Some people go on Safari thinking that Africa’s weather is hot and so a good jacket is not that necessary. Not true, winters can be very, very cold in many safari locations and even in summer it can be pretty cold on an early morning game drive, on night drives or even in the evenings sitting around the boma enjoying your evening meal.

I have owned a number of safari and bush jackets in my time, some very good and some not. In this article I will go through some of the features that I find useful and point you in the direction where you can find your ideal safari jacket.

Origins
The style of jacket similar to that of the main image in this article was made popular by around the beginning of the 20th century by the early European adventurers who came to Africa.

Safari & Travel Jacket
You must remember that a true safari jacket or bush jacket is a garment designed for the purpose of going on safari in the African bush and therefore function and comfort are far more important than style. But also remember that before you get to to the bush, you will also be doing quite a bit of travelling. To save on luggage space it makes sense to use the same jacket for travel, so make sure that it is comfortable and at least a little stylish!

Colour
As with most of you safari clothing, stay away from bright or shiny colours. On safari you want to blend in as much with your surroundings as possible. So stick to green, brown, beige and khaki Jackets.

Also try not to pick a jacket with camouflage colouring. I know that it seems ideal and makes popular urban wear in the west, but in Africa only the military wear camouflage and indeed in some African countries you can be arrested for wearing it.

Materials
Many Jackets will be made from a materials that are waterproof, but make a noise as you rub against it. This is perfectly fine for camping in a wet environment, but if you are trying to sneak up to skittish animals like an antelope, the noise made by your clothing can often frighten them away. Cotton drill type materials work the best and if you need your jacket to be waterproof, look out for ones that have a waxy type covering.

Pockets
Pockets to me are really important and cannot be underestimated! Look out for ones that will make it easy for you to carry your camera, binoculars or guide books.

Buy Safari & Bush Jackets

Below are a few examples of ideal jackets to travel with and take on safari.

	Joe Browns Forces Bush Jacket Stylish as well as hardy, this bush jacket from Joe Browns has retro military styling and is a great laid-back jacket that’ll stick by you through thick and thin. Loads of large pockets ideal for storing binoculars, a compact digital camera or safari guide book. The outer is made from 100% Cotton, the lining: 65% Polyester, 35% Cotton. Note the Shirt and T-shirt are solde separately. Buy on Amazon.co.uk Buy on Amazon.com
	Mens Workwear Safari Jacket Made from 100% cotton canvas, the Workwear Safari Jacket has 2 bellowed hand warmer pockets, front placket with stud fastening, 2 chest pockets with stud fastenings and Studded cuffs to sleeves. Buy on Amazon.co.uk Buy on Amazon.com
	Mens Jack Pyke Hunter Jacket Waterproof – Breathable – Noiseless. The ideal safari jacket. Outer shell: 100% Polyester brushed tricot with laminated membrane. Lining: 100% Polyester brushed mesh & taffeta. Details: Full length double opening zip, Concealed hood in pocket, 2 lower front bellow pockets with cartridge holders, 2 hand-warmer pockets 1 internal chest pocket, Fold-down waterproof seat flap, Elasticated weather shrouds on wrist, Available in olive green or english oak. Buy on Amazon.co.uk Buy on Amazon.com
	Safari Gilet / Safari Vest As an alternative to a long sleeve Jacket, ideal for wearing in warmer weather is a safari gillet or vest. Good ones like the Result Adventure Safari Gilet pictured on the left come with many pockets an are ideal for photographers or indeed anyone on safari as the pockets can be use to store your binoculars, guide books or anything else. Buy on Amazon.co.uk Buy on Amazon.com

Safari Wear
For more, take a look at this section of the safari guide on Safari Clothing and Advice, it includes Men’s and Women’s Safari Wear.

Do I Need Waterproof Binoculars for Safaris?

The MOST important thing is that you do have a pair of binoculars for your safari, it is the single most important piece of equipment that you can take with you and will transform your experience.

