Zebra at sunset in the Serengeti National Park, Africa.

If you’ve decided that this is the year that you’re finally going to check off that big bucket-list trip, you may want to orient this season’s gift giving to that end. Numerous intrepid travelers have a wildlife safari in their sights and many travel companies, like Exodus Travels, have already rolled out their 2023 departure dates.

Whether you want to visit India for viewing Bengal tigers in their natural habitat, Costa Rica for photographing Howler monkeys and sloths, or Kenya for spotting lions, elephants, hippos, and giraffes, you’ll want to be sure you and your travel partner are outfitted in the appropriate gear.

Avoid bright clothing with busy patterns and stay away from dark blue or black apparel as it attracts bugs like the biting Tsetse flies. Also, keep in mind that white gets dirty fast. Bring along good sunscreen, bug spray, and camera equipment, in addition to other items included here. Keep reading to discover the top gear for safari travel.

An outfit for a safari in Kenya with Exodus Travels

To get the most out of your vacation, be sure to pack neutral clothing to not only blend in with your surroundings, but also, to protect you from the mosquitos and other bugs that you may encounter. Jack Wolfskin has an entire line of chemical-free mosquito repellant apparel, from jackets to hats, vests, pants, and shirts. The Lakeside Mosquito Hat, for example, provides excellent sun protection with its sturdy wide brim as well as defense against mosquitos and bugs with a practical pull down netting.

For versatile, comfy, and travel-friendly attire, look no further than the packable Sleeved Bōdhi Jumper in the oatmeal color. Not only can you layer this outfit with a jacket or sweater for those early morning game drives when the weather is a bit chillier, but also, you can feel good about how it was created. This California-cut-and-sewn athleisure jumper is lightweight, breathable, and designed with ethically-harvested plant-based materials like eucalyptus and beechwood. That’s right, there are no plastics or toxins in the fabric.

Of course, good foot wear is indispensable for any wildlife adventure, especially if you’re going to be exploring natural landscapes offroad with rough ground. Danner’s Logger 917 GTX boots are well made and built to last. Not only will your feet be comfortable, no matter what the terrain is, but also, they’ll be dry. Designed with a GORE-TEX waterproof liner and a Vibram outsole, you’ll be prepared with all wildlife rugged pursuits on your travel itinerary.

Often while on safari, you won’t be permitted to leave the vehicle for safety reasons, which means you’ll want a shoe that is easy to slip on and off for wildlife viewing. Lightweight and easy to transition from Jeep to lodge, the Blueview Pacific shoe comes in five different colors, including Sand Dune. Eco-conscious travelers will love these high-quality biodegradable kicks, crafted with renewable plant-based technology.

A good pair of lightweight binoculars are a trip essential.

If you’re heading on a trip to see wildlife, you’ll need a good lightweight pair of binoculars to see all of the flora and fauna up close. With a lifetime warranty, Nocs makes rugged binoculars in fun colors that can stand up to any adventure, big or small. The Standard Proof Waterproof Binoculars are fog proof and easy to travel with. You’ll find that these magnifiers make it into your essential packing list for most escapades, whether you’re hiking or searching for wildlife from a safari vehicle. Designed to help you slow down and appreciate your surroundings, Nocs has made a high-quality product at an affordable price.

The Fox Float Ultralight Legging

For packable bottoms that you can move in, choose the Fox Float Ultralight Legging from Girlfriend Collective. There’s so much to love about these sweat-wicking and quick-drying pants. They’re made from recycled plastic bottles and spandex, there’s a little back pocket for ChapStick or small essentials, and you’ll benefit from essential sun protection (UPF 50+). The best part? No matter what size you are, XXS—6XL, you’ll likely find something that will fit your body with this brand.

Insulated TKWide 32 oz with Chug Cap

When traveling to where the wildlife freely roam, you’ll want to be sure that you’re doing your best to protect the environment that the animals live in. One way to help is by eliminating your single-use plastic usage. Klean Kanteen’s Insulated TKWide 32 oz with Chug Cap reusable water bottle is vacuum insulated and designed with portability in mind. Bring it on the airplane, on your safari vehicle, and toss it in your backpack as you float from activity to activity. This handsome bottle, made from post-consumer recycled stainless steel, is BPA-free, easy to clean, and chip resistant. Undoubtably, it will become your favorite go-to hydration device as it keeps liquids cold throughout the day.

Stock up on well-made, stylish socks to bring along with you on your big adventure. You’ll want to be sure your feet are dry and protected with socks that focus on fit, feel, and durability. Choose from six different sock heights, from hidden to knee-high, as well as cushion levels from ultralight to max cushion. The Marino 10 Ultralight Quarter come in charcoal or gray colors and are designed with a reinforced heel and toe. Your feet will stay warm and dry, even in wet conditions, with the Merino wool.

Flex Aura Cabin Plus Suitcase

You’ll need to pack light when on safari—it will make your experience much easier if you’re not spending time managing too much stuff. Pack what you need and leave the rest behind, ensuring that your luggage will fit on the transport vehicles and any small planes that you might need to take. Rollink’s space-saving collapsible luggage is ideal for a safari because it’s small enough to bring on the plane, it fits in the overhead compartment, and it breakdowns when empty for easy storage under a bed or in a closet. The durable and impact-resistant Flex Aura Cabin Plus Suitcase comes in seven different fun colors and folds flat to about two inches thick. Award-winning and stylish, this case is a smart choice.

If your lodge has a swimming pool, you’ll want to bring along a swimsuit. Sustainable suits from REVLY Sport are made to move in. They’re comfortable and, more importantly, they stay in place whether you’re playing a round of pool volleyball or soaking up the rays on a lounger. Comfortable one-piece suits can also be worn underneath clothing if you’re trying to pack extra light and need versatile pieces to function for multiple uses. The Sloan One Piece comes in four different colors and five different sizes.