How dressy for dinner in camps? - visiting Mashatu, Pafuri, Kings Camp

I can only tell what we do - any many others

We wear the fresh shirts for dinner together with either jeans or safari pants - the fresh shirt then will be worn the next morning on game drive. So we revolve shirts for dinner and game drives.

I carry ONE non-theme blouse (worn with jeans or black pants) for a city evening if we stop-over.

Sometimes I take a Pashmina or Cashmere with me for "special" occasions.

IF there are guests really over-dressed (incl. loads jewelery) at camps you have a guess which nationality it mostly is
But if one likes it and has no luggage limitations - wear what ever you like.
You have to feel good in it!

Hope that helps.

I've been to Kings Camp four times. Don't recall seeing any fro-froued (whatever that is?) But it would be nice to . Have seen women in simple casual dresses but nothing like nightclub/cocktail outfits. Dress like SV says is fine, might add earrings or a little costume jewelery. And of course pretty shoes or pretty sandals instead game drive tennis shoes.

Will be a great safari, when you going?

regards - tom

Thanks - I think I'll be okay with what I've got packed. Maybe I'll throw in a scarf to spiff things up if I feel the need.

SV -I gather the over-dressers are American? Funny that we offend at both ends of the spectrum. Too much gaudy jewelry or else the awful clunky sneaker/fanny-pack variety. Hmmm...we just can't seem to get it right.

Tom - We leave on 10/16. We'll have 3 nights in Mashatu, 3 in Pafuri, and then 5 in Kings Camp. It's our first safari and we're super excited. Not entirely sure what to expect (which is part of the anticipatory fun) even after reading a gazillion trip reports.

I'm not entirely clear on what people do in the middle of the day between game drives - I have my kindle loaded with a bunch of books if laying about reading is the main mid-day activity.

Mashatu tented is communal dining (my preference) and casual. Don't know about main camp. Pafuri in not communal and very casual. Haven't been to Kings. For dinner, I just put on something clean and neat. Maybe a scarf or pashmina, maybe a piece of fake jewelry (rarely). Some nights are too cold to care.

At Pafuri we spent the downtime watching the animals in the Pafuri River. Make sure your tent has a view - most do. If so inclined, diary time. Mashatu tented has a pool with chaise lounges and there's a hide where you can watch animals if they are around. I'm sure similar at Main.

You will probably nap. Days are long as you get up with sunrise and eat dinner late.

Have fun! Trip report expected upon your return. (we did a similar trip backwards from yours. It was perfect!)

"SV -I gather the over-dressers are American?"
Funny, I thought she was referring to Germans and French!!!

Middle of day at Kings Camp - Back from 3 hour morning game drive at 9am or so.
Breakfast at 9:30-10am until 11 am. Then write game drive notes, short/long nap, read in library, download photos, maybe go on a game walk. Lunch at 2pm until maybe 3pm. Get ready for game drive at 3:30pm. 7pm back from game drive, nice warm bath, cocktails in bar at 8pm, dinner at 8:30, back to bungalow about 10pm. Up at 5:45am!!!!

WOW leaving 10/16!!!! You have great camps!!! I'm envious. You WILL report back here!!!

regards - tom

Thanks again. The further clarification on down time is appreciated - it sounds like napping will be on the agenda. Husband will be thrilled.

Well now SV better specify which nationality she was denigrating!

I will report back when we return. It's intimidating with so many fabulous trip reports here setting the bar quite high. I'll take copious notes during those afternoon breaks (including on what everyone else is wearing, for future planning - teehee).

Fru-fru isn't necessary. But, as I often prefer to be out of daytime safari tan when the sun goes down, always pack a pair of dark (black or brown) pants to wear with a great sweater, chunky faux jewelry and a pashmina, ballet slippers on the feet. Just makes me feel more comfortable and none of these items take up much of the weight allowance.

Thanks sandi - I'll take at least one pair of non-khaki pants. Do you think 'nice' jeans are inappropriate?

Hi Leslie

Been to Mashatu Main Camp and Pafuri - I rarely change for dinner from the evening gamedrive unless I got really sweaty and dirty or wet! The odd guest that does dress up always looks out of place to me, a bit like high heels on a gamedrive!
Wear whatever you are comfortable with and you shall be fine!

Kind regards

Kaye

I'm so excited for you Leslie! If you're staying at Tented Camp, the Boma is fantastic. My most memorable dinner EVER having ellies come to visit. (not sure if they have the same set up at Main camp) Can't believe I never got a photo of it.

http://www.eyesonafrica.net/african-safari-botswana/mashatu_imgs/MSHA021.htm

I spent most of the afternoons at the hide and once by the pool. The other days downloading photos and taking showers (it was way too cold first thing in the morning-July) We did a nature walk with Paul (RIP) one afternoon.

I recall staying out late on the drives mostly and rushing to dinner. No time to change and it was no problem.

Oh and beware of lurking Fodorites wearing heavy perfume =)

You will have the time of your life! Can't wait to hear all about it. Tell Richard I said hello if you see him (Mashatu Tent)

I agree with Kaye, nothing fancy, but it is nice to put a clean shirt on and change shoes if possible. My Exofficio shirts work fine on safari, then put a nice scarf on for dinner, they sell scarfs in the gift shop, and you are set to go. It does seem like the French dress up much more than the Americans, but who cares, it is usually dark and everyone is excited about the gamedrives.

Kaye, I am leaving for your homeland in three weeks, packing my Africa clothes in same same travel bag. Looks like good weather for the Great Barrier Reef.

I have only been to Rattrays at MalaMala but agree with the general consensus that there is no need to dress up. My husband wore long trousers (chinos) and a short sleeved casual shirt each night. I also worn long or calf length trousers, with a coloured blouse or pretty T shirt. We both had other shoes and kept the trainers for the game drives. I had a pashmina as well in case it got chilly. Scarves are a good idea and easy to pack.
One thing that hasn't been mentioned, and I am not sure whether it is appropriate where you are going - are the mossies. We were lucky as in March there weren't any, but if they are going to be around you might want to consider long sleeved tops. Not sure about the evening temperature either. We found beenies useful for the evening drives - not for warmth so much but to keep the flies from buzzing our ears. If the jeep stops to watch animals and the tracking light is on, the flies come in with a vengence.
I have learn something interesting from this discussion. ie some people I had thought were guys are girls eg SV and Sandi. No help from SV's profile either!
I am a girl BTW
Barb

Between S/Africa and Kenya, I've not see much "dressing up" - perhaps non-dusty clothes - a change to capris/clean blouse and a scarf. It's usually dark and everyone is so thrilled about talking "game" that I cannot remember seeing any particularly over-done women.
I actually noticed more men in safari costume.

On the night of our 30th anniv; I did wear a lovely antique beaded necklace that Mr. MoneyB gave me from Kenya; (shop at Ol Malo; amazing beading)
I sure hope no one thought I was an ugly American.