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Best safari clothing: brands, clothes & tips for African safaris

You’re off on safari! You’ve done all the research , purchased the guide books , and the tickets are hot in your hand.

But most importantly, you’re getting ready to pack your ultra-light bag with everything you’ll need for your trip of a lifetime.

You’ve read all the advice you can handle (perhaps even this post on how to pack for safaris for your African bush adventure).

But when it comes down to the line, you still have no idea whether your favorite sweater is going to be a help or a hindrance, if you should pack jeans, how many pairs of socks are enough, and what on earth to expect once you are out in the wild.

What to wear on safari is something of a conundrum , the answer to which is entirely dependent on whether you are a complete slave to fashion and constantly worry about your appearance.

Or whether you don’t care if your trousers absolutely match your shirt and if your shoes co-ordinate properly with your camera bag.

So, in a bid to help sort the wheat from the chaff when it comes to safari style, this guide aims to highlight the best safari clothing brands and tips for your next trip to Africa .

African Safari Clothes: 7 Useful Tips

The African savanna has seen virtually every take on both the best and worst dressed safari goers , including some of the most practical and impractical safari gear around.

This includes everything from haute couture animal prints hot off the Milan catwalk, to Prada stilettos getting stuck in between the slats of wooden decks, and $300 silk scarves ripped to shreds by thorn bushes.

There are also tales of wild baboons getting hold of Victoria’s Secret lingerie and leaving it draped for all to see high in the branches of an acacia tree.

There are plenty of stories about complete wardrobe disasters—but to ensure you’re not one of them, here is a list of useful tips on how to dress for safaris .

1. Leave the luxury safari clothing at home

Lesson 1 in safari style is to NEVER take your best clothes into the bush .

If you find a pair of shorts, trousers, or a top you love and know that it would break your heart to have it ruined on safari, it’s probably best to leave it at home .

Instead, look for clothing that is specifically suited for the wild . And if the item comes in different colors, buy the range!

This way, over the years, you’ll acquire a variety of clothes which come everywhere with you. Look out for clothes that you can team together to create practical yet stylish outfits.

2. Keep your clothes for safari simple

Lesson 2 is learning how many of each item you will need . As a rule of thumb, always go with four of the basics.

Four pairs of shorts , four pairs of cut-off pants , four string vests , four t-shirts , four pairs of long pants , four button-through shirts (two of which are long-sleeved), four sets of underwear , four pairs of socks … you get the drift, I am sure!

When traveling in winter or during the colder months of the year, add to this scenario two lightweight long-sleeve t-shirts and two knitted sweaters , plus two fleeces or warm jackets , thermal long johns , gloves , a scarf , and a beanie .

When considering your safari apparel, ALWAYS pack a swimsuit and a couple of sarongs/kikoys . Even in the winter, it’s usually warm enough to suntan during the day and sometimes even swim.

3. Your safari wear should include comfortable shoes

Lesson 3 concerns footwear . In the heat of the summer, it is best to pack at least two pairs of “bush slops” – flip flops (thongs) which are heavy-duty, waterproof, and good enough to handle walking in the light bush for game drives.

You may also need two or three pairs of fashionable flip-flops or sandals for around camp and evening meals, and a pair of good walking shoes ( Merrells ) for walking safaris.

In the winter, replace the walking shoes with walking boots and add a pair of lightweight faux-fur lined “trendy” flat boots for evening wear.

4. Safari fashion: accessories

Accessorize – that’s the key to lesson 4 – it’s the difference between a good safari wardrobe and a bad one. Two or three lightweight colored scarves and/or wraps are a must in any safari bag .

Usually, they have beadwork or applique of some description on them. These are useful for dressing up even the most conservative safari outfit—great if you’re looking to add a dash of glamor to your evening meals. Team them up with a couple of great “ethnic” bead necklaces and earrings .

Another essential item to include with your safari attire is a hat —and these can most certainly be fun. Pack in a couple of lightweight, floppy straw sun-hats, as these are great for game drives or tiger fishing.

Another good option is the usual peak baseball-style caps.

5. What to wear on safari – quality

Lesson 5 is all about quality . Everything you take into the bush with you needs to stand the test of time.

This includes the elements of the African wild, the rigors of hand-washing, and bumping and grinding in the back of a safari vehicle halfway across Africa.

So it’s important to check your clothes before you pack to make sure they can be hand-washed, aren’t going to fall apart the first time you wear them, and are not likely to fade too drastically when hung in the sun to dry.

The material of your clothing is also important. When out in the wild, it is best to stick to strong natural materials like hemp , linen , leather , and wool .

Nylon and polyester also tend to provide adequate protection against the elements.

6. Best safari clothing brands

Wondering where to buy safari clothes? Most of the high-street fashion chains carry good quality fashionable safari clothes which will stand up to the average safari conditions.

As such, you may be able to avoid the need to go to specialist outfitters and camping/outdoor stores where things tend to cost a lot more.

And, of course, the big brands like Jeep (a favorite with safari goers because their clothes are practical, hard-wearing, and pretty at the same time) and Cat always have some great clothes for safaris—including some of the best safari shirts.

