When it comes to fauna diversity, Kenya is famous all around the world, and safaris are unforgettable. Suppose you plan to go to Maasai mara, Samburu or any other one of the great parks. In that case, you have to pack appropriately for the trip. Clothing can significantly affect this because what you wear can be either comfortable or uncomfortable to the body or even cause injury. This guide is going to explain to you what to wear when in Kenya savannah.
Clothing for Comfort
Light and comfortable Clothes
Fashion preferences matter when dressing. Wearing airy and comfortable clothes is essential because you will most likely be in the vehicle. Light colored, comfortable, full-length sleeved tops and bottoms
Bright and pastel-toned clothes and clothes made of natural fiber such as cotton or linen will keep you cool in hot Africa and will not let exterior dampness affect you. Beyond that, long sleeves and pants also protect you from insects biting you, especially during the hot and malarial evenings.
Cap or hat
Hat covering the ears or cap that will protect your face/neck from sun and dust if there is any kicked up by the safari car.
Light, comfortable, and primarily breathable hiking shoes or boots
Comfortable shoes or boots with good grip will also be helpful when out on a safari adventure. Please bear in mind that it is advisable to have a shoe with a closed toe, and better still, the shoe should be waterproof and, if possible, have a high ankle to minimize unnecessary injuries when walking.
Comfortable layers
During most nights in the African savannah, the temperatures may drop; therefore, wearing many clothes lets you manage your body temperature during these changes. A fleece or wool sweater, a light jacket, or a scarf may be worn layer on layer as the day progresses or taken off as the temperature rises.
Protection from the Elements
Kenya has different weather in every region of the country. For this cause, it is essential to pack the ruler to weather to avoid contracting some diseases due to exposure.
Spectacles and UVA protected eyeglasses
Do not leave without your favorite pair of sunglasses or UV-protected glasses. You will need them while in Africa because the sun is very hot. The glare off the savannah usually causes effects like squad and sunburn, both in the morning and evening.
Sunscreen
Lather up your body with sunscreen with the right SPF for your skin type for all exposed areas. If you engage in activities that may cause sweating, it is recommended that you reapply the repellent throughout the day.
Waterproof jacket or poncho
Incidentally, while Kenya is not exactly famous for a wet climate, the country can always have rain. A simple jacket or poncho keeps you dry in the unlikely event of a downpour.
Safety Considerations
Your well-being is the primary consideration whenever you are on a safari. Here is a list of clothing that will be useful to consider to improve your safety during your adventure.
Neutral-colored clothing
To mitigate this, it is wise not to wear any bright-colored cloth while on safari. Bright colors might be unsafe to the wildlife themselves; they might be scared or even show violent behaviour. Do not wear bright red, green, blue, pink, or orange; better colours to wear are khaki, beige, or any earthy colours.
Protective gear
To avoid scratching your body against prickly plants and other dangerous objects, you have to wear trousers and long-sleeved shirts. Long pants are worn to guard the legs against the plants in case of a trekking, and long sleeves keep off insects.
Avoiding jewelry and scents
When on safari, do not wear jewels or rings, as they can be easily trapped on any branch or bush or even seen as food for wild animals. Additionally, do not apply perfumes or deodorants, as they will attract insects or predators if there are any nearby.
Closed-toe shoes
Shoes should be worn to protect your toes from sharp plants and stinging insects.
Cultural Considerations
Kenya is very endowed with several cultures, and during your Kenyan safari experience, are most likely to meet the people. The attire also plays a vital role to how people are respected depending on their practices.
Modest clothing
People of the cultural area do not tolerate nudity, therefore, when dealing with the locals one has to ensure they dress appropriately. For women, it is advised that dresses or skirts worn should be at the knee length and above while for men, long laundry pants or relatively long shorts ought to be worn and not that short
Respect the local community
Such items as t-shirts with religious or political statements or images are discouraged while visiting the communities.
