Story by:
Claire
It’s always summer somewhere.
WEAR CLOTHING ENGINEERED FOR AFRICA
These days, the internet is awash with outdoor clothing brands, which makes shopping for reliable garments with the right features a little more challenging. As summer approaches – with its promise of long, lush days outdoors – prepare for your time on the trail, in the field, or alongside the river by exploring gear made for safari.
The Safari Store has designed and developed their technologies for often rigorous travel conditions in Africa. This can be a land of extremes and, while you may not be wearing clothing in very high temperatures or rainforest conditions, it helps to know you could if you wanted to. Made for the wilderness, this is clothing adapted to Africa, adventure travel, and summer activities back home.
On safari and during most outdoor activities, layering up is the order of the day. Whether you’re heading out to see the colours of a sunrise, to make the most of every minute, or to beat the midday heat when you’re being active, layering is a good rule for how to dress outdoors. As the weather warms, you can remove layers (which are lightweight enough to carry) to stay comfortable throughout the day. Our warm clothing has been tested on the particularly sharp bite of cold on the back of game-viewers at dawn, but many of our items have been Alpine-tested to be warm even in the snow.
What sets safari clothing apart from other outdoor apparel? Keep reading to find out.
1. PROTECTION FROM THE SUN IS NEVER A MATTER OF DEGREE
Whether you are in blazing, equatorial sun or wandering British woodlands in veiled sunlight, protection from the sun is always important. Our BUGTech™ and SAFARITech technical fabrics feature lab-tested UPF50+, which offers a high level of sun protection. The same rule for safari applies to all outdoor activities – wearing a long-sleeved shirt and layering up gives you the kind of flexibility you need for walks, warm-weather, and being active outdoors. A long-sleeve shirt offers more cover – and roll-up sleeve tabs mean you can choose how to wear your shirt when you’re out on the trail.
Shop children’s outdoor clothing
Wide-brimmed hats are also a useful accessory for sun protection and, from fly-fishing to walks and birdwatching, are a summer staple for anyone who enjoys outdoor hobbies.
Of course, we recommend pairing any sun protective clothing with an effective sunscreen to bolster your sun protection and to keep you covered throughout the day.
2. EXPLORING THE OUTDOORS CAN BE A SWEATY BUSINESS (AND THAT’S WHY WE LOVE IT)
No matter your fitness level, exploring the outdoors can often involve some exertion. The best outdoor clothing comprises features around moisture control and, at The Safari Store, this has been one of the keen focal points in our expedition-testing. Technical fabrics should wick moisture away from the skin to keep you dry and comfortable, but this movement of perspiration also serves to keep you cool. This feature also contributes to quick crease release and fast-drying properties, which are especially useful if there is a wild camping component to your trip.
When combined with anti-insect treatments, many outdoor clothing brands forego wicking for insect defence. That is not the case with BUGTech™, which is one of the few outdoor clothing brands to feature anti-insect properties with uncompromised moisture wicking capabilities.
3. NOT MUCH BUGS YOU OUTDOORS – EXCEPT FOR THE INSECTS
Midges, flies, ticks, mosquitoes, and other flying and crawling insects can be uninvited companions on your outdoor adventures. From bites and diseases to the sheer irritation of the buzzing in your ears, it pays to go equipped. At The Safari Store, we use hand-selected repellent for Africa and whenever we’re in pursuit of the wild at home.
Bushman Insect Repellent is a top-selling premium insect repellent that hasn’t let us down – even when our worries took the form of swarms in African summers. It's easy-wearing, safe, and effective. Invest in reliable insect protection. Buy Bushman Insect Repellent.
It's difficult to find a natural insect repellent that offers the same level of performance as DEET-based varieties. Citriodiol is used in insect repellents around the world and is the natural anti-bug option for anyone looking to get the protection levels of DEET from a natural active. Mosi-guard Extra Spray offers up to ten hours' protection, is environmentally kind and gentle on your skin, and has a pleasant lemony scent.
4. CERTAIN UNIVERSAL RULES APPLY, WHETHER YOU ARE IN AFRICA, EXPLORING THE NATIONAL TRAILS, OR FISHING BY THE RIVERSIDE FOR THE DAY
Layering up for a day outdoors is never a bad idea. From warm layers for early starts to convertible trousers, the right gear gives you options to meet conditions throughout the day – and is lightweight and compact enough to tuck into your day pack if necessary. If you are looking to layer-up for your next outdoor adventure:
Shop men’s jackets and fleeces, women’s jackets and fleeces, and children’s jackets, fleeces, and waterproof layers
Shop Alpine-tested, 100% wool Thusk™ handmade knitwear and support our African community knitting project (read the Thusk™ story)
Shop men’s outdoor shirts, women’s outdoor shirts, and children’s outdoor shirts
Shop men’s outdoor trousers, women’s outdoor trousers, and children’s outdoor trousers
5. BE SMART AS YOU ACCESSORISE
The small things can make a big difference. A pair of suede or canvas gaiters, for instance, are many an outdoorsman and woman’s favourite bit of kit to keep debris out of shoes and trouser legs free from dew, blackjacks, and ticks and other insects on walks or getting to that top fishing spot. Similarly, double-layered anti-blister socks are every walker’s best friend (or when your outdoor hobby involves a bit of a trek).
High-quality binoculars are a great accessory for enjoying the outdoors – particularly if you love birds. The right binoculars are the investment of a lifetime, which is why we have selected the best for our clients.
Shop Swarovski binoculars
Shop Vortex binoculars
In the UK? Check out our binocular rental service
If you need a bag for your gear, have a look at our range of duffels, shoulder bags and backpacks.
Never go on an adventure without your four-legged friend? Luxury canvas and leather food and water bowls are just what you need to keep you – and your best friend – exploring.
Shop all luggage and bags