In addition to these, here are several more reliable brands to consider when buying safari clothes:

• Columbia — this is a good option for those seeking affordable safari clothing that is still good quality.
• First Ascent — if you’re buying safari clothes in South Africa, keep an eye out for this brand as it offers some excellent quality clothing.
• Patagonia — while the brand is more expensive, they provide some of the highest quality outdoor clothing and gear on the market.
• REI — if you’re shopping online, REI is often the go-to for outdoor gear. Their house brand is affordable and offers many items that will serve you well on your safari.
• Ruggedwear — proudly South African, it is an official partner of the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA).
• Sapmok — footwear for every adventure. Comfy. Durable. And stylish.

7. What color clothing for African safaris

Finally, lesson 7 concerns white . Do you take white clothes into the bush with you? Hell yes.

As long as you don’t expect them to remain white for long and can accept the fact that no matter where you wear them, they’re bound to get a little dirty. It’s more or less a bush essential in my book because it reflects sunlight , keeps you cool and goes with everything .

Everyone says, “don’t wear white on a safari vehicle,” – but this is far from the truth. However, white isn’t the only color that’s good for safaris.

When dressing for safaris, the basic color range is simple: khaki , beige , white, and brown (or variations thereof).

Avoid black and blue during the day because they attract tsetse flies .

But do occasionally take these colors for evening wear when the tsetses have gone to bed.

What to Wear on an African Safari: Checklist

Now that you’re all clued up with what to consider when deciding what clothes to wear on a safari, it’s time to pack.

Here’s a checklist to ensure you don’t miss anything.

Africa safari clothing list

Below are some of the most essential pieces of clothing to bring along on a safari:

• 4 safari shirts
• 4 casual t-shirts or vests
• 4 safari pants or shorts
• 4 pairs of blister-proof socks for safari walks
• 3 pairs of pajamas
• 2 warm fleece tops or jackets (good for a summer or winter safari outfit)
• 2 pairs of flip-flops or sandals (one for the wild and one for at the lodge)
• 2 safari dresses (for at the lodge)
• 2 swimming costumes
• 1 waterproof jacket
• 1 kikoy or sarong
• 1 wide-brim hat or baseball cap
• 1 pair of safari shoes or boots

Safari gear and accessories list

In addition to clothing, you should include the following items when packing for a safari:

• 4 pairs of anti-chafing tights (good for walking safaris)
• 2 pairs of garden gloves (useful for gorilla trekking safaris)
• 2 pairs of ankle gaiters
• 1 pair of sunglasses
• 1 bottle of sunscreen
• 1 safari belt

Start Packing Your African Safari Clothing

There’s nothing quite like getting down and dirty on an African safari. Whether you’re going on a game drive or a walking safari, you’re sure to come in contact with the various elements of the wild—and not to mention the wildlife, too.

For this reason, having the correct clothing is important . This will protect you during excursions and allow you to blend in better with the natural environment.

So next time you’re contemplating what to wear on African safaris, review the list above . These useful tips will guarantee you have a pleasant experience, both at the lodge and in the bush.

So what are you waiting for? Check out these incredible African safari deals and start packing!

About The Author

Sharon van Wyk

Related posts.

African safari packing list – What to bring on a trip to Africa

Best safari luggage – Duffel bags & backpacks for African travels

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What to Wear on Safari: Safari Clothes for Men, Women, and Kids

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, I may receive a commission.  This does not cost you anything additional, and helps me to keep the rest of my content free, so thank you!

What to wear on safari

What to wear on safari – safari clothes for women.

Safari outfit ideas – Safari clothing for men

Safari Fashion – Safari clothes for kids

We were able to keep our daily dressing pretty effortless by organizing our safari outfits in advance of the trip. We packed with the planned outfits bundled together, along with a post-it note detailing the shoes and accessories we’d wear with the outfit. This was especially helpful for days that we had early game-viewing drives, or when we’d have to pack and depart quickly for the next destination. We’d just pull out a bundle (along with socks, underwear, shoes, and accessories) and were good to go. 

I hope this post inspires you to see that your family can be both stylish and practical while on safari if that’s what you desire. Pin these safari outfit ideas for women, men, and kids for your family travel fashion inspiration!

More safari fashion inspiration for what to wear on a safari trip:

• 10 Safari Outfit Ideas for Women
• Safari Fashion: DIY Layered Jute Bangle Bracelets
• Safari Fashion: Best Boots for a Safari Trip

Related travel posts on our Kenyan safari:

• Our Family’s Magical Kenyan Safari Experience
• The Fab Fam on Safari, Day 1: Nairobi, Kenya
• The Fab Fam on Safari, Days 2-3: Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
• The Fab Fam on Safari, Days 4-5: Lake Nakuru, Kenya
• The Fab Fam on Safari, Days 5-7: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

cozy detaiz says

December 5, 2018 at 5:15 pm

Awesome post.Thanks For share this post wit us.The urge to boost our physical look with jewellery is unchanged. Man leather Bracelet part of our body is adorned with jewellery, be it ear rings for the ears, anklets String Bracelet ankles or neckpieces for the necks.

