What to Wear on Safari in Botswana

(And Why You Don’t Need to Buy a Full Khaki Safari Outfit)

If you’ve ever Googled “what to wear on safari,” chances are your search results were flooded with perfectly curated photos of people in head-to-toe khaki, complete with wide-brimmed hats, linen button-downs, and boots that look more Indiana Jones than necessary.

But let’s be real for a second—while those outfits look cute on Instagram, they’re not exactly required gear for exploring Botswana or any other African countries. In fact, comfort, practicality, and dressing for the weather will serve you way better than trying to look like you walked straight out of a safari outfit fashion catalog.

So if you’re wondering how to pack for your safari adventure, here’s what you really need to know:

You Don’t Need the“Safari Uniform”

Let’s start with the biggest myth: you do not need to wear head-to-toe khaki. Unless you’re going on a walking safari (more on that in a second), blending into the bush isn’t a big deal. Most game drives happen in vehicles, and the animals are used to them; your clothing color isn’t going to spook a lion from 50 feet away if you’re sitting inside a truck.

Now, if you are doing a walking safari, it’s a different story. In that case, you’ll want to stick to neutral tones like beige, olive, tan, or grey to blend in and avoid drawing attention. Bright colors, white, and black can either attract insects or make you stand out to wildlife, which is definitely not what you want when you’re on foot.

But for the rest of your trip? Skip the full khaki wardrobe. Trust me.

Dress for the Hot Days

Botswana gets hot. Like, desert-dry, sun-blazing, “why did I wear jeans” kind of hot. So the focus should be on lightweight, breathable fabrics. Think cotton, linen, moisture-wicking athletic fabrics—whatever keeps you cool and comfortable.

Here are a few essentials for daytime:

Loose, breathable tops (short or long sleeve)
Comfortable shorts or light pants
Sun hat or cap (with a strap if you’re on open vehicles)
Sunglasses with UV protection
Closed shoes or hiking sandals (some camps prefer closed shoes on drives)

Don’t forget sunscreen and a refillable water bottle—hydration and sun protection are key!

Prepare for the Cold Nights

One of the biggest surprises for many travelers to Botswana is how cold it can get at night—especially during the dry season (May through September). You’ll spend your mornings and evenings out on game drives, often before sunrise or after sunset, and let me tell you… it gets chilly real fast.

So, while you’re packing for warm weather, don’t skip on these cold-weather layers:

A warm fleece or hoodie
Light jacket or windbreaker
Leggings or long pants for layering
Warm socks and a beanie (yes, really)

Some camps will give you blankets for the morning drives, but it’s better to be prepared with your own cozy layers—especially if you’re someone who gets cold easily.

What to Wear Around Camp

When you’re hanging out at your lodge or tented camp, things are super laid-back. You don’t need anything fancy, but you do want to be comfortable. Botswana is all about relaxing and enjoying nature, so think casual and functional:

T-shirts or tank tops
Loose-fitting pants or shorts
Flip-flops or sandals
Swimsuit (some lodges have pools!)

Some higher-end lodges may do a “smart casual” dinner vibe, but even then, there’s no need for heels or dresses unless you really want to pack them.

A Note on Insects

Botswana is home to mosquitoes and other bugs, especially in the wetter months. So, long sleeves and pants in the evenings can help keep bites at bay. You might also want to bring:

Bug spray (look for one with DEET or picaridin)
Mosquito-repellent clothing if you’re extra sensitive
Anti-itch cream—just in case

Final Packing Tips

Stick to neutral tones: Even if khaki isn’t required, sticking to earth tones helps avoid attracting insects and blends better in nature.
Pack light: Many safari flights have strict luggage weight limits, especially in small planes. Use soft-sided bags and pack efficiently.
Don’t stress about fashion: Botswana is about the experience, not the outfit. As long as you’re comfortable, safe, and respectful of the culture and environment, you’re good to go.

Want to know more about what to pack for Botswana or tips for planning your trip? Check out our Travel Tips for Botswana and Basic Words in Tswana guides!

Are you ready to start discovering Botswana?

Here are the tours I did and personally recommend!

Are you ready to start discovering Botswana?

Here are the tours I did and personally recommend!