Ok now that we have established that we are going on safari with a pair of binoculars, which pair of binoculars is the next question? I have written a guide to choosing binoculars for safaris, which goes over all the important features you should look out for. One of them is waterproofing, which I will go into more detail here:

Whilst having a pair of waterproof binoculars on safari is not absolutely essential, it is preferable. We all hope that it does not rain on your holiday, but if it does, you should be prepared. Whilst it is true that spotting some types of game is harder in the rain and depending on how hard the rain is you may not even go out on game drive. But on the other hand I have also had some of my best experiences in the rain.

A particular example was sitting for hours watching a cheetah sheltering from the rain under a tree. Sure everyone and everything got wet, but hey it is only water and everyone on the game drive had a magical experience watching one of the most elusive creatures in the bush.

Dry and Sandy Environments

It is not only wet and humid conditions where water and fog-proofing can help: in an extremely dry and dusty climate, like on safari the O-ring seal used to make your binoculars waterproof will also prevent dust and tiny debris from entering the unit.

The Waterproof Fogproof Binocular

Many binoculars are either waterproof, fogproof or both where as some manufacturers call their optics weather protected or even weather proof. But what exactly does it all mean and just what do they do to make a pair of binoculars waterproof and fogproof?

Waterproofing

Waterproof binoculars are sealed internally using O-rings to prevent moisture as well as dust and other small debris from entering the inside of the unit.

Fogproofing

Fogproofing means that the optical barres are filled with nitrogen or argon gas to prevent internal fogging caused when subjecting the optic to temperature extremes, especially in high humidity. Fogproofing is sometimes referred to as nitrogen-purging. This term is probably more descriptive of the actual process; O2 (oxygen) is purged from the barrels and replaced with an inert gas (usually nitrogen) which doesn’t condense.

A pair of binoculars or can be waterproof without being fogproof. What this means is that the binoculars are sealed, but the oxygen inside the barrels haven’t been purged and replaced with an inert gas. But if an optical instrument is fogproof, it has to be waterproof (sealed) as well.

Today even fairly inexpensive binoculars are both waterproof and fogproof. Just look out for manufacturers that claim that their optics are “weather protected” or “water protected” this usually means that they are not 100% water or fog proof, If you are paying for it, make sure that they are 100% waterproof.

Water Repellent Lens Coatings

Another feature to look out for and one that is often found on high end optics are special lens coatings that are actually water repellent or sometimes known as “hydrophobic coatings”. These water and dirt repelling properties, not only repel water, but they are have more resistance to abrasions and make it much easier to remove your fingerprints and dirt particles from the lenses. Lenses treated with the hydrophobic coating allow water to just roll off them.

Popular Waterproof Binoculars for Safari

If you buy a Nikon EDG binocular or spotting scope, Nikon will send you a FREE D3000 camera kit with 18-55VR Nikkor lens worth $549.95.

Ideal Camera & Binoculars for Safaris
This promotion is even better if you are planning on going on safari as now you can get some of the best safari binoculars available (or spotting scope), with a free Digital SLR camera that also makes an ideal a safari camera, but hurry, the offer ends on October 31st 2010.

Where can I get this offer?
The Take it to the EDG Promotion from Nikon is only available to consumers within the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands by Nikon Inc., Melville, New York. Purchases made in or delivered to other countries are ineligible. There are two major binocular online retailers in the US who are also authorised dealers of Nikon EDG Binoculars and Fieldscopes who are participating in the promotion:

Nikon EDG on Binoculars.com

Nikon EDG on Eagle Optics

Nikon EDG Binoculars
Truly some of the finest binoculars available, Nikon EDG Binoculars use Nikon’s own ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass lenses that deliver superior sharpness and color correction for unmatched detail resolution with Dielectric coated prisms meaning that Nikon’s coatings deliver brighter views. The optics are fully multicoated meaning that there are multiple layers of anti-reflective compounds on every glass surface for bright, vivid sight pictures.