Tolbert says

October 29, 2020 at 8:13 am

Ramona Cruz-Peters says

October 29, 2020 at 8:36 am

double rider says

August 22, 2023 at 8:19 am

You got to wear light clothes on a safari not to attract animals but to stay cool in the heat!

[…] fabulous during the trip, but not see much use afterwards. For example, the outfits I planned for a Kenyan safari and a trip to France were perfect for those trips, but were hardly (if ever) worn […]

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Safari Clothing

Warm outdoor & safari clothing is vital for just about all northern hemisphere outdoor adventures - and on safaris & travels to Africa, India and beyond where dawn & evening game drives, bush walks, & time spent outside can get chilly. It can get very hot - even in Africa - but it can get very cold too. Prepare by packing a snug outdoor & safari warm layer.

• Boys' & Girls'
• Trousers & Shorts
• Jackets & Fleeces
• Safari Hats
• Beanies & Scarves
• Dresses & Skorts
• Shoes & Boots
• Socks & Ankle Gaiters
• Holdalls & Duffle Bags
• Weekenders & Carry-ons
• Backpacks, Satchels & Small Bags
• Toiletry Bags for Travel
• Totes & Champagne Coolers
• Business bags
• Luggage Trolley
• Pannier Bags
• Pet Feeders
• Locks & Scales
• Gift Vouchers
• Books & Maps
• Multi-tools
• Insect Repellent
• Torches (flashlights)
• Straps & Mounts
• Trophy Cameras
• Binocular Photography
• Cleaning Kits
• Essential Accessories
• Travel Essentials
• Travel Adaptors
• Evenings, Outdoor & Travel Clothing
• Outdoor, Travel & More
• Safe drinking water
• Rufiji™
• Mara&Meru™
• Barmah Hats
• Thusk™

Technologies

• Insect Protection
• Sun Protection
• Anti-bacterial
• Wicking & QuickDry
• BUGTech™
• Elasticated cuff
• Bonded Fleece
• Security Pocket
• Roll-up sleeve tabs
• MaraTech™
• Feminine cut
• Blister Protection
• Protect Yourself
• Sunglasses Loop
• SAFARITech™

Safari Shirts Read our Safari Shirts Advice Guide

The advice below is a summary. If you are looking for more information & expert advice then please click here for our full safari shirt advice section

• It is important that you pack safari-suitable shirts for your children on safari which also offer maximum protection from the elements and defence from most biting insects.
• Pack children's safari shirts in neutral, natural tones such as shades of khaki, brown, and green.
• We recommend long-sleeved safari shirts for children with roll-up sleeve tabs over short-sleeved shirts. These enable boys and girls to roll their sleeves up and down to stay cool, keep warm, or to avoid sunburn on their arms. It also increases defence from most biting insects when sleeves are rolled down, which is further increased when the fabric is treated with insect repellent.
• Kids' safari shirts with a collar also give your kids added protection from sunburn - and, again, from insect bites.
• Look for children's safari shirts which have the following key characteristics: the ability to wick moisture to keep them cool, high level of sun protection (SPF50+ is best), and an anti-insect fabric finish assists in reducing bites from most flying and biting insects.
• Pack more children's safari shirts made from man-made fibres (polyamide) than natural fibres (such as cotton). Man-made fibres are better at wicking moisture from the skin - and it is this movement of moisture which will keep them cool.

Number of children's safari shirts to pack for their safari: Up to 4-day safari: x 2; Up to 8-day safari: x 4; Up to 12-day safari: x 6

Boys' & Girls' BUGTech Anti-Insect Safari Shirt in Baobab Khaki

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• When packing safari trousers for your children, pack children's safari pants made from safari-suitable colours (shades of green, khaki, and brown) and lightweight, strong fabric. Nothing beats the feeling they will get when they wear safari trousers worthy of a great conservationist or early explorer.
• Children's safari zip-off/convertible trousers are the simplest safari trousers to pack for children as they allow for maximum versatility. By removing or adding the legs, you are able to convert them from trousers when cool to shorts when hot. Children's convertible zip-off safari pants also save on valuable packing space by being two garments in one. The legs on the children's safari convertible pants also give added protection from the sun and defence from most biting insects - even more so when their safari trousers are treated with built-in sun protection and anti-insect treatment.
• The ideal children's safari trousers and safari shorts should offer the perfect blend of the following functionality: lightweight with built-in ripstop for added strength, a high level of built-in sun protection (SPF50+ is best), and an anti-insect finish.
• Children's safari trousers which are made from man-made fibres (such as polyamide) are preferred over those made from natural fibres (such as cotton) to keep your children cool while on safari. These fabrics also allow your child to dry off faster should their safari trousers get wet from a rain shower or from mucking about in a stream (a crocodile- and hippo-free stream of course).
• What is more, you will be able to wash and dry your kid's safari trousers much faster when made from man-made fibres such as polyamide.

