Safari clothes colors
Mar 3rd, 2011, 07:50 AM
#21
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I can understand one being cold in South Africa where most game vehicles are open, so the guides usually have blankets to keep guests warm in mornings/nights.
But, in East Africa, while some vehicles might be open, they are covered on top to protect against the Equatorial sun; others are closed and should be warmer inside. And, here too most of the vehicles have the Masai shukahs to keep paxs warm.
For heavier pants, there's always thin-wale cords and even jeans (both come in the earthy colors, not only blue). Although most visitors avoid heavier fabrics when considering laundering, unless you fall into a puddle of mud, let's be honest... "how many people launder their jeans after each wearing?"
But, in East Africa, while some vehicles might be open, they are covered on top to protect against the Equatorial sun; others are closed and should be warmer inside. And, here too most of the vehicles have the Masai shukahs to keep paxs warm.
For heavier pants, there's always thin-wale cords and even jeans (both come in the earthy colors, not only blue). Although most visitors avoid heavier fabrics when considering laundering, unless you fall into a puddle of mud, let's be honest... "how many people launder their jeans after each wearing?"
Mar 7th, 2011, 05:14 PM
#23
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Iowa_Redhead, I am also very, very sun sensitive.
Don't know the type of vehicle you will be in, or the time of year you plan to travel, but I suggest you may wish to consider cotton fingerless gloves. The backs of my hands are the first to burn (in holding the binocs, a camera or gripping the roll-bar, they get lots of sun).
Also, the late afternoon sun is still very potent and the low angle of the sun's rays burns the neck, ears and face. When this happens a hat provides little protection. I place tiny suction cups (with a hook on one end) on the window and hang up a bandana to create a temporary sun shade.
Don't know the type of vehicle you will be in, or the time of year you plan to travel, but I suggest you may wish to consider cotton fingerless gloves. The backs of my hands are the first to burn (in holding the binocs, a camera or gripping the roll-bar, they get lots of sun).
Also, the late afternoon sun is still very potent and the low angle of the sun's rays burns the neck, ears and face. When this happens a hat provides little protection. I place tiny suction cups (with a hook on one end) on the window and hang up a bandana to create a temporary sun shade.
Mar 7th, 2011, 06:36 PM
#24
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Thanks for the ideas Khakif! 
My hands are *usually* okay if I keep putting sunblock on every 2 hours or so and same with my face/neck, but I'll definitely consider gloves just incase. A long sleeve shirt will keep me mostly covered and I'll pop the colar up as the sun moves as needed. Between that, the hat, the top of the vehicle and a lot of sunblock I should be okay. If nothing else, I'm used to being sunburned.
My hands are *usually* okay if I keep putting sunblock on every 2 hours or so and same with my face/neck, but I'll definitely consider gloves just incase. A long sleeve shirt will keep me mostly covered and I'll pop the colar up as the sun moves as needed. Between that, the hat, the top of the vehicle and a lot of sunblock I should be okay. If nothing else, I'm used to being sunburned.
Mar 9th, 2011, 09:26 AM
#25
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In the vehicle any color is ok now.
Consider a 2nd hand store to save $ on clothes you might not be buying otherwise. I just got several items for my next trip at one of those.
I noted in my last report: "At least at the larger lodges and camps in Kenya anything goes now. I saw every color in the rainbow on game drives. Hawaiian shirts, gold lamé, ruffled skirts, white chiffon veils fashioned into a flowing cape, sports jerseys with netting, black and white checks, fire engine red, hot pink, purple, royal blue. Bejeweled sandals were also popular. If it’s comfortable and not camouflage, (which is outlawed by the military) and it’s not tse tse-attracting blue (if tse tse infested areas are on the itinerary) pack it and wear it proudly!"
Consider a 2nd hand store to save $ on clothes you might not be buying otherwise. I just got several items for my next trip at one of those.
I noted in my last report: "At least at the larger lodges and camps in Kenya anything goes now. I saw every color in the rainbow on game drives. Hawaiian shirts, gold lamé, ruffled skirts, white chiffon veils fashioned into a flowing cape, sports jerseys with netting, black and white checks, fire engine red, hot pink, purple, royal blue. Bejeweled sandals were also popular. If it’s comfortable and not camouflage, (which is outlawed by the military) and it’s not tse tse-attracting blue (if tse tse infested areas are on the itinerary) pack it and wear it proudly!"
Jul 17th, 2011, 11:26 PM
#27
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>> I think white is very beautiful color, because the look in white is very impressive
(rolls eyes)
I like white too, particularly in stockings, and in combination with a garter belt and high heels. That combo can be VERY impressive on me.