The design of the binocular has open bridge style which is ergonomic making sure the binoculars balance perfectly in the hand for extended use. A quick, central focusing knob has been paired with pop-up diopter adjustments for unparalleled speed and convenience. The Horn-shaped detachable eyecups are ergonomically contoured to block out peripheral light for a clear field of view on top of this you get a long eye relief with ratcheting eyecup adjustments that allow for a perfect view, with or without eyeglasses.

All EDG Binoculars are O-ring sealed making them 100% Waterproof and fogproof as they are dry nitrogen filled to handle the toughest conditions on the planet.

The Nikon D3000 Digital Camera
The Nikon D3000 is Nikon’s entry-level digital SLR camera designed for anyone who wants to take quality digital photographs without worrying too much about settings. It features a 10.2 megapixel sensor, EXPEED processing system, 3-inch LCD screen, 3 fps continuous shooting and 11-point autofocus system.

You can select from a choice of subject parameters and the camera will do the rest, and the instant response time means you never miss a moment. The 11-point autofocus system ensures everyone is in focus, and the bright viewfinder means you get what you want, when you want it.

More Information
Best Binoculars for Safari Holidays
Digital SLR vs Compact SuperZoom Cameras for Safaris

The term “combat” also implies that the garment is more likely to be made with a camouflage print but this is not always the case and I would suggest that you stay clear of ex-military camouflaged clothing when going on safari as I have heard that it is illegal in some African countries.

Having said all this there are many combat trousers for women that are ideal to take with you on safari and they often end up being much cheaper than buying specifically designed Safari pants or trousers from specialist safari stores.

In general what you are looking for is a pair of combats that are comfortable to travel and walk in, they must also be tough, but without being too warm to wear in hot conditions. The colour should help you blend in with your surroundings, so go for khaki, beige, greens, browns and stone colours. Any extra pockets can be really useful for holding things like cameras, binoculars and birding books.

Where to Buy Combat Pants

	Womens Combat Trousers Amazon have a great range of womens combat pants as well as cargo pants ideal as safari wear, take a look at the links below: Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com
	Khaki Crop Combats Combat crop trousers for women offer you great comfort and will keep you cool on those hot summer days, featuring stitch detail, pocket detail at the front and yoke detail at the back. 100% Cotton. Machine Washable Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com

Safari Wear
For more, take a look at this section of the safari guide on Safari Clothing and Advice, it includes Men’s and Women’s Safari Wear.

Cargo pants are so named because of their ability to carry so much “cargo” in the pockets. But as safari trousers, womens cargo pants are ideal because most are designed for tough, outdoor activities and have several large pockets, most often with button, snap or Velcro closable flaps. In addition to these front and back pockets, they will often have side pockets as well.

Cargo trousers often come in stone, khaki or beige colored and cotton, but can come in other colors and fabrics as well.

Where to Buy Cargo Pants

Soul Cal Brushed Womens Cargo Combat Pants Soul Cal is inspired by the laid back Californian lifestyle, bringing you cool, casual wear with a hint of luxury. These cargo trousers are ideal to take on safari. Rugged enough to handle anything the bush throws at you, plenty of pockets and still stylish. For these and other womens cargo pants check out the links below: Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com

Safari Wear
For more, take a look at this page on Safari Clothing Advice, that includes Men’s and Women’s Safari Wear.

The image above is one of the most iconic images of the Sixties and depicts German model Veruschka in Kenya, defiant and pouting, with a rifle hitched behind her shoulders, wearing nothing but an over-sized floppy hat and a skimpy khaki Yves Saint Laurent tunic for a Vogue shoot, photographed by Franco Rubartelli. What it did was start a new and exciting fashion trend: “Safari Wear” and all of a sudden it meant that you could not only look great whist on safari, but you could take some of the clothing onto the streets of Paris as well.