Boys' & Girls' BUGTech Zip-Off Safari Trousers in Baobab

Boys' & girls' bugtech zip-off safari trousers in willow, boys' & girls' bugtech zip-off safari trousers in katavi khaki (new fit leg), boys' & girls' bugtech zip-off safari trousers in willow (new fit leg), men’s explorer bugtech anti-insect cargo zip-off safari trousers in katavi khaki (32-inch leg), men’s explorer bugtech anti-insect cargo zip-off safari trousers in khaki olive (32-inch leg), men’s explorer bugtech anti-insect cargo zip-off safari trousers in katavi khaki (34-inch leg), men’s explorer bugtech anti-insect cargo zip-off safari trousers in katavi khaki (30-inch leg), women’s pioneer bugtech anti-insect zip-off cargo outdoor & safari trousers in katavi khaki (new fit. 29-inch leg), women’s pioneer bugtech anti-insect zip-off cargo outdoor & safari trousers in khaki olive (new fit. 29-inch leg), women’s pioneer bugtech anti-insect zip-off cargo outdoor & safari trousers in katavi khaki (new fit. 32-inch leg), men's adventurer all-day-longs, bugtech cargo trousers in katavi khaki (32-inch leg), women’s serengeti safari shorts with stretch in forest, women’s serengeti safari shorts with stretch in savannah, women’s serengeti safari shorts with stretch in savannah (new fit), women’s serengeti safari shorts with stretch, men’s savute safari cargo trousers with stretch in forest, men’s savute safari cargo trousers with stretch in kalahari, men’s savute safari cargo trousers with stretch in forest (32-inch), men’s savute safari cargo shorts with stretch in kalahari, men’s savute safari cargo shorts with stretch in forest, women's serengeti ii jogger pants with stretch in savannah, women's serengeti ii jogger pants with stretch in forest, women's serengeti ii jogger pants with stretch in savannah (new fit), women's serengeti ii jogger pants with stretch in forest (new fit), women's serengeti leggings in batoka brown, boys' & girls' maratech™ zip-off safari trousers in serengeti stone, boys' & girls' maratech™ zip-off safari trousers in okavango olive, men's birdseye safari shorts in safari bark, men's mara&meru™ everything trousers in safari beige, waterproof packaway over trousers (unisex) in khaki, safari jackets & fleeces read our safari jackets & fleeces advice guide.

• Children feel the cold faster than adults and so it is important when going on safari to pack a children's safari fleece to keep them warm and snug on early morning and evening game drives and through the African winter.
• Pack a kid's safari fleece which is made from safari-friendly colours such as brown, greens, and khaki.
• Pack a safari-coloured waterproof layer for each child if you are travelling over the rainy season for your safari.
• Having lived in Africa through the rains we are also able to advise that the daytime temperature goes from very hot before the rains start, to much cooler once the rains have settled in. The difference may be as much as 10 to 15 degrees celsius below the average temperatures and so again we advise that a fleece or jacket is packed to keep you warm.

Number of boys' and girls' safari jackets or safari fleeces to pack for your safari: 1 x safari fleece or jacket; 1 x waterproof safari jacket should you be travelling over the rainy season.

Men's SafariElite Bonded Safari Fleece in Safari Sage

Women's safarielite bonded safari fleece in safari sand, men's explorer safari jacket with micro-fleece lining & bugtech in katavi khaki, men's explorer safari jacket with micro-fleece lining & bugtech in dark olive, women's pioneer safari jacket with micro-fleece lining & bugtech in katavi khaki, women's pioneer safari jacket with micro-fleece lining & bugtech in dark olive, boys' & girls' safarielite bonded safari fleece in safari sage & sand, ultimate safari hoodie in safari khaki, waterproof packaway safari jacket (unisex) in khaki, waterproof packaway safari jacket for kids in safari green, essential waterproof safari poncho in khaki, safari shoes & boots read our safari shoes & boots advice guide.

• If you are going on a classic game drive type of safari, then pack comfortable women's safari shoes to wear on game drive but which are able to double as good walking shoes for a walk in the bush - an activity we highly recommend. Note that if you do not have walking shoes with you on game drive then your guide may decide against a quick impromptu walk in the bush
• Also take a pair of women's safari shoes to wear around the camp. These may be the same pair as your select for the above, but it may also be a pair of cooler sandals, pumps, or similar.
• For full-on walking safaris make sure you take women's safari shoes which are made for longer hikes - and ensure that you walk them in properly before you go on safari. You may prefer low rise canvas trail shoes or leather higher rise boots - the preference is purely personal.
• If you are going on a walking safari in sandy areas (check with the walking safari company you have booked with) then we suggest that you pack higher rise boots with a built in tongue - such as our Rufiji™ APU Safari Combat Boots - as this will minimise the amount of sand which goes into the shoe which will cause discomfort.
• We would still take a a pair of cooler women's shoes or sandals for before and after walks when around the camp.
• Safari tip: always check your shoes for small snakes, scorpions, spiders and insects before putting them on.

Rufiji™ Explorer Safari Veldskoen Shoes in Ruaha Rust

Rufiji™ explorer safari veldskoen shoes in kalahari khaki, rufiji™ apu combat safari boots in wildebeest brown, the buffalo boot in buffalo brown, veldskoen desert safari boots in khaki, women's leather safari sandals in brown, safari hats read our safari hats advice guide.

