mike_L

In many safari pictures, people wear hiking boots. In my itinerary, the main acitvity is being driven around. Are hiking boots a necessity or better to have? Will a pair of running shoes be sufficient if not bushwacking?

sandi

If only game drives, no need for more than running shoes or moccasins. Some even wear Teva-type sandals. If light bush walks, you might (though not really necessary) want soft hiking boots (suggest you wear these on plane), to avoid extra weight in your luggage.

annhig

mike, strange as it may seem, it can be cold on early morning and night-time game drives and some sort of boot will keep your feet warm. you also need decent footwear if you are going to do any bush walks.

what is sometimes called a desert boot may be the answer.

[eg http://www.asos.com/Men/Shoes-Boots-...spx?cid=12040]

or light-weight hiking boots if you have them.

as sandi says, you can reduce weight in the luggage by wearing them to travel.

sdb2

I see the type of shoe linked below on many safari-goers feet, including my own. They are available in many brands and span the price range. They're light, they will provide warmth on cold mornings or evenings, they will support feet whether on walks or climbing in and out of the safari vehicle and they can be worn at home as a walking shoe.

http://reviews.kohls.com/9025/359624/reviews.htm

christabir

Most of us overpack for safari, especially when it's the first time. No, you don't need hiking boots unless you have arranged for a real bush walk - not just a nice walk around the lodge. To keep my feet warm I bring good socks to wear with my comfortable running shoes (I have trail running shoes that work out well for whatever may come up).

sundowner

I usually wear flip flops. Sometimes Chacos but those are so much heavier that I only take those if I think I'll be doing lots of walking.

I carry a pair of shoes like this just in case it's very cold. http://www.zappos.com/merrell-moab-v...140512122642:S I did wear those walking thru the bush on a cattle farm in Namibia and some sharp seeds got caught up in that net material. That was a mess and felt like little needles poking me. But for regular safaris, no boots necessary.

atravelynn

In my itinerary, the main activity is being driven around. Are hiking boots a necessity or better to have? <green><b>No</green></b> Will a pair of running shoes be sufficient if not bushwacking? <b><green>Yes</green></b>

I wear boots because I never know for sure what kind of opportunity/adventure might arise and I pack tennis shoes. If I am carrying everything on the plane, I tie my tennis shoes to the outside of my duffel to make more room inside.

I never wear footwear on drives that allows bugs to bite my feet/ankles because they usually get bitten.

Have fun.

cheetah80

If you aren't doing any walking then sneakers are good - sandals would Just be fine too but some drives in open vehicles are cold in the early morning & evening! I actually find hiking boots quite uncomfortable for game drives, especially if I am kneeling to take photos so unless I need them for some other activity or part of a trip I never take them!

Many people opt to take boots as an extra protection against anything that might be lurking on the ground, especially at night or in grass - such as snakes etc.

TC

The answer lies with your camp and the activities. As you say you are only doing drives, absolutely no need for boots. Our camps were all built on raised platforms with raised boardwalks connecting. One could go barefoot if they wanted. If one is concerned about snake bite, be aware .....they are perfectly capable and will most like strike way above the cover of any ankle boot. Having said that, we have never seen a snake in our path in three trips to Africa. We saw one boa in a tree swallowing a squirrel on the last trip.

So, go with something comfortable. Wear warm socks if needed. While you may see photos of models wearing hiking boots, not one of our guides has worn them. I trust their knowledge.