Safari dresses are not as piratical as wearing a shirt and trousers, but they are ideal for wearing around the lodge and are fine whilst on safari in a vehicle. I would however not recommend using a safari dress for walking safaris, here trousers to protect your legs from thorny bushes and plants are far more suitable. I would look at using a safari dress once you have returned to the lodge after your game drive, they are ideal to wear around the pool and to breakfast and lunch.

As with all safari wear, look out for dresses in colours that blend in with the bush, so khaki, browns, greens and stone colours work best. As a dress will not really be worn out on walking safaris, things like extra pockets and the thickness of the material is not that important.

There are far more durable dresses available (see below) than the dress shown on the right that may be that little bit more suitable for travelling with.

Where to Buy Safari Dresses

Promod Safari Style Dress Instant casual chic and ideal to wear around the safari lodge is this gorgeous safari shirt dress. Popper through fastening. Flap chest pockets. Mid-waist design. Turn-ups on short sleeves Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com

Safari Wear
For more, take a look at this page on Safari Clothing Advice, that includes Men’s and Women’s Safari Wear.

Whatever the differences, there are many Combat pants that are ideal to take with you on safari and they usually work out much cheaper than buying specifically designed Safari pants and trousers from specialist safari stores.

For a full explanation read my article on what you should look out for in the perfect pair of safari trousers for men, but in general what you are looking for is a pair of trousers that are comfortable to travel and walk in, tough without being too warm to wear in hot conditions and the colour should help you blend in with your surroundings. Any extra pockets can be really useful for holding things like cameras, binoculars and birding books.

Combat trousers seem to tick all the boxes and so you may wish to take a look at what combat pants are available to buy on-line below:

Where to Buy Combat Pants

Mens Combat Trousers ideal for Safaris The Soul Cal Miami Combat Pants on the left are ideal, bringing you cool, casual wear with a hint of luxury. If they are not quite your style, Amazon have a huge range of combat pants ideal for safaris, take a look at the links below: Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com

Safari Wear
For more, take a look at this page on Safari Clothing Advice, that includes Men’s and Women’s Safari Wear.

In a nutshell, what you are looking for are pants that are comfortable to wear and walk in, tough, without being too warm to wear in hot conditions. Their colour must help you blend in with your surroundings and any extra pockets can be really useful for holding things like birding books, cameras and possibly binoculars.

Cargo Trousers

This style is ideal as most Cargo pants are designed for tough, outdoor activities and have several large pockets, most often with button, snap or Velcro closable flaps. In addition to these front and back pockets, cargo pants will often have side pockets as well. Cargo trousers are most often khaki or beige colored and cotton, but can come in other colors and fabrics as well. It is no wonder that Cargo pants are so named because of their ability to carry so much “cargo” in the pockets. The style became so popular that cargo shorts soon followed and are also ideal for taking on safari.

Where to Buy Cargo Pants

Mens Cargo Trousers for Safaris The Carhartt Men’s Canvas Cargo Pants on the left are ideal, made from 100% cotton and feature large side cargo pockets but if they are not quite your style, Amazon have a huge range of cargo pants ideal for safaris, take a look at the links below: Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com

For more, take a look at this page on Safari Clothing Advice, that includes Men’s and Women’s Safari Wear

What Makes the Ideal Safari Trousers?

The main functions of your safari pants are to protect your skin from the sun, biting insects and thorns in the bush. On top of this pockets will help you store books, cameras or binoculars.

Colour
As with most of the clothing that you should wear in the bush, you want the colours to blend in with the enviroment, so look for Beige, Brown, Green and Khaki coloured trousers. My advice is to always stay clear of camouflage prints as in some African countries it is illegal to wear it if you are a civilian.