The advice below is a summary . If you are looking for more information & expert advice then please click here for our full safari hat advice guide .

• For the best protection from the strength of the midday sun in Africa - for your neck and face - pack a wide-brimmed women's safari hat.
• With mean high temperatures reaching mid-20 to mid-30 degrees Celsius on most safaris and with safari areas in Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and Zambia high above sea level, the effects of the sun will be pronounced and the risk of being burnt by the sun will be high. A wide-brimmed women's safari hat is literally your first line of defence against sunburn.
• Wide-brimmed women's safari hats also provide shelter when it rains. We find that a wide-brimmed safari hat definitely makes it more comfortable when you are caught out on a walk or game drive by a sudden thunderstorm or tropical shower, as at least your face remains dry and fewer drops go into your eyes.
• Colour is key when choosing a women's safari hat - with neutral shades such as khaki, green, or brown the best. Your safari hat will often be the most conspicuous part of you while viewing wildlife on a walking safari.
• Pack a women's safari hat which suits your safari style. Fortunately, there are more styles available for women today which range from leather hats to classically-styled indie and panama-shaped hats.
• Modern wide-brimmed women's safari hats are also conveniently packable and are easy manipulate back into shape. A note though: not all hats are packable and should be carried with your carry-on luggage - and, even when a hat is packable, never crush your safari hat under a hard object - such as shoes or binoculars - when packing.

Number of wide-brimmed women's safari hats to pack for your safari: 1 x wide-brimmed safari hat per person. *Pack a warm and cosy safari beanie for cold mornings and the African winter too.

Women's Explorer Canvas Safari Hat (Adjustable) in Khaki

Women's explorer canvas safari hat (adjustable) in meerkat, adventurer hat in khaki, adventurer hat in olive, women's indie safari hat in winter grass, women's serengeti safari hat in tawny, canvas drover safari hat in beige, men's explorer canvas safari hat (adjustable) in meerkat, men's explorer canvas safari hat (adjustable) in khaki, men's explorer leather safari hat (adjustable) in driftwood, women's explorer leather safari hat (adjustable) in driftwood, removable, adjustable chin strap for hats in olive, men's panama safari hat (adjustable) in tawny, women's panama safari hat (adjustable) in tawny, squashy leather oiled safari hat in dark brown, foldaway leather suede safari hat in hickory, foldaway bronco full grain leather safari hat in dark brown, chin strap for barmah bronco hat (only), barmah hats waterproofing and conditioning spray – 150ml pump spray (suitable for leather & suede), safari dresses & skorts read our safari dresses & skorts advice guide.

• Pack a women's safari dress and a pair of women's safari skorts to add variety to your wardrobe.
• Ensure that you select women's safari dresses and skorts which are made in safari-suitable colours.
• A women's safari dress can also be very versatile when worn with tights, as a longer shirt, or tucked into your safari trousers.
• Women's safari skorts - which are a combination of shorts and a skirt, with the shorts inside the skorts - are great for safaris in 4x4s as you are able to climb on to and off of the game drive vehicle without worrying about your underwear showing.
• While, by their design, both safari dresses and safari skorts do allow for a good flow of air around the body to keep you cool, it is still worth looking for styles made in technical fabrics simply as they are usually lighter, easier to pack, and perform better in the heat.

Pack any combination of women's safari dresses & skorts to get the following totals: Up to 4-day safari: x 1; Up to 8-day safari: x 2; Up to 12-day safari: x 3

Women's Serengeti Safari sKorts with Stretch in Savannah

Women's serengeti safari skorts with stretch in forest, women's rufiji™ maratech™ safari skorts in serengeti stone, women's rufiji™ maratech™ safari skorts in okavango olive, mara&meru™ all day casual safari dress in safari forest green, safari socks & ankle gaiters read our safari socks & ankle gaiters advice guide.

• Walking in the bush while on safari is the quintessential experience. We recommend it to all who go to Africa.
• Whether you go for a short nature walk with your guide or a multi-day walking safari, please ensure that you pack safari-coloured safari socks which offer a double layer for blister protection. Bad blisters ruin good walks.
• Ankle gaiters are ideal for walking in the bush as they offer both your ankles and socks more protection from thorns, wet grass, grass seeds, and anything scurrying around at ankle level. A must-have for longer walking safaris, but useful on any bush walk.

Number of blister-proof socks to pack for your safari: Up to 4-day safari: x 2; Up to 8-day safari: x 3; Up to 12-day safari: x 4.

Number of Ankle Gaiters to pack for your safari: Pack 1 x Pair per person.

Mara&Meru Ultimate Anti-Blister Socks (Active, Everyday, Safari) in Olive Green

Safari canvas gaiters in khaki canvas, rufiji™ safari canvas gaiters (unisex) in safari tan, rufiji™ safari suede gaiters (unisex), safari beanies & scarves read our safari beanies & scarves advice guide.

