.
- Comfortable, sturdy shoes — You want close-toed shoes as you’ll be hopping in and out in the bush, which can have lots of creatures.
- APRIL – SEPT: Long sleeve shirt and pants that are breathable. I wore my Colombia trail pants and an ExOfficio safari shirt (repels bugs too!). The key here is to wear long sleeves that rolled up to quarter sleeves. If I was hot, I could roll up both my pants and shirt to make them shorter. This was perfect considering the cold temperatures in the morning and hot in the afternoon.
- OCT – MARCH: Short sleeve shirt and convertable pants or shorts that are breathable. Bring a long sleeve shirt for layering in the morning. I wore some linen shorts and a short sleeve top with my ExOfficio safari shirt (repels bugs too!). The key here is to wear long sleeves that you can take off as it gets hotter through the day. You will get hot, but the mornings in the open air vehicle are still very cold for short sleeves (like in the 60s).
- ExOfficio Vest — I brought this vest with me to Machu Picchu, and it was pretty much the best decision ever, so I knew I had to bring it on my safari. Since I had my vest, I was able to pack all my essentials on my person and didn’t even have to carry a bag during the day, which was perfect. I could just grab my things out of my pockets. Plus, all pockets were secure on my person, so I didn’t worry about losing any of my things. Highly recommend it!
- Hat — I didn’t bring a hat and really regretted it!
- Sunglasses — You don’t want to be squinting at animals and miss something! The sun is strong here. Use code MEGHANELISE15 for 15% off your MVMT order.
- Outfit for relaxing at your lodge each evening after your safari
Safari in July in Bostwana
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