Material
I find that a cotton material works best for me, depending on the thickness used they can be surprisingly cool and still protect your legs not only from the hot African sun, but also from biting insects like mosquitoes especially in the evenings. These days you can also find many trousers made from new man made materials, specifically designed to keep you cool that also work excellently. I would however just make sure that when you walk they don’t make too much of the canvas type rubbing noise which could scare away potential animal sightings especially on walking safaris.

Ruggedness
There is always a balance between your trousers not making you too hot when you wear them and being tough enough to survive walking through a thorny bush whilst on a walking safari. Even if you don’t plan on walking through the bush your trousers must be tough enough for travel.

Pockets
Again depending on the type of safari you are on pockets are either nice to have or almost essential. If you are going to be in a game drive vehicle for most of the time, extra pockets are nice to have. If however you are going to be going on camping and walking safaris, extra pockets to carry things like compact cameras, binoculars, bird books or even pocket knives are really important.

Cargo Pants
Cargo style trousers are ideal as they have all the qualities we are looking for. For more take a look at this article specifically about Mens Cargo Pants for safaris or take a look at what is available to buy on-line below:

Kariban – Mens Safari Trousers Available in Beige, Navy and Black – I would definitly go for the beige colour. Elasticated waist with zip fly and button. Adjustable clip belt. Two front pockets. Two back pockets, one zip, one tear release. Left leg zip pocket. Right leg multi-pocket, two tear release sections and one zip section. Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com

Mens Cargo Trousers for Safaris The Carhartt Men’s Canvas Cargo Pants on the left are ideal, made from 100% cotton and feature large side cargo pockets but if they are not quite your style, Amazon have a huge range of cargo pants ideal for safaris, take a look at the links below: Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com

Mens Combat Trousers ideal for Safaris The Soul Cal Miami Combat Pants on the left are ideal, bringing you cool, casual wear with a hint of luxury. If they are not quite your style, Amazon have a huge range of combat pants ideal for safaris, take a look at the links below: Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com

For more, take a look at this page on Safari Clothing Advice, that includes Men’s and Women’s Safari Wear

Sleeves
Long sleeves can not only help protect you from the harsh African sun, but also from biting insects in the evening and the chill on an early morning game drive. If your safari vehicle does have shade, then a short sleeve shirt or sleevless blouse will be more comfortable during the heat of the day.

Pockets
Are not always for show, if you carry a camera or binoculars on safari (and you should) a good pocket or two either on your shirt or safari jacket will help especially on walking safaris.

Collar
A safari shirt with a collar is a good idea, again this will help protect your neck from the sun

Colour
As is the general advice on all your clothing, you should be looking at getting colours that blend in with your environment and in this case it is the African bush, so look for shirts and blouses that are khaki, brown and green colours. To really blend in many people would assume that camouflage coloured material would be best and this may be so, but it is un-advisable as in many African countries it is illegal for civilians to wear camouflage.

Type of Material
This is important, I find that cotton works best as it is the most comfortable in hot conditions. These days there are a number of modern materials that work just as well, but if you plan on any walking safaris try and make sure that what you wear does not make too much noise like a canvas type material as this could give your location away to any wildlife that you are trying to sneak up on.

Where to Buy Women’s Safari Shirts and Tops

Because safari type wear has become fashionable many high street stores now stock suitable tops, you can also buy on-line:

	Promod Crinkle effect cotton Safari shirt The khaki version of this top makes ideal safari wear, it has a buttoned collar, lapelles on the shoulders. 2 flap pockets and is made from 100% Cotton. Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com
	Promod Belted longline shirt Made from 100% cotton, this light top is perfect for those hot days on Safari. Whilst the shirt may not be ideal for walking safaris as it does not have pockets, it would work well within a safari vehicle or just to wear around the lodge. Promod Crinkle effect cotton shirt Amazon.com

For more, take a look at this page on Safari Clothing Advice, that includes Men’s and Women’s Safari Wear

Safari Shirts For Men

What is interesting is men’s safari wear has become fashionable and it is now relatively easy to find the correct looking clothing, but also try and get shirts that are designed for comfort as well as durability so they survive the travelling and whilst your on safari in one of the world’s harshest environments.