• Pack a multi-functional Head&Neck scarf for just about all outdoor adventures, including safari. Head&Neck Scarves keep your neck and head out of the sun when it is hot, and provide an element of warmth too when it starts to get cold. They offer maximum versatility.
• It can and does get cold on safari. See our Womens Safari Jackets and Fleeces page for more information on why this is the case.
• Pack women's garments and accessories for your safari which keep you warm. Women's safari scarves, safari beanies, and safari gloves should be considered a packing essential over the African winter - and may also be required for some mornings on summer safaris too.
• At the very least, we recommend packing a safari beanie on any safari as they are so small and light to carry in your luggage, yet have a big effect on how warm you are should you get cold. Keep your safari beanie in the bag you take on game drives. You may well get some envious stares from others who have not had the foresight to pack a safari beanie.
• Further to the point above, for the African summer, pack a women's safari beanie just in case. For the most part, your women's wide-brimmed safari hat should keep you warm enough, but why take the risk? Please also take note of the altitude of the area in which you are going on safari. The Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, as an example, is over 2000 metres above sea level and most camps are on the rim of the crater and so may have cold temperatures (morning and evenings in particular) and precipitation throughout the year, so we would recommend taking warmer safari accessories just in case.
• Pack safari scarves, safari beanies, and safari gloves in safari colours.

Number of women's safari scarves, safari beanies, and safari gloves to pack for your safari: 1 x women's safari scarf; 1 x women's safari beanie; 1 x women's safari gloves - although you should be fine tucking your hands into your women's safari jacket or fleece to keep them warm.

Thusk™ Zulu Knitted Headband in Winter Sand

Vintage print tubular head&neck scarf in giraffe, vintage print tubular head&neck scarf in zebra, vintage print tubular head&neck scarf in giraffe&zebra, vintage print tubular head&neck scarf in giraffe olive, vintage print tubular head&neck scarf in zebra olive, vintage print tubular head&neck scarf in giraffe&zebra olive, vintage print tubular head&neck scarf in lion, vintage print tubular head&neck scarf in lion olive, vintage print tubular head&neck scarf in elephant bull, vintage print tubular head&neck scarf in ele bull olive, vintage print tubular head&neck scarf in buffalo, vintage print tubular head&neck scarf in buffalo olive, thusk™ zulu knitted button-scarf in winter sage, thusk™ zulu knitted bow-scarf in winter sand, thusk™ zulu rib knit beanie in winter sage, thusk™ zulu rib knit beanie in winter sand, safari belts, rufiji™ leather safari belt in batoka brown, rufiji™ leather safari belt in wild chestnut, safari sale, men's kiwi fleece jacket in evergreen.

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5-Pack Baby Boys Safari Short Sleeve Onesies® Bodysuits

Preemie to Toddler

Cotton pajamas.

Garments are designed to fit snug for child's safety.

Family Pajamas

Preemie to toddler pajamas, women's pajamas, men's pajamas, baby & toddler shoes.

Our adorable baby shoes are the perfect accent to your little one’s favorite outfits.

Every baby grows at their own pace. This is just part of what makes children special. As you love and support your infant or toddler on their unique journey, you can make things easier on yourself by finding the right fit for their clothing as quickly and easily as possible. In most cases, this is done by looking at a baby size chart. Our Gerber Childrenswear size chart makes it easy to decide what size clothing you need for the newborn you are expecting. It also makes it simple on loved ones who are searching for gifts for a baby registry.

Our preemie, infant and newborn size chart breaks down the size of Gerber Childrenswear clothing to choose for a baby or toddler based on their height and weight. If you are unsure of a child’s height and weight or the baby is not born yet, you can narrow down the size you need based on the height and weight range for a typical child in a certain size.

When you are buying baby boy clothing or baby girl clothing for new parents or someone’s baby registry, know that they usually get most of their clothing in newborn or 0-3M sizes. Giving them 0-6M clothing or 3-6M clothing will help them to get ahead once the baby showers and newborn celebrations are over. When in doubt, it may be helpful to size up. While an infant can grow into their clothing, it is difficult to keep a baby comfortable when their clothes are too small.

Our size chart will provide you with what you need to dress an infant, as well as what sizes you will need for toddler boy clothing and toddler girl clothing . However, there may be a different size that you need for cotton pajamas and sleepwear. Be sure to check the cotton pajamas section of our baby size chart since these garments are designed to fit snug for children’s safety. Knowing your baby’s height and weight from their pediatrician appointment can give you the most accurate measurements for their cotton sleepwear. In most cases, it is helpful to size up instead of buying baby clothing that is far too small and snug.

Since baby shoes and booties are the perfect accent to your little one’s favorite outfits, we have a section of our size chart devoted to footwear. There are five main sizes, which are grouped by approximate age, sole length in inches and the U.S. shoe sizes for babies. With this information combined, you will learn which sizes are appropriate for your baby, as well as how quickly to purchase the next round of shoes for growing feet.

Refer back to our infant and newborn size chart whenever you need to buy new baby clothing. We will always have our baby size chart available to you so you can shop without thinking twice.