But what that has to do with safari? Nothing! I repeat; avoid whites on safari.
J.
(rolls eyes)
I like white too, particularly in stockings, and in combination with a garter belt and high heels. That combo can be VERY impressive on me.
But what that has to do with safari? Nothing! I repeat; avoid whites on safari.
J.
Jul 17th, 2011, 11:47 PM
#28
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It is good to have a lingerie fashion expert with us.
Aah, not vinegarexport, I mean pixel power
regards - tom
ps - check out some of vinegar export's recent fashion advice on other forums . And I do like the name "vinegar export". Wonder what that means in their culture?
Aah, not vinegarexport, I mean pixel power
regards - tom
ps - check out some of vinegar export's recent fashion advice on other forums
. And I do like the name "vinegar export". Wonder what that means in their culture?
Jul 18th, 2011, 10:42 AM
#33
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teehee, you guys are bad. Since we're on the topic of shoes, I'm not taking my blue, glitter, light-up, sparkle, pumps. 
What shoes do you pack? Dh is very concerned about snakes. He lived in Taiwan years ago and had several troublesome run ins with snakes. I'm not even sure I will be able to convince him to go on a bush walk. We have sneakers which I figure should be fine in vehicles. Do you think hiking shoes or hiking boots that cover the ankle is necessesary? We will not be wearing sandals or flip-flop out on any game viewing.
What shoes do you pack? Dh is very concerned about snakes. He lived in Taiwan years ago and had several troublesome run ins with snakes. I'm not even sure I will be able to convince him to go on a bush walk. We have sneakers which I figure should be fine in vehicles. Do you think hiking shoes or hiking boots that cover the ankle is necessesary? We will not be wearing sandals or flip-flop out on any game viewing.
Jul 18th, 2011, 01:06 PM
#34
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Sneakers should be fine unless you are doing any walking in rough terrain. Then, it's nice to have the ankle support. Sandals are nice around camp, or if it's hot (including in the safari vehicles.)
Jul 18th, 2011, 01:39 PM
#35
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I am surprised to hear about dark blue and tste flies for it seems like it would be like olive or brown. But I have been told, not necessarily based on fact, that red,bright pint and yellow are colors to avoid for they tend to attract mosquitos. The source was a camping magazine and tour guide from Abercrombie&Kent that we used in Java.
Jul 18th, 2011, 02:04 PM
#36
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A&K guide has probably been out in the sun too long.
Avoiding blue/black, as it's the color of the buffalo which the tse-tse loves.
It's recommended to avoid bright colors are recommended mainly because they show dirt and dust, where the tan, beige & khaki, not as much. Animals really don't see color, when you consider the Masai walk around in their bright red shukahs. And, in villages, especially in the Samburu area the women are often wearing yellow, orange, even electric blue. Inasmuch as you're in vehicle most of the time, wear what you wish and be prepared to have items laundered.
Avoiding blue/black, as it's the color of the buffalo which the tse-tse loves.
It's recommended to avoid bright colors are recommended mainly because they show dirt and dust, where the tan, beige & khaki, not as much. Animals really don't see color, when you consider the Masai walk around in their bright red shukahs. And, in villages, especially in the Samburu area the women are often wearing yellow, orange, even electric blue. Inasmuch as you're in vehicle most of the time, wear what you wish and be prepared to have items laundered.
Jul 18th, 2011, 02:10 PM
#37
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Sept is still winter. Very few snakes are awake. Do you plan on going on extensive hikes? Unlikely.
I take my cues from the rangers - they wear "safari colors". From what I understand, that goes for their garters and high heels, too.
I take my cues from the rangers - they wear "safari colors". From what I understand, that goes for their garters and high heels, too.
Jul 18th, 2011, 04:05 PM
#38
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"...goes for their garters and high heels, too..." some "khaki fever" huh CB?
I simply think it is nice to "dress the part". Blinding orange Ja-Lo, GaGa, t-shirts are fine at the mall or Walmart. On safari, dress the part of the big white hunter!!! (See my Fodors profile for a safari fashion statement ).
regards - tom
ps - you think I was kidding about atl's thigh high waders???
I simply think it is nice to "dress the part". Blinding orange Ja-Lo, GaGa, t-shirts are fine at the mall or Walmart. On safari, dress the part of the big white hunter!!! (See my Fodors profile for a safari fashion statement
).regards - tom
ps - you think I was kidding about atl's thigh high waders???
Jul 18th, 2011, 05:07 PM
#40
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What do the local Masai use to repel the tsetse flies? From all the pictures I've seen of the Masai people all they wear are bright red clothing over black skin - and a lot of exposed skin as well! If black and dark blue are not recommended then the local Masai must be inundated with bites?
