You’ve got your clothes covered—pants, tops, outerwear, and even pajamas—but what about the extras? Shoes, hats, and accessories might not be the first thing you think about when packing for safari, but they can make a huge difference in your comfort and style out in the wild.
From sturdy shoes that can handle dusty trails to hats that protect you from the intense African sun, I’m sharing all the gear that kept me comfortable and camera-ready every day. Plus, a few accessories that added some extra convenience and flair on the trip.
👉 Don’t forget—you can grab the full printable packing list here to keep everything organized and easy!
Ready? Let’s dive in!
- When you’re trying to pack light, the last thing you want is to take up space with extra shoes! I picked these sneakers for a few key reasons—they’re easy to slip on (which is perfect for travel), incredibly comfortable, and the color goes with everything in my wardrobe. Bonus: they look great with both pants and shorts!
- Sandals are perfect for slipping on around camp at night, heading to the pool, or even as shower shoes depending on where you’re staying. These sandals from Target are super affordable and honestly feel like walking on clouds—no break-in required! Plus, the color is just right for safari vibes, blending easily with everything else in your bag.
- I never used to spend much on socks, but then I discovered Bombas—and honestly, I can’t go back. They have all sorts of styles to suit whatever you prefer, from cushioned to compression. I even wear their compression socks on the plane! The perfect amount of cushion and support keeps your feet feeling amazing all day long, which is a total game-changer on long safari walks or flights.
- No matter when you visit Africa, the sun is always shining bright. A baseball hat is a perfect go-to—it keeps your face shaded while giving you an effortless, put-together look on those days when you’re not feeling your best with your hair. I loved this hat not just for the perfect safari color (obviously), but also for the fit and that soft, broken-in feel that made it super comfortable to wear all day. This is a less expensive option and another one of my favorite hats because I love the way it fits.
- And of course, you can’t go wrong with a good packable sun hat. It’s perfect for extra sun coverage—whether you’re in an open-air safari vehicle or just lounging by the pool. I especially love the chin strap, so you don’t have to worry about losing it on a windy game drive.
And that’s a wrap on shoes and hats—the little things that make a big difference on safari! Having the right footwear and sun protection kept me comfortable, stylish, and ready for whatever the day threw my way.
Stay tuned for more packing tips and essentials coming soon! And as always, if you have any questions or want to share your own safari must-haves, drop a comment or send me a message—I love hearing from fellow travelers.
Need more inspo? Be sure to check out our posts on tops, pants/shorts and outwear!
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