• In stock, ready to ship
• Features expandable lap shoulder necklines and high-positioned bottom snaps for easier changes

Our Onesies® bodysuits are an essential part of every baby’s wardrobe! Each one is made with soft cotton, a gentle fabric that’s perfect for your baby’s sensitive skin. Our essentials have been independently certified with STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® so that you don’t have to worry about harmful substances in your baby’s wardrobe. Our bodysuits feature expandable lap shoulder necklines and high-positioned snaps for easy and quick diaper and wardrobe changes. Each baby boy bodysuit or baby girl bodysuit is machine washable and machine dryable for your convenience. This pack includes five safari themed short sleeve bodysuits.

Domestic orders shipped via Standard Shipping should be delivered within 3-10 business days of order processing (not including holidays) for the United States.  Please allow up to twenty-one (21) business days for shipments to US Territories, and A.P.O. and F.P.O. addresses.

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‘They rape us before we can cross’: Women, girls fleeing violence in Mali

Women and girls fleeing armed groups in Mali say they have suffered sexual assault by Malian soldiers at the border with Niger.

Ayourou, Niger – It was just a few minutes before 7 o’clock on a Friday evening in early June when Kani* and 10 others fleeing violence in northeastern Mali arrived at a checkpoint in Labbezanga, close to the border with Niger.

Six armed men, three of them wearing military fatigues, at the checkpoint stopped the men and women who had begun their journey from their village on foot the previous day.

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“They [the gunmen] separated the men from the women,” Kani, 17, said. “Then three of them ordered all the four girls who made the journey to move into a small tent [the armed men had erected near the checkpoint].

“They took turns to rape us at gunpoint,” said Kani, who spoke to Al Jazeera from the home of a local legumes farmer in the Nigerien border town of Ayourou, a town on the border with Mali, where many Malian refugees have settled in recent years and where she has been living for the past several weeks since crossing into Niger.

Dressed in a brown headscarf and colourful dress, the teenager seemed frightened and depressed, her head bowed, as she spoke.

Since the ordeal, she said, she has become terrified whenever she sees a man with a gun.

“Policemen and soldiers scare me because they remind me of the people who raped me.”

The rape victims were all young girls who said they begged their attackers not to harm them because they were exhausted and hungry following the long journey they had made without food and enough water.

“Everything we said fell on deaf ears,” Coumba*, another 17-year-old girl who was also raped, told Al Jazeera. “At some point, they started to beat us up with their guns and whips just to make sure we stopped talking.”

Coumba, who was dressed in a black headscarf and a gown with blue, brown and white colours, was sombre throughout her interview with Al Jazeera. The thought of the rape incident terrifies her, she said.

“Each time I remember what happened to me at the border, I become very afraid,” the teenager said. Like Kani, she has been living at the home of the legume farmer in Ayourou since arriving in Niger.

The pair had fled together from Ouattagouna in eastern Mali following a series of attacks on the town by armed groups from the so-called Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS).

Fleeing the violence, more than 10,000 Malians have taken refuge in Ayourou, an old town which stands on an eponymous island in the river Niger. Some live in tents built for refugees on dry and dusty land just outside the town, while others have found refuge with local families inside the town, where locals mostly do farming and sell foodstuffs and livestock in the market.

When Kani and Coumba first arrived in Ayourou, they spent a few days in the refugee settlement before going into the heart of town in search of work and meeting the legume farmer who offered them work on his farm and was happy to accommodate them.

But, despite settling in quickly in their new home, they now believe making the journey to Niger was a mistake.

“We didn’t know we were going to face another hell trying to leave Mali,” said Coumba. “If we knew anyone would attempt to rape us, we would have left Ouattagouna for another community in Mali.”

While the armed men, some of whom Kani and Coumba suspect were Malian soldiers because of the military camouflage shirts they were wearing, sexually abused the girls, the men they were travelling with were ordered to lie on their stomachs with their foreheads touching the ground.

“We could hear the women screaming and begging the [armed men] to let them go,” said 40-year-old Seydou Camara, one of the men who made the journey from Ouattagouna and now lives in the refugee settlement in Ayourou. “We couldn’t do anything because the men were armed and were going to shoot us if we dared try to rescue the women.”

The victims estimate that the abuse lasted for about an hour. Each of the three armed men that escorted the girls to the tent, they said, raped all four of them.

“They told us that the only way we could cross into Niger was if we had sex with them and that we could not say no to them,” said Coumba. “They only let everyone go after they had raped the girls and seized money from the men who had cash in their pockets.”

Al Jazeera contacted the Malian government about the allegations against Malian soldiers on July 17, and then again on July 22, but received no response.

‘They raped almost every woman there’

It was the second time both Kani and Coumba, who lived in the same compound in Ouattagouna, had suffered sexual violence in their own country.

In March 2023, around the time that Human Rights Watch reported armed groups based in the north of Mali were carrying out widespread killings, rapes and lootings in villages in the northeast of the country, fighters stormed the street where the girls lived, burned down some houses, seized a number of men and sexually abused women, including the two teenagers.

“They [the fighters] came into our compound very late at night and raped almost every woman there,” Kani, whose father and only brother were abducted by the fighters that night and hasn’t heard from them since, said. “About 10 of us were raped at gunpoint by five men.”

