Safari Colours Explained
What to Wear (and What to Avoid)
Heading out on safari is more than a trip, It’s an immersion into wild landscapes, untamed beauty, and unforgettable encounters. And while the animals may steal the show, what you wear plays a surprisingly big role in your comfort, safety, and overall experience. No, safari style isn’t just about looking the part. it’s the colours you pack that actually matter.
Whether you’re planning your first expedition or returning to the bush, here’s the ultimate guide to choosing the right safari colours and why they work.
The Safari Colour Palette
Natural, Neutral, and Purposeful.
A classic safari wardrobe revolves around muted earth tones.
These shades blend seamlessly with the surrounding terrain and serve practical purposes far beyond aesthetics.
Why Earth tones work
They help you blend into the environment
Colours like khaki and olive mimic the dry grasses, leafy canopy, and dusty tracks of the bush. They reduce contrast, making wildlife less likely to be startled by your presence.
They keep you cooler
Neutral, light shades reflect more sunlight than dark colours, helping regulate your temperature under the African sun.
Why Earth tones work
Certain flies, especially tsetse, are attracted to dark or vivid colours. Earth tones are far less appealing to them.
Why Earth tones work
Safari days can be dry and dusty. Neutral tones conceal dirt better than bright or crisp whites.
Colours to Avoid on Safari
Some colours may look great in the city but are less helpful, or are even problematic, in the bush.
Bright Colours
Shades like red, orange, hot pink, and vivid yellow stand out sharply in natural landscapes, drawing unwanted attention from animals and insects alike. They can disrupt wildlife behavior and the experience for your group.
Black
Black is stylish, but on safari it absorbs heat and is known to attract biting flies such as tsetse. Save it for evening lodge wear instead.
Pure White
While beautiful in photos, bright white shows dust immediately and offers no advantage in blending into the environment. Choose off‑white or stone if you want lighter tones.
Safari Wardrobe Inspiration from Salty Bushwear
Salty Bushwear blends rugged practicality with timeless safari aesthetics, ideal for long days on game drives or guided walks. Many of their garments embody the perfect safari palette.
Maasai Mara Bush Shirt L/S
8555-COR549,00 incl. VATRugged yet refined, the Maasai Mara Long Sleeve Bush Shirt offers breathable comfort, durable wear, and timeless safari style for any adventure.
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page-
Hwange Bush Shirt
8625-COR429,00 incl. VATRugged yet breathable bush shirt, crafted for ultimate comfort during outdoor adventures or workdays.
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page-
Liuwa Womens L/S Bush Shirt
R529,00 incl. VATThis product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page-
Savannah Womens S/S Bush Shirt
R419,00 incl. VATThis product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page-
Earth Tone Shirts with Subtle Style
Katima Vented Shirt
7818-COR549,00 incl. VATStay cool and comfortable with this breathable, vented shirt ideal for hot climates.
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page-
Delta Two Tone Bush Shirt
4611-COPrice range: R409,00 through R419,00 incl. VATStylish, contrasting two-tone shirt ideal for outdoor adventures and casual wear.
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page-
Dune Slim Fit Safari Shirt
SV100-COR399,00 incl. VATExperience comfort and durability in a stylish, tailored safari shirt built for exploration.
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page-
How to Style Your Safari Wardrobe
Pair these neutral shirts with durable, functional bottoms for a cohesive, adventure‑ready outfit:
Womens
Women’s Kibale Bush Cargo
R659,00 incl. VATThis product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page-
Karoo Stretch Utility Shorts
7166-CO-STRR529,00 incl. VATComfortable, flexible shorts designed for active and outdoor lifestyles.
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page-
Mens
Epic Cargo Kortbroek
6241-COR469,00 incl. VATFunctional and stylish cargo shorts perfect for warm-weather adventures.
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page-
Trailblazer Cargos
EM043-COPrice range: R329,00 through R589,00 incl. VATRobust and flexible cargos designed to support all your outdoor ventures.
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page-
These combinations offer comfort, flexibility, and purpose — the perfect blend for life in the bush.
Final Thoughts
Safari fashion isn’t just a look — it’s gear designed to enhance your experience, help you blend in, and keep you comfortable. Choosing the right colours means you’re respecting the environment, reducing disturbance to wildlife, and staying practical in rugged terrain.
