The safari's booked and paid for and it's almost time to jump on that plane... Which is when you drag your suitcase out of the closet and start to wonder what the hell you're going to put in it. Beads of sweat break on a furrowed brow and a sinking feeling fills you with a sense of dread. Worry not, dear travellers, we are here to rescue you from the realm of packing darkness and guide you through the dreaded Swamps of Notasingleclue and into the light of packed perfection...

Heads up - stop looking at the kitchen sink. You're leaving it behind. Period. If you're fond of your Jimmy Choos, forget it. Africa eats them for breakfast. Brogues? So last year, my dear. You won't be needing most of your wardrobe where we're sending you, and unless we've booked you on Rovos Rail's fantabulously awesome luxury train where you're required to dress for dinner, the blazer, shirt and tie and little black number can stay put too.

Tropes? You bet. Lots of them, but for good reason. Whether you're travelling solo, with your significant other or in a group of retired drag performers, there are just certain things that don't work in Africa when it comes to clothing and accessories. So, let's look at what you're going to need and what can be left behind...

It's all in the bag...

We know you're coming a long way but keep your bag as small and light as possible, especially if there's a mention of small plane transfers on your safari itinerary. Soft-sided bags without wheels are the way to go - think duffel bags that are quick and easy to pack and will easily fit into the swollen belly of a plane only slightly bigger than your SUV that's already got 10 other people on it. 

Your bag needs to be robust because airport ground handlers don't really care how much it cost, and it will get manhandled no matter what the name of the designer on the label is. You don't have to surrender to the gods of ugly to get a cool bag - check out the fabulous Melvill & Moon for inspiration on stylish, practical and rugged safari luggage. For more utilitarian choices, The North Face has some great options.

A daypack-style carry on bag is also an excellent choice and can be used to pack everything you need for each day on safari. Of course, don't forget your camera bag if you have one!

Any colour as long as it's khaki

Once you've got the bag in the bag, it's time to select the threads that are going to be adorning your safari bod. And yes, we're going to be focusing on khaki in this section, and all the derivatives thereof. From olive green to sandy gold and everything in between, your safari wardrobe should be full of neutral, earth colours that help you blend into your surroundings. Think in shades of green and brown as your base colourscheme. 

You can add in pastels for contrast - pinks, pale blues and greys work well. Avoid white if you can, although it looks amazing. It's not going to stay white for long and will make you stick out like a sore thumb on an otherwise khaki game vehicle. Using it in and around your lodges and camps in between activities is OK. Likewise, black can be a complete swine in hot weather as it absorbs and retains heat. It's also a magnet for certain insects, as is dark blue. 

Leave the reds, fuschias, oranges and bright yellows at home along with anything dayglo and camouflaged (some countries don't take kindly to civilians wearing camo, so rather leave it in your doomsday prepper trunk at home). Overly fussy patterns can be insect magnets, so rather go for subtle prints. If you want to go the leopard print route, we're not going to stop you. But we are going to smile a lot inwardly. It works well in a scarf or pashmina, though.

Make sure it fits

You're going to be moving around a lot, so make sure your clothing is comfortable and practical and isn't going to cut off circulation to parts of your body when you're sitting on a game vehicle for hours on end. Go for loose as a goose rather than tight like a tiger. And lightweight and airy are also pre-requisites as it can get a little on the warm side. Most leisure clothing these days has a bit of stretch in it, which is perfect on safari, giving you maximum expandability, especially with all of that wonderful food you're going to be eating!

Get as much coverage as you can without feeling suffocated too, so you get protection from the African sun. Short shorts and strappy tops are fine but bring along a long-sleeved overshirt for when the rays get a little too much to handle. And make sure you apply sunscreen liberally. A hat goes without saying. 

You can recycle clothing because laundry services are available at all of the places we'll be sending you. So pick some mix and match outfits and knock 'em dead with your versatility.

Hot and cold 

It can get cold here in Africa, especially in the winter months of the southern half of the continent, when you will need long trousers, boots or walking shoes, sweaters, fleeces or puffer jackets, beanies, scarves and gloves. We kid you not, when you're on a game vehicle at 5am and it's 10 degrees C, you ARE going to freeze your bits off if you're not prepared. 

The trick to Africa in the winter season is layers. Start out with lots of them in the morning and de-layer as you go. In the afternoon start adding them as required. During the peak of the day the temperatures are of the shorts and t-shirt variety, but the moment the sun starts to drop, the temperatures drop with it. 

Of course, in the summer the opposite is true. You'll welcome the cooler mornings and evenings but the differences in temperature will not be as drastic, so you'll need to find ways to beat the heat with clever clothing. Bring a cotton scarf to soak in cold water and put around your neck - it works a treat when things get toasty.

And don't forget your cozzies! Swimsuits are a must and swimming in your lodge or camp pool is the best way to chillax between activities. If you don't have a pool a cold shower is the next best thing!

The hit list

Here's a handy guide to the best things to bring on safari with you, all of which should fit perfectly in your safari bag without busting weight limits and requiring a caravan of bearers, horses and camels to carry to your ultimate destination...

His

• Warm jacket for morning and evening game drives
• Gloves (winter months)
• Beanie hat (winter months)
• Sunscreen/insect repellant
• Binoculars
• Kindle/ipad/book
• Camera gear
• Buff/sun hat
• Socks, pack extra as they can get dirty when on safari
• Sunglasses
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Cotton t-shirts/shirts neutral colours
• Shorts/cargo pants/long pants
• Jersey/scarf/thermals (winter)
• Smart-casual clothes and shoes for dinner
• Swimwear and flip flop sandals for around the pool or lodge areas

Hers

• Warm jacket for morning and evening game drives
• Gloves (winter months)
• Sunscreen/insect repellant
• Binoculars
• Kindle/iPad/book
• Camera gear
• Comfy shoes, walking shoes, sandals
• Cotton tank tops or vests in neutral colours
• Socks, pack extra as they can get dirty when on safari
• Sunglasses/sun hat
• Jersey/thermals (winter)
• Beanie/buff/ lightweight scarf, pashmina or sarong, great for layering
• Yoga pants/cargo pants/long trousers/shorts
• Mini day bag for essentials like lip ice, sunscreen, cellphone etc
• Comfortable sports bra as the roads in Africa are bumpy
• Swimwear and flip flop sandals for around the pool or lodge areas

There you have it. The inside edge from your friendly neighbourhood safari nerds. Now you have no excuse and should arrive in Africa suitably stylish and ready for action!

Text: Sharon Gilbert-Rivett