Attacks on communities are common in Mali, a restive West African nation that has suffered years of instability. The country descended into conflict in 2012 when local Tuareg separatists supported by fighters rebelled in the north.

A year later, former coloniser France intervened, sending a 1,700-strong force to assist Malian forces in crushing them, but the fighters have since regrouped and spread to some other parts of the Sahel region, especially to Burkina Faso and Niger, launching attacks on the Malian military and United Nations peacekeepers and ensuring that parts of the region remain insecure and ungovernable . 

In 2020, then-President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was forced out of office in a coup led by Assimi Goita, an army colonel who later took full control of the government when he was sworn in as military president in June 2021.

Growing acrimony between Western powers, who voiced disapproval of the coup, and the military leaders pushed France out of the country. The Malian military government, in a bid to defeat separatist rebels and fighters in the north developed ties with Russia’s military and its Wagner Group of mercenaries, but the alliance has struggled to put an end to rebel activities which appear to have escalated, especially since the country ordered the UN peacekeeping mission known as the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and its 15,000 international soldiers to depart last year.

“Since UN peacekeepers left last year, Islamist militants have been attacking communities in the northeast on a regular basis,” Adama Traore, a 45-year-old farmer who fled from Ouattagouna to Ayourou last August, told Al Jazeera.

In May, fighters returned to the compound where Kani and Coumba lived, burned the houses there and abducted some men. The two girls were among a number of people who escaped unhurt. They spent days living in a deserted building just outside Ouattagouna before they began their journey towards Niger.

“We left our homes with only the clothes we were wearing, as we had no time to pick up any of our belongings,” said Coumba, who left her parents and two siblings behind and has no idea whether they are still alive. “If we hadn’t run away, we may have been killed.”

The journey to Niger was a long and difficult one for Kani and Coumba. After the armed men who raped them at the border let them continue their trek to their destination, they arrived in Ayourou feeling exhausted and sick but managed to find a place to stay in a settlement for refugees.

The teenage girls aren’t the only ones from Ouattagouna who have reported being raped by armed men, suspected to be soldiers, while trying to cross into Niger from Mali.

A week after Kani and Coumba arrived in Ayourou, Heita*, a 45-year-old woman, who previously sold foodstuffs in a market in Ouattagouna, said she and two other women were raped at gunpoint by men in military uniform at the same checkpoint near the border with Niger while they were trying to flee Mali.

Heita had left Ouattagouna to escape the frequent attacks by armed groups in the town. In one of these attacks more than two years ago, her husband and two sons were killed by fighters who raped her in the process.

“It was already dark when we arrived at the checkpoint and the four men in military uniform we met there forced us into a small tent where they took turns to rape us,” Heita told Al Jazeera. “We initially refused to let them have their way but when they started hitting us with their weapons, we had no choice but to submit.”

As was the case with Kani and Coumba, Heita and the other travelling women were only allowed to continue their journey to Niger after their rapists were done abusing them. “The experience was one of the worst in my life,” said Heita, who eventually arrived at Ayourou with the other victims a day after the incident took place.

‘Raped by Russians’

Reports of rape by rebels and other fighters in Mali have been mounting in number since the conflict began in 2012. But government-backed forces, including the Russian mercenaries drafted in to assist them, have greatly added to incidents of sexual violence especially in the last three years.

Frequent raids by Malian soldiers and Russian paramilitaries have made local people more afraid and anxious.

“If it isn’t militants attacking homes and killing people, it is white soldiers and the army torturing and sexually abusing villagers,” said Heita, who – like many locals in Mali – refers to Russian paramilitaries as “white soldiers”. “Living in Mali has become so dangerous.”

“Malian and Russian soldiers who claim to be fighting these militants have been arresting and torturing villagers who they accuse of working for the terrorists,” Traore explained.

Last year, UN experts said that, since 2021, they have received persistent and alarming accounts of human rights abuses that include rape and sexual violence perpetrated by Malian armed forces and Russian paramilitaries, adding that “victims of the so-called Wagner Group face many challenges in accessing justice and remedy for the human rights abuses, including sexual violence, and related crimes committed against them, particularly in light of the secrecy and opacity surrounding Wagner’s activities in Mali”.

While Heita wasn’t sexually abused by Russian paramilitaries during her stay in Ouattagouna, she said some women she knew back home had told her they had previously been raped by the Russians in Ansongo, a town located about 77km (48 miles) north of Ouattagouna.

“Two traders, who later moved to Ouattagouna, told me white soldiers raped them in their compound after arresting their husbands who they accused of working with militants,” said Heita. “The women were forced to leave Ansongo with their children because they feared for their safety.”

Malian government officials and Wagner did not respond to Al Jazeera’s requests for comment.

As the atrocities in Mali continue, those who have survived the abuse still live with the torture.

“Whenever I see a man with a gun, I fear that he is going to rape me,” said Kani, who – like Coumba and Heita – hasn’t sought medical examination in Ayourou because of fear of stigmatisation.

“I just can’t get over the abuses I faced in Mali.”

*Names have been changed to protect anonymity.