A khaki colour is also ideal, helping you to blend in with the bush but any similar neutral colour like greens or browns will do.

No matter what time of year, I would suggest you pack short and long sleeve shirts. Long sleeves can be used for warmth if needed, but you can also wear them to protect from the sun and from biting insects, especially in the evenings. A shirt like the one pictured on the top right is perfect as you can roll up the long sleeves if it get a little hot. It also has plenty of pockets, perfect for storing your compact binoculars or camera.

A collar is also advisable as it will protect your neck from the harsh African sun. The material the shirt is made from is also important, I have found that cotton works best and is most comfortable. There are some made from new man made materials, which work well, just be aware that some make a lot of noise when you move about, this is usually fine on a safari drive, but if you plan on a walking safari, stealth is key!

Where to Buy

Not surprisingly, Amazon have a good selection of Safari clothing that includes some great shirts:

	Mens Kariban Trophy Safari Shirt Buttoned collar, finish patch on the shoulders. 2 flap pockets, 1 of which can be removed for easier personalisation. 100% Cotton Twill. 150 gsm. Buy on Amazon.co.uk Buy on Amazon.com
	Canyon Long Sleeve Shirt – Khaki The Canyon is a long sleeved mens shirt designed specifically for hiking and backpacking. The Canyon is wrinkle resistant and has a wicking finish that removes moisture from the skin which then quickly dries. The Canyon has a UPF sun protection factor of 30 helping to protect yourself against sun damage. Buy on Amazon.co.uk Buy on Amazon.com

For more, take a look at this page on Safari Clothing Advice, that includes Men’s and Women’s Safari Wear

So much of what happens in the bush occurs during the night and as such we only really see a small snippet of what goes on when you go out on safari during the day. This is especially true for many predators like lions, leopard, hyaenas and the smaller cats like serval, caracal and tha African Wild Cat.

We would time our afternoon safari drive at the safari lodges that I have worked at, so that we would stop at sunset at a nice scenic spot somewhere to enjoy drink (sundowner) and then drive the last half hour or so back to the lodge in time for dinner keeping an eye out with a spotlight for anything interesting on the way back. There are also many lodges that will take you out on night safaris (we would only do so if we knew that there was something interesting in the area)

Viewing animals at night with a spotlight does have its problems and in many cases can even be unethical.  Responsible guiding teaches us that should we spot any animal, especially nocturnal ones, not to shine the spotlight directly on them as this can temporarily blind them, which could lead to an injury. This is especially true for birds like owls, where if they were to fly off blind they could easily break a wing. A spotlight will also obviously change the behaviour of that animal which is not ideal, prey animals can be distracted giving the predators an unfair advantage or you could even point out the predator to it’s prey ruining it’s chances.

So is there an alternative?

Night Vision Devices: Binoculars, Monoculars, Goggles and Camcorders

The answer is a Night Vision Device, many camcorders come with some sort of night vision capability these days. Notice how the video of elephants at night (above) which were filmed with a camcorder using night vision, carry on with their normal behaviour. A spotlight on them would have disturbed them.

There are also now also many night vision binoculars, monoculars and goggles available on the market, and whilst you would probably not find decent quality cheap night vision, the prices are getting more and more reasonable.

Night vision has been around since the Vietnam War and since then the technology has improved, each new step is known as a Generation. We are now up to 4th Generation Night Vision, but the cost of these devices usually means that they are reserved for the military and other law enforcement forces. 1st Gen (Gen 1) devices are still the most popular on commercially available products and these days you can get some excellent results from them.

For more information:

Check out Night Vision Glasses, Binoculars, Goggles and Monoculars on the Best Binoculars Reviews website, including how they work, what to look out for when buying a device and where to get the best deals from.

I also have a page on Night Vision Binoculars on the main website.